The Fourth of July is one of the most anticipated and celebrated holidays in the United States. For many, it’s a day filled with cookouts, beach trips, fireworks, and quality time with friends and family. Here in Ponte Vedra Beach, the festivities are often vibrant and joyful, with residents and visitors alike taking full advantage of the warm weather and coastal setting.
But while the holiday is meant for celebration, it also brings with it a surge in legal troubles and arrests in Florida. Every year, law enforcement agencies across Florida heighten their presence during the July 4th weekend—setting up DUI checkpoints, patrolling public spaces and waterways, and responding to disturbances and accidents.
What starts as a fun-filled day can quickly turn into a night in jail or a permanent criminal record.
At Malcolm Anthony, P.A., our criminal defense lawyer has represented many individuals who never expected their holiday to end in legal jeopardy. Our goal is to help you avoid becoming one of them. Below, we break down the most common legal risks people face over the Fourth of July weekend and what you can do to stay on the right side of the law.
1. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
One of the most common and serious offenses we see during this holiday is driving under the influence. The combination of alcohol, parties, and long weekends leads many to underestimate their level of impairment before getting behind the wheel. Unfortunately, that misjudgment can have life-altering consequences.
Under Florida DUI law, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for adults 21 and older. For drivers under 21, there’s a zero-tolerance policy—meaning a BAC of just 0.02% or higher can result in a DUI charge.
The penalties for a DUI conviction can include:
- License suspension
- Steep fines
- Mandatory DUI classes
- Jail time
- A permanent criminal record
For first-time offenders, a DUI might seem like a mistake you can bounce back from, but the truth is, it can affect your job, insurance rates, and future opportunities.
How to stay safe:
- Always plan ahead.
- Use a designated driver, rideshare app, or stay overnight at your destination if you’re drinking.
Don’t take the risk—DUI enforcement is at its peak during this holiday.
2. Disorderly Conduct and Public Intoxication
The Fourth of July brings out big crowds at beaches, parks, and fireworks events. With alcohol flowing freely, emotions can run high, and what starts as harmless fun can quickly spiral into disorderly conduct or public intoxication charges.
In Florida, disorderly conduct is broadly defined and can include:
- Loud or disruptive behavior
- Fighting or physical altercations
- Public drunkenness that disturbs the peace
Even a heated argument in public could potentially lead to arrest. These misdemeanor charges may seem minor, but they can still result in fines, community service, and a criminal record.
How to stay safe:
- Stick with people you trust
- Pace your alcohol consumption
- Walk away from escalating situations.
A cool head goes a long way in keeping your record clean.
3. Fireworks Violations
What’s the Fourth of July without fireworks? While they’re a beloved tradition, they’re also a source of legal issues and safety concerns.
Florida law allows for certain types of fireworks, but others—like firecrackers, rockets, and mortars—are regulated. The law was recently updated to permit more consumer-grade fireworks on certain holidays, including July 4th, but local ordinances may still apply, especially in residential or environmentally sensitive areas.
Misusing fireworks or setting them off in prohibited zones can result in:
- Fines or criminal charges
- Property damage liability
- Personal injury lawsuits
- Arrest, particularly if harm is caused
How to stay safe:
- Only buy fireworks from licensed vendors
- Read and follow instructions carefully
- Know your local city or county rules
- Never use fireworks under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
4. Boating Under the Influence (BUI)
Here in Ponte Vedra Beach, many residents and visitors head to the water during the long weekend. While boating is a fun and relaxing way to celebrate, it also brings another set of legal risks—particularly boating under the influence (BUI).
Florida law prohibits operating a vessel with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. A BUI carries similar penalties to a DUI:
- Fines up to $1,000 for a first offense
- Possible jail time
- Boating privilege suspension
- Criminal charges on your record
Marine patrols are very active over the holiday and routinely stop vessels to conduct safety checks and assess sobriety.
How to stay safe:
- Assign a sober boat operator
- Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Keep alcohol consumption to a minimum on the water.
What applies on the road also applies on the sea.
5. Minor in Possession of Alcohol
Teenagers and young adults often attend parties during the July 4th holiday, and underage drinking spikes as a result. Florida law is strict when it comes to minors possessing or consuming alcohol.
If you’re under 21, you can be charged with a crime simply for:
- Holding an alcoholic beverage
- Attending a party where alcohol is consumed
- Being in possession of a fake ID
Parents and party hosts can also face serious consequences for providing alcohol to minors, even if unintentionally.
How to stay safe: Parents should monitor gatherings and talk openly with their children about the dangers—both physical and legal—of underage drinking. Young people should know their rights and responsibilities, and steer clear of risky behavior.
6. Illegal Gun Possession or Misuse
Firearms and fireworks don’t mix—but sadly, many people ignore this rule. In some cases, people fire guns into the air in celebration, not realizing that this is not only dangerous but illegal. Others may carry firearms without a permit, or mix alcohol with gun use—an extremely risky and unlawful combination.
Florida law treats gun crimes seriously, and a conviction can result in:
- Felony charges
- Loss of firearm rights
- Mandatory minimum sentences
- Significant prison time
How to stay safe:
- If you legally own a firearm, keep it safely stored at home during festivities
- Never handle or discharge a weapon while under the influence
- Celebratory gunfire is not only illegal—it can be deadly.
Celebrate Safely and Stay Out of Trouble This Fourth of July: Avoid the Common Risks Associated with Arrests in Florida
The Fourth of July should be remembered for fun, food, and fireworks—not for fines, arrests, or jail time. By understanding the common legal issues that arise during the holiday and taking a few proactive steps, you can enjoy the celebration while protecting your freedom and future.
However, if you or a loved one do find yourselves in legal trouble over the July 4th weekend, it’s critical to act quickly. You need a defense attorney who understands Florida’s laws and knows how to navigate the local legal system following any arrests in Florida.
At Malcolm Anthony, P.A., we are proud to represent residents and visitors in Ponte Vedra Beach and surrounding areas. With decades of experience in criminal defense, we are here to fight for your rights and guide you through this stressful time.
Call our office today at (904) 285-4529 for a free consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward resolving your case and moving forward with confidence.
