Florida is a state with a vibrant bar culture. Jacksonville is no exception, with bars, breweries, and rooftop lounges scattered throughout downtown, Riverside, and Jacksonville Beach. On days when the Jaguars have home games, a culture of drinking naturally forms before and after the game.

However, driving after drinking is strictly punished in Florida. It's truly wise to drink casually and take an Uber.

Florida's DUI (Driving Under the Influence) law states that a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered a criminal offense. For commercial drivers, the limit is 0.04%, and for those under 21, it is 0.02%. Florida enforces an Implied Consent Law, meaning that when obtaining a driver's license, you are considered to have implicitly agreed to cooperate with alcohol testing. Refusing a police request for a breath test results in an immediate license suspension (for one year), and the refusal itself can be used against you in court.

For a first DUI offense, the penalties include a fine ranging from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $1,000. If the BAC is 0.15% or higher, or if there is a minor under 18 in the vehicle, the fine increases to a minimum of $1,000 and a maximum of $2,000. When you add court costs, attorney fees, and towing fees, the actual expenses can reach thousands of dollars. Incarceration can be up to 6 months (or up to 9 months if BAC is 0.15% or higher), and license suspension can last from 180 days to 1 year. Community service of over 50 hours, 12 months of probation, and completion of a DUI education program are also required.

The second DUI is much harsher. Fines range from a minimum of $1,000 to a maximum of $2,000 (up to $4,000 if BAC is 0.15% or higher), with incarceration up to 9 months and a minimum license suspension of 5 years (if reoffended within 5 years of the first offense). A third DUI is classified as a third-degree felony, which can result in a maximum prison sentence of 5 years.

If someone is injured or killed due to drunk driving, the charge can be elevated to a second-degree felony or a first-degree felony, with a maximum prison sentence of up to 30 years. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) is proactive in DUI enforcement, especially on weekend nights and during NFL game days.

There are several ways to get home after drinking in Jacksonville. Uber and Lyft are available throughout Jacksonville, with quick pickups in downtown and Jacksonville Beach areas. There are also some unofficial designated driver services operating within the Korean community.

Public transportation in Jacksonville is limited, so using taxis or rideshares is practical. Enjoy your drinks, but just don't take the wheel.