What to do if your Florida vacation suddenly turns into a DUI nightmare
You Came for a Vacation… Not a Criminal Record.
You were visiting Florida for sun, sand, and a good time. Maybe you were here for:
- Spring break in Clearwater
- A weekend in Tampa’s Ybor City
- A cruise out of St. Pete
- Visiting family in New Port Richey
Now you’re dealing with something you never expected: a DUI arrest in a state you don’t live in. You’re probably asking:
- Do I have to come back to Florida for court?
- Will this affect my license in my home state?
- Can I get this charge reduced—or dismissed?
Let’s walk through what you need to know—and how to protect your future.
Yes, You Can Be Charged with DUI in Florida Even If You’re Just Visiting
Florida law applies to everyone—resident or not. That means:
- You can be charged with DUI even if your license is from another state
- The arrest will still show up on national databases
- Your home state may also suspend your license, depending on the outcome
Worse, if you ignore the charge or don’t respond properly, you could face:
- A warrant for your arrest
- License suspension in both states
- Increased penalties for failure to appear
Bottom line: This won’t just go away. But it also doesn’t have to ruin your life.
Do I Have to Come Back to Florida for Court? Not Always.
One of the most common questions we get at Carlson Meissner Hayslett is:
“Can I avoid coming back to Florida if I hire a DUI lawyer?” In many cases, yes.
When you hire an experienced Florida DUI attorney, we can:
- Handle most court appearances on your behalf
- Communicate with the court and prosecutor
- Fight to minimize or eliminate penalties
- Guide you through everything remotely
This is especially helpful for clients who live out of state—or out of the country.
DUI Arrests Are Common in Tourist Hotspots Like:
- Clearwater Beach (high foot traffic + strict enforcement)
- Downtown St. Petersburg (bars, breweries, and nightlife)
- Tampa’s SoHo and Ybor districts
- New Port Richey (often after backyard BBQs or family gatherings)
Police in these areas are quick to arrest—and often overcharge—visitors who were simply unfamiliar with Florida’s strict DUI laws.
How We Defend Out-of-Town DUI Cases
At Carlson Meissner Hayslett, we’ve handled hundreds of tourist DUIs across Tampa Bay. Here’s how we protect your rights:
We examine:
- Whether the traffic stop was legal and properly justified
- Whether the officer followed correct procedures
- If the breathalyzer or field sobriety tests were reliable
- If your rights were violated
- If your travel situation allows for resolution without returning
We also explore alternatives like plea negotiations, mail-in resolutions, and diversion programs (when eligible).
Our goal is simple: minimize the damage and make this process as painless as possible.
What If I’m a Snowbird or Part-Time Florida Resident?
We also work with people who:
- Own a condo in Clearwater
- Spend winters in New Port Richey
- Work remotely from Tampa part of the year
If you’re a seasonal or dual-state resident, you face unique legal and licensing issues—and we know how to manage them.
Don’t Leave Florida With a DUI Hanging Over Your Head
If you were arrested while visiting Tampa Bay, take action now. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to resolve.
At Carlson Meissner Hayslett, we’ve helped out-of-state clients from New York to California and beyond protect their licenses, jobs, and reputations.
Let Us Handle Your Florida DUI—So You Can Go Home Without the Baggage
Contact our experienced DUI attorneys for a free consultation today.
We’ll walk you through every option, keep you informed, and fight to make sure this one mistake doesn’t follow you forever.
