Having an RV is like having your home always with you, and sometimes those lines of home and driving become blurred. I have seen RV drivers riding with open containers believing that they won’t get caught because they are in essence in their “home.” However, on October 1st, 2025, Florida House Bill 687, also known as “Trenton’s Law,” went into effect. This law directly impacts FL drivers (and boaters). This new law, designed to prevent repeat DUI offenders from continuing to drive or operate Florida’s roadways and water systems, puts others at risk. This new law applies substantial fines and criminal charges for people making the unfortunate decision to get behind the wheel while impaired.
One of the biggest changes that could directly affect you and your customers is the change to implied consent. Simply by having a Florida driver’s license you have legally implied your consent to provide a chemical test upon arrest of suspicion of DUI. Before, if you were suspected of a DUI you could still refuse to take a urine or breathalyzer test. It didn’t go without its consequences though, typically it ended in an administrative or civil infraction. Now a first refusal will result in a second-degree misdemeanor with an automatic 1-year license suspension and monetary fine. A second refusal will land you up to 1-year in jail, an 18-month license suspension and a permanent criminal record.
If you are involved in an accident which results in a fatality and are found to be impaired, you would now be looking at a second-degree felony and up to 15 years in prison. A repeat offender would have previously faced up to 15 years would now face up to 30 year in prison.
You don’t need to be wildly intoxicated to be suspected of a DUI. If you’re driving and you glance down at the navigation on your dash and quickly drift into another lane, that is more than enough to catch the attention of law enforcement. If you have spent the day on the boat, and had a few drinks, and go a little faster than the water police deem safe, you may find yourself in a situation where you are compelled to submit to a chemical test. Refusal of this test, even if your blood alcohol content is within the legal limit, will subject you to the new, expanded law. Also, prescription medicines, some of which cause drowsiness, and legally prescribed medical marijuana can also result in a DUI conviction.
Please do yourself, and the rest of the Florida drivers and boaters, a favor and never get behind the wheel if you aren’t feeling your best.