Every spring, Florida’s beaches and cities become magnets for thousands of college students seeking sun, fun, and freedom. From Miami to Panama City, Spring Break is a rite of passage for many — but for some, it ends with more than just a sunburn. Each year, young adults return from break with unexpected souvenirs: legal charges.
Whether it’s a lapse in judgment or just being in the wrong place at the wrong time, arrests during Spring Break happen. And if you or someone you know is facing charges, what you do next is critical.
Common Charges Spring Breakers Face
Florida law enforcement is on high alert during this season, and tourists — especially young ones — often underestimate how strict the laws can be. Here are some of the most common charges that trip up Spring Breakers:
Public Intoxication
Being drunk in public may seem harmless, but it’s a criminal offense in Florida. If you’re found causing a disturbance while under the influence, you can be arrested.
- Penalty: Up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine, and a second-degree misdemeanor on your record.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Florida takes DUIs very seriously, even for first-time offenders. The legal limit is 0.08% BAC — but for those under 21, it drops to just 0.02%.
- Penalty (First offense, over 21): Up to 6 months in jail, a $1,000 fine, license suspension, mandatory DUI education, and potential community service.
- Underage DUI: Immediate license suspension and possibly court-ordered programs or community service.
Drug Possession
Even possessing a small amount of marijuana (especially without a medical card) or other controlled substances like ecstasy or cocaine can lead to serious charges.
- Marijuana under 20 grams: First-degree misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
- Possession of other controlled substances: Typically a felony, which can carry years of prison time and thousands in fines.
Disorderly Conduct or Affray (Fighting)
Rowdy beach brawls, shouting matches, or reckless behavior can lead to charges of disorderly conduct — even if things don’t get violent.
- Penalty: Up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Charges can escalate if anyone is injured.
Fake ID Use
Trying to get into a club or buy alcohol with a fake ID might seem like a rite of passage — until it becomes a criminal offense.
- Penalty: Up to 5 years in prison for felony possession or use of a fake ID (yes, really).
Why Keeping Your Record Clean Matters
When you’re young, it’s easy to dismiss these as “just spring break mistakes.” But a criminal record — even for a misdemeanor — can follow you for life. Here’s how:
- College Disciplinary Action: Many universities conduct their own investigations after an arrest, which could lead to suspension, loss of scholarships, or even expulsion.
- Employment: Many employers run background checks. Even a minor charge can make you less attractive in a competitive job market.
- Graduate School or Licensing: Planning to be a lawyer, doctor, or teacher? Professional programs and licensing boards scrutinize applicants’ records.
- Housing: Landlords often run criminal checks before approving tenants.
Your Next Move Is Everything
If you’ve been arrested during Spring Break, don’t brush it off. What you do next could change the course of your life. Speaking with a qualified defense attorney can help you understand your options — from fighting the charge to seeking a dismissal, pretrial diversion, or record expungement.
Bottom line: Spring Break should be about making memories — not permanent mistakes. But if the worst happens, take it seriously. Protect your future by making the right move, right now.
