BUI in Florida 

Stopped on the water and facing a BUI? Boating under the influence carries serious consequences, but the rules differ in important ways from DUI cases.

Overview of Florida BUI Law

Florida law prohibits operating a vessel while impaired under Florida Statute 327.35. You are considered impaired if your BAC is 0.08% or higher, or your normal faculties are impaired. Whether probable cause is required to stop or board your vessel depends on whether you were stopped by state or federal law enforcement and other specific details. This is why it is important to contact an experienced BUI attorney. 

Testing and Refusal in BUI Cases

Under Florida Statute 327.352, officers may request breath, blood, or urine testing. Refusal results in a civil penalty and can also be used as evidence against you in court  

Aggressive Defense Strategies

We build a defense around the facts of your case, your goals, and the evidence in the file. That can include filing motions to suppress bad evidence, challenging testing methods, and questioning the officer’s observations.

From the first court date to the last, we fight for your rights and keep you informed at every turn.

Defenses Against Florida DUI/BUI Charges

A charge is not a conviction. You have defenses, and many start with testing issues, the stop itself, or how the officer handled the investigation. Our job is to raise doubt and protect your rights at each stage.

• No lawful reason for the stop or vessel boarding.
• Improper field sobriety exercises, especially on a moving deck.
• Breath machine calibration or maintenance problems.
• Contaminated blood or urine samples, or chain of custody gaps.
• Statements taken without proper warnings.

We examine every step for errors and pressure points. Then we use those to seek dismissals, reductions, or lighter penalties.

Experienced Representation

Our founder, Gene Zweben, has practiced law in Florida since 1996. That experience helps us spot issues fast and present your case with clarity and force.

We pride ourselves on responsive service and straight talk. You will always know where your case stands.

With our team behind you, you will not feel alone in this process.

Contact Zweben Law Group for a Free Consultation

If you were arrested for BUI in Florida, get prompt guidance from a team that cares about service and results. Call 772-223-5454 or reach us through our Contact Us page. We will review what happened, explain your options, and get to work on a plan that fits your life.

We are based in Historic Downtown Stuart and help clients across the Treasure Coast. Feel free to contact us anytime, day or night. We are here to help, and we go the extra mile for you.