Can you drink alcohol on felony probation in Florida?

Asked by: Leatha Turcotte II  |  Last update: December 27, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (49 votes)

When released on probation, you can expect the terms of your release to include certain common restrictions like not committing a new offense. However, the terms of probation differ from case to case. A common requirement is also to remain drug-free but, generally speaking, this does not include alcohol.

Can I drink alcohol while on probation in Florida?

I do not practice in your jurisdiction. However, in Florida a standard condition of probation is that a person on probation not use intoxicants including alcohol to excess. The best way to successfully complete probation is to ``play it safe'' and just not drink.

What happens on felony probation in Florida?

In Florida, probation is a form of supervised release that allows individuals convicted of a crime to remain in the community instead of serving time in prison. However, probation is not freedom without strings. It comes with strict conditions that, if broken, can result in serious consequences, including imprisonment.

Can I go to a bar while on probation?

Yes, unless there is a condition of your probation that prohibits you from enterring into bars or other establishments which the primary purpose the business is the sale of alcohol. This is a common condition of probation for outstate DWI sentences.

What happens if you test positive for alcohol while on probation?

Testing positive for alcohol will be a violation of your probation and not driving will only be a mitigating fact. Your probation officer may file a motion to revoke with the court or if you have been exemplary so far, he or she may handle this 'in house' and put in on hold unless something else happens.

What Happens if You Test Positive for Alcohol on Probation in Florida

21 related questions found

Does Florida probation test for alcohol?

ETG alcohol testing has become a critical tool within the legal frameworks of Florida courts, particularly in cases where alcohol consumption is a significant concern. This form of testing is widely utilized in probation and parole monitoring, child custody disputes, DUI cases, and various other legal situations.

What are the best excuses to get out of probation?

What Is A Good Excuse To Miss Probation?
  1. I Was In The Hospital. ...
  2. I Had a Death In The Family. ...
  3. I Was on The Way, But Had a Car Wreck. ...
  4. My Child Is Sick. ...
  5. I Need To Go Out of Town for My Job. ...
  6. I'm Having A Baby. ...
  7. I Got Caught In Traffic. ...
  8. Extreme Weather.

What are you allowed to do while on probation?

What Rights Do You Have When You Are On Probation?
  • Regular check-ins with a probation officer.
  • No new criminal offenses.
  • Participation in drug or alcohol counseling or treatment programs.
  • Random drug and alcohol testing.
  • Community service or restitution payments.

Can you drink non-alcoholic beer while on probation?

Court-mandated sobriety: In some legal situations, like driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, individuals might be court-ordered to maintain complete abstinence from alcohol. This could encompass NA beer as well, depending on the specific requirements outlined or even the probation officer's interpretation.

Can a probation officer track your location?

While pretrial detention and post-conviction imprisonment both play important roles, most people who have been incarcerated eventually return to their communities. Location monitoring is one tool used by federal probation and pretrial services officers to supervise these individuals.

How bad is felony probation?

The maximum county jail time for a felony probation sentence is one year (served at half-time). Felony probation typically lasts between three and five years in California. The terms of probation are imposed by the judge. Importantly, the probationer must obey all laws.

Is there a curfew on felony probation in Florida?

Typically the curfew period is from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., although the court can order a different 8-hour period for work-related reasons.

How often are felony charges dropped in Florida?

Non-filed means that no charges were formally filed or that the State Attorney's Office decided to no longer pursue prosecuting the case. Throughout all of Florida, the report indicated an average of 22% of felony cases that were dropped during the analysis period.

How strict is probation in Florida?

Being on probation in Florida is like walking a tightrope. One slip could be catastrophic because it could result in incarceration. It may not be as restrictive as being in prison, but make no mistake—your actions and freedoms are significantly curtailed while you are on probation.

How does probation check for alcohol?

The most typical screening methods will be urine screening or breath testing. Breath testing only allows for detection of drinking alcohol. Urine screening can be used for alcohol and drugs. Almost all urine testing schemes also test for creatinine levels as a way of detecting diluted samples.

How long is alcohol detectable in urine?

Alcohol detection tests can measure alcohol in the blood for up to 12 hours, on the breath for 12 to 24 hours, urine for 12-24 hours (72 or more hours after heavier use), saliva for up to 12 hours, and hair for up to 90 days. The half-life of alcohol is between 4-5 hours.

Can you go in a bar on probation?

You must not knowingly enter any [bar, tavern, etc.] without first obtaining the permission of the probation officer. You must not go to, or remain at any place where you know controlled substances are illegally sold, used, distributed, or administered without first obtaining the permission of the probation officer.

Can a felon be around alcohol?

If you are not on probation, but just have a felony in your past, then there is nothing preventing you from going to a bar or drinking alcohol.

Does Budweiser Zero show up in a urine test?

Yes. While NA beer is considered non-alcoholic in the United States if it has less than 0.5% alcohol per serving, there are trace amounts of alcohol in the beverages. There are instances of it going both undetected and detected in urine tests.

Can convicted felons hang out together?

Absolutely, if they are not on probation or parole. If they are, then it depends on the rules set for their probation or parole. Usually, even then, they can normally live with another family member who is also a felon.

What is the longest you can be on probation?

Typically, probation lasts anywhere from one to three years but can extend longer depending on underlying convictions, such as sex offenses. In those criminal cases, sex offenders can face geographic restrictions or sex offender registration even after completing a prison sentence.

What not to do during probation period?

Neglecting feedback: ignoring constructive criticism or not actively seeking feedback can impede your growth. The probation period is an opportunity to learn and improve, and embracing feedback is important.

Which type of probation violation is the most common?

Here are a few examples of the most common probation violations:
  • Failure to pay restitution: ...
  • Possession of illegal contraband: ...
  • Failure to attend court mandated programs: ...
  • Failure to report: ...
  • Violation of geographical restrictions: ...
  • Failure to appear: ...
  • Commission of a crime:

What's the earliest you can get off probation?

When can I request having my probation terminated?
  • At least one year of a probation sentence for a misdemeanor conviction.
  • At lest 18 months of a probation sentence for a felony conviction.

How do you beat probation?

Winning Strategies for Your Probation Violation Hearing
  1. Prove You Did Not Violate Probation.
  2. Comply With the Terms of Your Probation.
  3. Work Towards the Goal of Probation Compliance.
  4. Become an Upstanding Member of Society.
  5. Utilize Community Support.