Tampa is a city with surprisingly many places to enjoy at night. Especially in Ybor City, there are bars, clubs, and restaurants clustered together, making the weekend nights feel completely different. However, if you plan to drink in Tampa, there is one thing you really need to be careful about: driving under the influence (DUI).

In Florida, the legal drinking age is 21, and a driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher can lead to a DUI charge. However, just because your BAC is below 0.08% doesn't mean you're in the clear. If it's determined that your ability to drive normally is impaired due to alcohol, you could still face DUI issues.

The fines can be quite significant. A typical first-time DUI offense carries a fine of $500 to $1,000. You could also face up to 6 months in jail. Additionally, court costs, DUI education, towing and storage fees, and increased insurance rates can add to the actual burden, so you shouldn't judge the situation based solely on the fine amount.

Even more concerning is if your BAC is 0.15% or higher, or if you have a child under 18 in the car. Even for a first offense, the fines can increase to $1,000 to $2,000, and jail time can be up to 9 months. You may also be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device in your vehicle, with the installation and maintenance costs being the driver's responsibility.

A second DUI generally results in fines of $1,000 to $2,000 and a maximum of 9 months in jail. If your BAC is 0.15% or higher during the second offense, or if a minor was in the vehicle, the fines can rise to $2,000 to $4,000. If the second conviction occurs within 5 years of the first, your driver's license could be revoked for at least 5 years.

The third offense is even more serious. If a third DUI occurs within a certain period, it can be classified as a third-degree felony, which could lead to up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $5,000. If the third DUI occurs within 10 years of the first or related convictions, your driver's license could be revoked for at least 10 years.

Thinking you can simply refuse a breathalyzer test is also risky. Florida has an implied consent law, so if you refuse a legally requested breath or urine test for the first time, your driver's license could be suspended for 1 year, and subsequent refusals could lead to an 18-month suspension. Refusal itself can also lead to separate criminal issues.

If you're an immigrant, you need to be even more cautious. A simple DUI does not automatically mean deportation, but if there are injuries or fatalities involved, if drugs are related, or if there are repeated DUIs, the complexities of the case may require separate consideration under immigration law.

Ultimately, if you've enjoyed a drink in Ybor City, it's best to leave your car behind. Grabbing the wheel just to save a few dollars on an Uber or Lyft could lead to fines, attorney fees, license issues, and insurance costs that could add up to thousands of dollars. Enjoying drinks in Tampa is fun, but when it's time to go home, using a reliable transportation option is the safest and most cost-effective choice.