Programs
Programs

DUI Rehabilitation of Offenders Program (D.R.O.P.)

D.R.O.P.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Diversion program for rapid resolution of first-time DUI and BUI offenses

The State Attorney has instituted this supervised, comprehensive program for first time, misdemeanor DUI and BUI offenders. This is a voluntary program that requires the first-time offender to complete the statutory DUI or BUI sanctions, including any recommended substance abuse treatment and frequent, random testing for substance abuse. Any recommended sanction and disposition are subject to approval of the Court.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Please read the documents linked to this page carefully for all program details. Eligibility is determined by the State Attorney’s Office after submission of an application to participate in D.R.O.P.

A defendant can be eligible for D.R.O.P. if:

  • The breath or blood sample provided does not exceed .150; or the defendant refused to provide a breath, blood, or urine sample. No BAC or BrAC extrapolation is permitted.
  • There is no crash with bodily injury or significant property damage.
  • There were no minor children in the defendant’s vehicle.
  • The defendant’s DUI/BUI charge does not have an accompanying Leaving the Scene of a Crash charge.
  • The defendant’s DUI/BUI charge does not have an accompanying felony charge.
  • The defendant does not have any pending charges and is not currently on any form of supervision or release status, such as probation or parole.
  • The defendant does not have a prior conviction for DUI/BUI or similar offense, including those that were resolved by diversion program or a reduced charge.
  • The defendant had a valid driver’s license on the date of the offense.
  • The defendant does not have a CDL.

 

How to apply

Applications are due at or before the second pre-trial hearing.

The 3 documents required to apply to D.R.O.P. are linked in the Downloadable Forms below. Applicants must submit (1) DROP Application, (2) Statement of Prior Record, (3) Waiver of Speedy Trial, and (4) a $50 money order or cashier’s check made payable to the State of Florida to be considered for DROP acceptance. For the program's specifics, please see the DROP Program Information (PDF).

If on the date of the DUI/BUI offense, the defendant possessed a driver’s license issued by a state other than Florida, the defendant must provide the State with his/her complete driver record.

If the defendant has a prior DUI/BUI arrest, the defendant must provide the State with court documents showing the prior case was disposed in a manner which would still allow D.R.O.P. participation (see Eligibility Criteria above).

 

Requirements for the DROP program

  1. Successful performance of 20 community service hours with providers from the approved list shown below.
    • These hours cannot be bought out.
  2. Successful completion of a FLHSMV-approved DUI School from the providers listed below.

  3. Successful completion of the M.A.D.D. Victim Impact Panel
    • This is the ONLY accepted Victim Impact Panel.

You must apply for the DROP program at or before your case’s second pretrial hearing. There is a nonrefundable $50 application fee. 

 

Downloadable Forms

  1. DROP Application (fillable PDF)
  2. Statement of Prior Record (fillable PDF)
  3. One of the following, depending on whether defendant is represented by an attorney.
    1. Unrepresented defendants: Written Plea of Not Guilty and Waiver of Speedy Trial (fillable PDF)
    2. Represented defendants: Waiver of Speedy Trial (fillable PDF)

 

Community Service Information

You must select a community service provider listed on the State Attorney’s Office website for qualifying hours. Select a community service provider based on your county and individual sanctions regarding alcohol.

If you live in another county or state, you may request to complete the 20 Community Service hours at an equivalent location in your county or state.

The 20 Community Service hours must be completed and cannot be bought out.

 

DUI Schools

Please note: Failure to use one of the approved DUI Schools listed below will result in a participant having to retake the DUI School.

Pasco County (Monday through Friday)

7619 Little Road, Suite 350
New Port Richey, FL 34654
(727) 847-3411

Pasco County (Wednesday ONLY)

7064 Fort King Road
Zephyrhills, FL 33541
(813) 780-8282

Pinellas County

Suncoast Safety Council
Clearwater: 1145 Court St, Clearwater, 33756
St. Pete: 455 31st St N, St. Pete 33713
727-442-0233
http://www.safety.org/

 

M.A.D.D. Victim Impact Panel - Pasco and Pinellas

Please note: Successful completion of the M.A.D.D. Victim Impact panel is a requirement of your DROP contract.

(813) 935-2676 ext. 7282
https://maddvip.org/

 

Have questions?

DUI cases occurring in Pasco County

New Port Richey: Contact Bryan Doeg at 727.847.8051 

Dade City: Contact Scott Rosenwasser at 352.521.4331

or send an email to DiversionPasco@flsa6.gov 

 

DUI cases occurring in Pinellas County

Contact the DROP Program Specialist at 727.464.6803

or send an email to DiversionPinellas@flsa6.gov