Florida Act 316.1936 defines the term “open container” as “any container of alcoholic beverages from which immediate consumption can be made or whose seal has been broken.” Interestingly, a partially consumed and closed bottle of wine is not considered an open container until it has been removed by a customer from the premises of a restaurant licensed for off-site consumption, under Section 564.09 of Florida Law. Florida Law 316.1936 prohibits drivers and passengers from having an immediately accessible container of alcoholic beverages. This includes any drink with a broken seal that is offered for consumption. A violation of these regulations may constitute negligence under the law. Florida`s civil negligence rules assume that reasonable persons obey the laws. If a person decides to violate Florida`s open container laws, they are undoubtedly acting negligently, which can form the basis of a civil lawsuit. Violating the movement of an open container can result in fines of up to $90 and points added to your driver`s license. If a passenger was the one who was in possession of an open container, they can receive a real estate offence and a fine of up to $60. If you are accused of violating a local ordinance, the penalties may be more severe depending on the city or county where the violation occurred. Many Florida communities demand a $500 fine and can also impose up to 60 days in jail. Although in some states, possession of an open container in a motor vehicle is a criminal offense, in the state of Florida, this offense is only a civil offense if charged under state law. Open container laws may also apply to possession of open alcoholic beverages while not driving. Depending on where you are, you can be quoted if you have an alcoholic beverage open in public.

Many Florida beaches ban alcoholic beverages and you can expect penalties if you get caught. Palm Beach County Open Container Ordinance – Visit the official Palm Beach County Ordinances website to learn more about their open container area. Go to the website to learn more about their open container laws, exceptions, and the penalties that come with them. The law distinguishes between the driver of a vehicle in possession of an open container and the passenger of an open-owned vehicle. If the passenger is in possession of the open container, they may receive a non-mobile offence with a fine of $43 to $60. You can legally own an option container on a boat, but if the boat operator has a blood alcohol level above 0.08 or is impaired, this may result in an arrest for boating under the influence (BUI). It is important to understand if you are charged with a civil violation under state law or if you are dealing with a violation of the regulations. A violation of open containers can also be related to other charges such as possession of a false piece of identification or possession of alcohol by a person under the age of 21.

The penalties you may face may be greater if you receive other alcohol-related offences. Other types of crimes related to open containers are charged with a criminal offense under state law or violation of the ordinance under local municipal law. Crimes related to possession of alcohol are generally punishable by up to 60 days in prison, 6 months of probation and a fine of $500. For a driver who has the container open while driving a motor vehicle, the offence is a mobile offence punishable by a fine of $73 to $90. If you simply pay for the ticket, the points will be compared to your driver`s license. In addition, public consumption of alcohol is unacceptable. You may be cited for consuming alcohol or possessing alcohol on streets, sidewalks, parking lots, or beaches throughout the state. An open container can be an open bottle or can, vial, cup or glass containing any amount of alcohol. Public intoxication is a second-degree offence punishable by up to 60 days in prison and a fine of up to $250. Be sure to inquire about your local regulations before trying to have a container of alcohol open in public. Open container laws vary greatly from state to state and county to county in the state of Florida.

The open container laws in West Palm Beach are different from the Broward or Miami-Dade laws. If you`re spending a night in the city, it`s important to know the local alcohol laws in your area. It`s important to remember that Florida has open container laws that are almost always in effect (except in certain areas in certain circumstances). A driver who violates open container laws will be found guilty of a non-criminal traffic offence, which can be punished with a fine of up to $90 for an initial offence. If you are a passenger, the penalty is a fine of up to $60 for a first offence. If you choose to fight the violation and request a hearing, you will have to pay a $500 fine if you lose in court. In addition, you will have to pay the associated legal fees and deduct three points from your driving record. Note that these penalties are imposed by the State of Florida.

However, Florida Law 316.1936 also states that counties or municipalities may impose stricter restrictions. Florida law § 316.1936 (2) (a) prohibits a person from possessing an open container of an alcoholic beverage or consuming an alcoholic beverage while driving a vehicle in the State of Florida. The Act also prohibits a passenger in the front or rear seat from possessing an open container or from consuming alcohol while driving a vehicle. In addition, many counties and cities, including the City of Tampa, regulate by ordinance the possession of open containers of alcohol on streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and beaches. An open container offence may be considered a mobile offence if it is established that the driver or passenger of a motor vehicle is in possession of an open container. This would be a civil offence and, even if it does not generate a criminal record, it will likely result in the addition of points to the driver`s licence of the person in possession of the open container. However, depending on where the violation takes place, you can also expect harsher penalties if it is determined that you are violating a city or county order. If you violate open container laws, you don`t have to expect criminal penalties as in the case of a traffic violation.

However, you will face a mobile breach if you are found guilty of violating open container laws. If you plead guilty to violating open container laws, DHSMV will add 3 points to your driving record. Many visitors to Palm Beach County may not be aware of local laws regarding alcohol consumption. Often, tourists get into trouble with the law on public intoxication and other fees. If you have violated the state`s Open Containers Act, contact the law firm Gabriel & Gabriel. Defense attorney Brian Gabriel may be able to have your open container violation dismissed or drop the charge of public poisoning. Call 561-622-5575 for more information or contact Brian Gabriel for free legal advice. Section 316.1936 of Florida law prohibits a person from possessing an open container of alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle. In Tampa, for example, you can`t have an alcoholic beverage open in public unless you`re in a chosen location on the Riverwalk, although there are still certain conditions like: Under this law, having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle is a traffic violation unrelated to driving. Florida Open Containers Act – Visit the Florida Legislature website to find section 316.1936 of the act.