Is there a fee for the ride on Take a Free Ride?

No, the service is entirely free. However, while not mandatory, you can give a tip to the driver if you wish. The main aim is to ensure residents get home safely without driving under the influence.

How does 'Take a Free Ride' help the community?

Beyond the obvious benefit of reducing potential drunk drivers on the road, 'Take a Free Ride' also indirectly helps bar staff and servers. By ensuring patrons have a safe ride home, it reduces the legal risks these workers might face if an intoxicated patron causes harm after leaving their establishment.

What constitutes a DUI in Florida?

In Florida, a person is considered to be driving under the influence (DUI) if they operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. Additionally, driving while impaired by any chemical or controlled substance can also result in a DUI charge.

What are the penalties for a first-time DUI offense in Florida?

For a first-time DUI offense in Florida, penalties can include a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000, up to six months in jail, mandatory 50 hours of community service, probation for up to one year, and a license suspension ranging from 180 days to one year. An ignition interlock device might also be required, and the vehicle could be impounded for ten days. The severity of penalties may increase if the BAC is significantly higher than the legal limit or if a minor was in the vehicle.

What happens if I refuse a breathalyzer test in Florida?

Florida has an implied consent law, meaning if you're lawfully arrested by an officer who has probable cause to believe you've been driving under the influence, then you consent to taking a chemical test of your blood, breath, or urine. Refusing to take a breathalyzer or any chemical test during a DUI stop will result in an immediate license suspension for one year for the first refusal. A second or subsequent refusal increases the suspension to 18 months and is also considered a misdemeanor offense.

Can a bartender or server be held liable if a patron they served gets a DUI?

Yes, in many jurisdictions, including some parts of Florida, there's a concept called 'dram shop liability.' This means that establishments or individuals who sell or serve alcohol can be held legally responsible if they provide alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated, and that person then causes harm to themselves or others due to their intoxication. If a patron is served excessively and then gets a DUI, the establishment or the individual server might face legal consequences.