For decades, The Ticket Clinic has tracked traffic enforcement trends across Florida. Since 1987, our attorneys have handled millions of cases, and over the last ten years, we have taken a deeper approach, analyzing Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, FLHSMV, data to uncover meaningful patterns.
One of the most talked about trends right now is this,
DUI arrests in Miami Dade County are up 27% over the last five years.
At first glance, that sounds like a major surge. However, when you dig deeper into the data and compare it to surrounding counties and other parts of Florida, the story becomes much more nuanced.
Miami DUI Arrests, A 5 Year Increase
Miami Dade DUI Trend
- 2020, 1,532
- 2021, 1,886
- 2022, 1,930
- 2023, 1,904
- 2024, 2,152
- 2025, 2,403
From 1,886 in 2021 to 2,403 in 2025, Miami has seen an increase of approximately 27 percent over the last five years.
This reflects a steady recovery and growth following the lower enforcement levels seen during 2020.
However, raw growth alone does not tell the full story.
Tampa Bay Area, A Completely Different Level Of Enforcement
The most striking comparison comes when you look at the Tampa Bay area.
- Hillsborough County, 292.1 per 100,000
- Pinellas County, 319.9 per 100,000
These rates are more than three times higher than Miami Dade.
Despite smaller populations, these counties generate far more DUI arrests per capita. This points to more aggressive DUI enforcement, including checkpoints and targeted patrols.
Why Miami Numbers Still Appear Small
There are several reasons why Miami’s DUI numbers remain relatively low, even with recent growth.
Enforcement Focus
Our broader analysis of traffic enforcement trends found that speeding tickets surged by 29 percent statewide in 2025. This indicates that many agencies are prioritizing general traffic enforcement rather than DUI arrests.
Urban Driving Behavior
Miami is a dense, congested environment. Drivers often rely on rideshare services and travel shorter distances. These factors can reduce DUI arrest rates compared to regions where higher speed driving is more common.
Volume Of Traffic Stops
Miami Dade issues a massive number of traffic citations overall. When DUI arrests are viewed as a percentage of total enforcement activity, they remain relatively low.
Key Takeaways
Miami DUI Arrests Are Increasing
There is clear growth over the last five years, with a 27 percent increase.
Broward Shows A Different Trend
Broward peaked earlier and is now declining, even though it still has higher total arrests than Miami.
Miami Still Has The Lowest DUI Rate
At 88.9 per 100,000 residents, Miami’s DUI rate is significantly lower than surrounding counties.
Tampa Bay Leads The State
Hillsborough and Pinellas counties have dramatically higher DUI rates, indicating more aggressive enforcement.
Final Answer, Are DUIs Really Rising In Miami
Yes, DUI arrests in Miami have increased over the last five years.
However, when compared to neighboring counties and adjusted for population, Miami still has relatively low DUI activity.
The increase is real, but the broader context shows that Miami is not a leading DUI enforcement area in Florida.
What This Means If You Are Facing A DUI
Even in areas with lower DUI rates, enforcement remains serious and cases are handled locally.
Each county has its own enforcement style, court system, and legal process. These differences can significantly impact the outcome of a case.
The Ticket Clinic has been defending drivers since 1987 and continues to analyze enforcement trends across Florida. This experience helps our attorneys build strong, locally informed defenses.
Need Help With A DUI Case
If you or someone you know is facing a DUI charge in Florida, The Ticket Clinic is ready to help. With decades of experience and millions of cases handled, our team understands how to navigate the system and fight for the best possible outcome.
