Florida’s new DUI laws just got tougher. If you drive or boat on Florida’s roads or waterways, Trenton’s Law affects you. Officially known as HB 687, the law takes effect on October 1, 2025, and introduces new criminal penalties for drivers and boaters who refuse breath or urine tests after prior DUI or BUI offenses.
Named in honor of Trenton Stewart, a teenager tragically killed by a wrong-way drunk driver, this legislation closes legal gaps that previously allowed repeat offenders to avoid harsher consequences. Whether you're a first-time driver or someone with a prior record, understanding what this law means and how it changes your rights is more important than ever.
What Is Trenton’s Law?
Trenton’s Law is a newly passed Florida statute that makes it a crime to refuse a breath or urine test if you have a prior DUI or BUI conviction. This law marks a major shift in how test refusals are handled. In the past, refusing a chemical test typically led to administrative penalties like license suspension. Now, for repeat offenders, it becomes a criminal offense with real legal consequences.
The Florida's New DUI Law is named after Trenton Stewart, a 16-year-old killed in a wrong-way crash by a repeat drunk driver in St. Johns County. His tragic death pushed lawmakers to take a harder stance on DUI enforcement and close a loophole that had allowed serial offenders to avoid additional charges by refusing tests.
Trenton’s Law applies to both drivers and boaters across Florida, and its passage reflects a growing focus on public safety, accountability, and closing repeat-offender gaps in DUI law.
Key Changes Introduced by HB 687
HB 687, also known as Trenton’s Law, introduces major changes to how Florida handles DUI and BUI test refusals. The core shift lies in how refusals are punished, especially for repeat offenders.
Before the law:
Refusing a breath, urine, or blood test was considered an administrative violation. Drivers typically faced a license suspension but avoided additional criminal charges.
After Trenton’s Law:
Repeat offenders who refuse a test can now be charged with a crime. What was once a license issue is now a prosecutable misdemeanor. This applies to anyone with a prior DUI or BUI conviction on record.
Read more: Average Sentence for DUI Manslaughter in Florida
The law keeps administrative penalties in place for first-time offenders. From a second refusal onward, individuals face criminal prosecution. The aim is to prevent repeat offenders from using test refusal as a way to avoid further penalties.
Trenton’s Law also reinforces Florida’s implied consent policy. Anyone who operates a vehicle or vessel in the state is presumed to have agreed to chemical testing if stopped for suspected impairment. Refusing that test, especially after a prior conviction, brings serious consequences. These may include jail time, fines, and a lasting criminal record.
These new rules apply to both drivers and the boating community, expanding the law’s reach to Florida’s roads and waterways.
What This Means for Drivers and Boaters
For anyone with a prior DUI or BUI conviction, refusing a breath or urine test is no longer just a paperwork issue. Under Trenton’s Law, that refusal is now a criminal offense. What once resulted in a license suspension can now lead to jail time, heavy fines, and a permanent mark on your record.
This change raises the stakes significantly. Many repeat offenders in the past relied on test refusal as a legal strategy to avoid further charges. That option is now off the table. If you’ve been stopped before, or if you’re ever pulled over again, refusing a test could trigger immediate arrest and prosecution under HB 687.
This shift also impacts how DUI cases are defended in Florida. Defense strategies must now account for the criminal implications of refusal, not just the administrative side. That makes it critical to work with a lawyer who understands the full legal landscape.
If you’ve been charged or are concerned about what this law means for your case, speak to a DUI defense attorney today. Early action can make a major difference in the outcome.
What to Do If You’ve Been Charged Under Trenton’s Law
If you're facing charges under Trenton’s Law, what you do next matters. A refusal after a prior DUI or BUI is now a criminal charge, and waiting too long to respond can cost you your license, your freedom, and your future.
First, remain calm and avoid making any statements to law enforcement without legal counsel. What you say can and will be used against you, especially in cases involving prior convictions or chemical test refusals. Do not assume you can talk your way out of it.
Second, contact a defense attorney immediately. The earlier your legal team can examine the evidence, including how the stop was conducted and whether procedures were followed, the stronger your defense options will be.
How Browning Law Firm Can Help
At Browning Law Firm, we understand what is at stake if you are charged under Trenton’s Law. Founding attorney Coy H. Browning is a former Florida State Trooper with firsthand experience in DUI arrests, roadside testing, and accident investigations. Coy’s law enforcement background gives our team a strong understanding of how these cases are handled and where errors often occur.
We have successfully defended clients in DUI cases. Our approach focuses on identifying problems with how the stop was conducted, whether consent procedures were properly followed, and whether any of your rights were violated.
If you are facing charges under HB 687, schedule your FREE consultation today to speak with an experienced legal team.
Know the Law. Know Your Rights
Florida’s DUI landscape is shifting quickly. With the passage of HB 687, what used to be an administrative penalty can now lead to a criminal charge. Trenton’s Law raises the consequences for drivers and boaters who refuse chemical testing, especially those with prior DUI or BUI convictions.
This change is not just about tougher laws. It is about protecting lives, closing legal loopholes, and holding repeat offenders accountable. But for anyone facing these new penalties, it also means higher stakes and fewer chances to get it wrong.
If you are at risk of being charged under Trenton’s Law, protect your record and your future by speaking with a qualified defense attorney. At Browning Law Firm, we are ready to help you understand your options and fight for the best outcome possible.
Contact us today for a free consultation and experienced legal guidance.