HB 1549, titled "Michael's Law," increases criminal and administrative penalties for driving under the influence in Florida. The bill raises fines for first and second DUI convictions, increases the maximum jail terms for those convictions, and requires a second-time offender to use an ignition interlock device for at least one year at the offender’s expense when eligible for a permanent or restricted license.
The bill also lengthens driver license or driving privilege revocation periods for DUI convictions. A first DUI conviction would trigger a longer revocation period than current law, and the bill increases minimum revocation periods for second and third convictions. It also extends the minimum revocation period for certain serious-injury, manslaughter, and vehicular homicide-related convictions, and updates the hardship/restricted-license petition process to reflect the longer revocation terms. The act takes effect October 1, 2026.
Impact
HB 1549 would amend sections 316.193, 322.28, and 322.271 of the Florida Statutes to make DUI sanctions more severe and to conform related license-reinstatement procedures. It increases fines, potential jail exposure, ignition interlock requirements, and license revocation periods, while preserving the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ authority to supervise restricted reinstatement through DUI programs. The bill would affect DUI defendants, repeat offenders, courts, clerks handling fine remittances, and the Department of Revenue and Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript or vote history, so there is no documented debate or recorded opposition in the materials provided. Based on the text alone, the bill reflects a punitive, enforcement-oriented approach to impaired driving, suggesting a policy intent to strengthen deterrence and public safety. The absence of voting data means overall legislative sentiment cannot be measured from the provided context.
Contention
The main policy tension in the bill is between tougher DUI punishment and the burden those penalties place on offenders who may need driving privileges for work or family support. The bill increases fines, jail exposure, interlock costs, and revocation periods, which could draw concern from defense advocates, civil liberties groups, or those focused on rehabilitation and employment impacts. At the same time, supporters would likely emphasize public safety, repeat-offender deterrence, and accountability for serious DUI-related harm.