If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Florida, you might’ve heard the term “wet reckless” tossed around. It sounds odd—but for many people, it’s a great outcome compared to a full DUI conviction.
So, what is reckless driving? How is it different from DUI? And what exactly is a wet reckless?
Let’s walk through it.
What Is Reckless Driving Under Florida Law?
Under Florida Statute § 316.192, reckless driving means driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property.
That doesn’t mean you were just distracted or made a mistake—it means the state believes you drove in a way that put others at risk on purpose or in a knowingly dangerous way.
Examples of Reckless Driving:
- Speeding sometimes can rise to the level of Reckless Driving is accompanied by other conduct
- Swerving or weaving between cars
- Running red lights aggressively
- Road rage behavior
It’s more serious than careless driving, but it’s not as severe as DUI. And that’s where the wet reckless comes in.
What Is a "Wet Reckless"?
A “wet reckless” is a plea deal where a DUI charge gets amended to reckless driving, usually when alcohol and we were able to negotiate this outcome.
It’s still a criminal charge—but it avoids the worst parts of a DUI.
A wet reckless still has consequences, but the impact on your license, job, and future is usually much lighter than a full DUI conviction.
Wet Reckless vs. DUI in Florida
Consequence | DUI | Wet Reckless |
Mandatory conviction | Yes (DUI) | No (Reckless Driving) |
License Suspension | Yes (Minimum 6 months) | No automatic suspension |
Ignition Interlock | Often required | Possibly required as part of the deal |
DUI School | Yes | Possibly required |
Insurance Impact | High-risk rates (FR-44 required) | Lower insurance impact |
Background Checks | Shows DUI | Shows reckless driving, not DUI |
Penalties for Reckless Driving in Florida
Even without DUI, reckless driving is still a criminal offense in Florida.
First Offense (No injury or damage):
- Up to 90 days in jail
- Up to $500 fine
- Probation or driving school
Second Offense:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Up to $1,000 fine
With Property Damage or Injury:
- First-degree misdemeanor
- Up to 1 year in jail
With Serious Injury:
- Third-degree felony
- Up to 5 years in prison
Defenses or Mitigating Factors to Reckless Driving Charges
- You weren’t reckless. Maybe you were speeding or distracted, but not intentionally dangerous.
- The evidence is weak. Officer observations or dashcam footage can be challenged.
- Emergency situation. You were trying to avoid a crash or responding to a crisis.
- Mechanical failure. A brake issue or blown tire caused the behavior—not you.
- Mistaken identity. In some traffic cases, the wrong driver gets blamed.
Should You Accept a Wet Reckless Deal when charged with DUI?
In many DUI cases, yes—a wet reckless is a favorable outcome. It avoids a DUI on your record, protects your driver’s license from automatic suspension, and reduces the chance of job or insurance fallout.
But every case is different. You should never accept any plea deal without talking to an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Arrested for DUI or Reckless Driving in Florida? We Can Help.
At Mesic Law, we fight hard for our clients across Jacksonville, Duval County, St. Johns, and Northeast Florida. Whether you're facing a DUI, reckless driving, or hoping for a wet reckless deal, we’ll review every detail, protect your rights, and work for the best possible outcome.
Don’t guess—get answers.