DeSantis Signs Bill Increasing Penalties for Repeat DUI Manslaughter, Other Fatal Offenses

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill Thursday increasing penalties on repeat offenders for convictions of driving under the influence manslaughter, boating under the influence manslaughter, vehicular homicide or vessel homicide.

Specifically, HB 687 elevates the penalty for a conviction of DUI manslaughter, BUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, or vessel homicide from a second-degree felony to a first-degree felony if the individual has a prior conviction on any of the offenses.

The bill also makes a first refusal to submit to a lawful breath or urine test after a DUI arrest a criminal offense, punishable as a second-degree misdemeanor.

Reps. Kim Kendall (R-St. Augustine) and Rachel Plakon (R-Lake Mary) sponsored the House bill. Sen. Tom Wright (R-Port Orange) carried a comparable Senate version.

Current Florida Statute penalizes drivers who fail to submit to a breathalyzer or urine test upon first refusal with a one-year license suspension. Furthermore, an 18-month suspension is given for a second or subsequent refusal.

Individuals who additionally refuse are also charged with a first-degree misdemeanor.

HB 687 is cited as "Trenton's Law," named after Trenton Stewart.

A Stetson University freshman, Stewart, was killed by an impaired driver going the wrong way on Old St. Augustine Road in Jacksonville in 2023. The driver, Ariel Monteagudo, already had a previous conviction for DUI manslaughter in Broward County, for which he was sentenced to 10 years.

Monteagudo was going over 100 miles per hour in a 45-mph speed zone just before hitting Stewart's SUV, causing it to overturn.

He was sentenced to twelve years in Florida State Prison for Stewart's death.

The bill will take effect on Oct. 1.