Personal property rights are very important in Florida, and in America as a whole. People often believe they have the right and ability to do almost anything that they want on their personal property. No one can tell them what to do because they own this land, and they get to make the decisions.
As a result, people sometimes believe that they can drive under the influence as long as they are not on public roads. They would never drive to the store after having a few drinks, but perhaps they have a few acres with multiple buildings. They will certainly drive between these buildings or drive around on the property without worrying about it. But could they theoretically be arrested on drunk driving charges?
This is still illegal in Florida
Some states do specify that drunk driving is illegal on public roads or on roads that are “open to the public.” This means that it’s illegal to be operating a car under the influence in a driveway or another road that opens to a public street. But someone wouldn’t be arrested on an area that was contained within the property – such as a dirt road between those two buildings.
However, Florida law does not specify where someone can or cannot drive. It simply states that it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. As such, this applies everywhere, on both public roads and private property.
Being charged with a DUI can have a major impact on a person’s life going forward. Anyone who is in this position needs to know about all the legal options at their disposal.