Tiger Woods’ refusal to take a urine test following his recent rollover crash can be prosecuted under a change to Florida law last year.
over the years, is charged with driving under the influence, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. Under the change to Florida law, refusing a law enforcement officer’s request to take a breath, blood or urine test became a misdemeanor, even for a first offense.
Refusal was previously only prosecuted if a driver had refused to take a test during a prior incident — which incentivized people facing DUI charges to refuse the test. “Now, it doesn’t matter if you refused previously or not,” said David Hill, an Orlando defense attorney who isn’t involved in Woods’ case.Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek told reporters that Woods was cooperative when he talked to investigators after the accident but that he chose his words carefully.Woods had a right to refuse the test, but as a result, he was charged under the new Florida statute, the sheriff said. “We will never get definitive results about what he was impaired on at the time of the crash,” Budensiek said. Still, prosecutors can draw on other evidence to build their case even if they don’t have any lab results, which could have determined which drugs, if any, he had in his system, Hill said. Deputies performed roadside tests on Woods that seemed to show he was impaired, the sheriff said. Any bodycam video or testimony from the deputies indicating that the golfer had red or bloodshot eyes, displayed slurred speech or smelled like he had been using drugs or alcohol could bolster prosecutors’ cases, according to Hill.“It’s kind of our bread and butter if there’s nothing scientific, no breath results or urine results to look at,” Hill said.In Florida, Woods would have had a good chance of getting his case dismissed if he hadn’t clipped the other vehicle or if it had been his first offense. First-timers who aren’t involved in an accident are often allowed to go through a diversion program involving education and community service that results in the charges being dismissed. Prosecutors also regularly allow first-time DUI offenders to plead to the lesser charge of reckless driving, Hill said. But Woods was arrested in 2017 for a DUI. At the time, Woods said he had taken a bad mix of painkillers when authorities found him asleep behind the wheel of his car, the engine still running and its driver’s side damaged. Woods pleaded guilty to reckless driving. “If the person has priors or the case is aggravated for some reason, the prosecutor might be pushing for jail. And those are cases that generally go to trial,” Hill said.@mikeysid.bsky.socialCopyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.▶Fake Instagram account created by high school students leads to former DCPS police officer’s arrestThe Jags are about to get a new 'home away from home' for 2027Woman found fatally shot in front yard of home on Jacksonville’s WestsideLawmakers hope new law spurs affordable housing, but some say it weakens local government control‘Crash zone’: Northside neighbors demand action on dangerous curveWoman found fatally shot in front yard of home on Jacksonville’s WestsideMeet our March Positively JAX winner: Waste Not Florida 💙♻️▶Florida court shuts down online gift card business based in Ponte Vedra, imposes over $800K in finesCashless touchscreens replace parking kiosks in downtown St. AugustineDNA test connects Clay County Navy veteran to WWII POW missing for over 80 yearsLoved ones say farewell to 23-year-old JFRD engineer who died in crashSt. Augustine replacing downtown parking kiosks with cashless touchscreensLoved ones mourn Jacksonville father of 4 killed in apartment shootingHundreds participate in Jacksonville ‘No Kings’ rally against Trump administration1:02Flagler College students protest housing policy as seniors cite affordability, availability concernsFlagler College students protest housing policy as seniors cite affordability, availability concernsIt's a great day for Jumbo Shrimp baseball! Join us tonight for the home opening weekendGAME DAY ⚾🦐 The defending Triple-A National Champion Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp returnDuval County schools warns families about unsanctioned ‘senior skip day’ at Jacksonville BeachShould an HOA or property management company be required to post parking rules for visitors?240 new affordable housing units are for ‘people who keep this city running,’ councilman saysFights erupt at Palatka Junior-Senior High after field trip focused on mental healthThe Block Jax owner continues working on parking solutions ahead of busy sports weekendMother of teen punched during arrest says officer went too farSlow down & move over: Ride-along with JSO traffic patrol drives home important safety reminders
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