SARASOTA, Fla. — Beginning October 1, refusing to submit to a breath or urine test after a DUI arrest in Florida will now be considered a second-degree misdemeanor, carrying a one-year license suspension.
For drivers with a prior license suspension for refusing a test, a second refusal will escalate to a first-degree misdemeanor with an 18-month license suspension.
“The bottom line is this, it is already too late when that decision must be made,” said Florida Highway Patrol spokesman Kenn Watson. “Do you have the right to not give a breath test or urine? Of course you do, but you have now placed yourself in a position you don’t want to be in.”…