• Minors convicted of driving while intoxicated are subject to Florida's Zero Tolerance laws.to drunk to drive image by Marjan Veljanoski from Fotolia.com
  
  Florida does not look kindly on teenagers who have been caught with alcohol. The laws for possession of alcohol by minors are strict and can lead to hefty fines and the loss of your license. Experts agree that teen drinking can lead to drunk driving accidents, violence and unintended pregnancies. Florida's alcohol possession laws for minors are designed to deter teens from making costly and dangerous mistakes.
  
  

Underage Possession of Alcohol

• Any minor who has been cited for underage alcohol possession will receive a monetary fine of up to $500. Jail time for this offense is also possible. Teens can be sentenced to a maximum of 60 days in jail and driving privileges will be revoked. If you attempt to purchase alcohol while underage the store owner or the employee on duty has the right to have you arrested.
  
  

Fake IDs

• Florida laws hold adults responsible for knowingly serving alcohol to minors.party image by HannaSigel from Fotolia.com
  
  In Florida, it is illegal for a teen to misrepresent their age in order to purchase or obtain alcohol. If you are caught doing so, you may receive fines, jail time and lose your driver's license. A minor who is found with a stolen, borrowed, forged or counterfeit Florida driver's license or Florida ID card may be fined $5,000 or receive five years in jail, according to the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. Any individual who helps secure or provide false identification to a minor is subject to the same penalties.
  
  

Zero Tolerance

• Florida has a zero tolerance policy regarding teenage drinking and driving. A blood alcohol level of .02 is grounds for arrest. A first offense will cost you up to $500 in fines, you may be sentenced to jail for up to six months and you will lose you license for one year. A second conviction within fives years of the first, will result in a mandatory 10 day jail sentence and the loss of your license for five years. Violators are also required to attend a substance abuse course and will need to report to a probation officer for a predetermined amount of time.
  
  

Adult Responsibilities

• Adults who knowingly allow minors to consume alcohol in their presence are subject to severe punishment. Any person of legal drinking age who sells or supplies alcohol to minors is responsible for any damages or injuries caused by the intoxicated teen. This law applies to stores, restaurants and bars, along with individual adults. Allowing teenagers to drink at your home or at a location under your supervision will result in a second degree misdemeanor. Penalties include 60 days in jail and fines up to $5,000.