BUI – Boating Under the Influence Defense Attorney – Protecting Your Rights in Florida

A Boating Under the Influence (BUI) charge in Florida is a serious offense that can result in fines, probation, jail time, and loss of boating privileges. Florida has more registered boats than any other state, and law enforcement agencies are highly vigilant when it comes to enforcing BUI laws. If you have been arrested for BUI in Florida, you need an experienced BUI defense attorney to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. At Stone & Capobianco, we specialize in defending individuals facing boating under the influence charges, ensuring that their case is handled with the utmost care and expertise.

Understanding BUI Charges in Florida

Under Florida Statute 327.35, a person is guilty of Boating Under the Influence (BUI) if:

✔ Their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher
✔ They are impaired by alcohol or drugs to the extent that their normal faculties are affected
✔ They refuse to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test under Florida’s implied consent law for boaters

Unlike DUI laws, a law enforcement officer does not need probable cause to stop a boat. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), local law enforcement, and the U.S. Coast Guard frequently conduct random safety inspections, which can lead to BUI arrests if they suspect impairment.

Penalties for a BUI Conviction in Florida

Penalties for Boating Under the Influence can be severe, depending on the circumstances and whether there are prior offenses or aggravating factors such as injuries or fatalities.

✔ First BUI Offense: Up to six months in jail, fines between $500-$1,000, 50 hours of community service, and a boating safety course.
✔ Second BUI Offense: Up to nine months in jail, fines between $1,000-$2,000, and mandatory impoundment of the vessel.
✔ Third BUI Offense (Felony BUI): If committed within 10 years of a prior conviction, it becomes a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $5,000.
✔ BUI with Property Damage or Injury: A first-degree misdemeanor with up to one year in jail.
✔ BUI Manslaughter: A second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and mandatory fines.

How a BUI Defense Attorney Can Help

Being charged with Boating Under the Influence does not mean you will be convicted. At Stone & Capobianco, we use strategic defenses to challenge BUI charges, such as:

✔ Challenging the stop – Was it a lawful inspection or an illegal search?
✔ Questioning sobriety tests – Field sobriety tests on boats are unreliable due to water movement.
✔ Disputing breathalyzer results – Were the tests administered properly?
✔ Proving lack of impairment – Fatigue, dehydration, and sun exposure can mimic intoxication symptoms.

Contact a Skilled BUI Defense Attorney Today

A BUI conviction can have serious consequences, affecting your freedom, finances, and future boating privileges. If you or a loved one has been arrested for Boating Under the Influence in Florida, let the experienced attorneys at Stone & Capobianco defend your rights.

📞 Call (772) 781-4357 today for a free consultation or fill out our online form to discuss your case. We handle all Criminal Defense cases, including BUI, DUI, drug crimes, assault, and felony charges.