How does Florida Statute determine a person is driving under the influence?

The determination of driving under the influence in Florida is based on whether a person's normal faculties are impaired due to the consumption of alcohol or drugs. This includes the ability to focus, think clearly, and react appropriately while operating a vehicle. The statute is designed to address the impairment of one's ability to safely operate a vehicle, which is critical for the safety of all road users.

By assessing the impairment of normal faculties rather than simply the presence of drugs or alcohol in the system, the law emphasizes actual performance and safety on the road. This approach recognizes that even a small amount of a substance could impair someone’s driving abilities, while also allowing a more nuanced view that not everyone who consumes substances is necessarily impaired to an unsafe level.

Other options, such as driving with exceptional skill or having no previous offenses, do not align with the legal definition of DUI because they do not address impairment. Additionally, the mere detection of drugs in the system is insufficient to conclude that a driver is under the influence; the key factor is whether those substances have actually compromised the individual’s driving abilities.