Tiger Woods Faces New DUI Charges in Florida

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Golf legend Tiger Woods is facing new DUI charges in South Florida, drawing renewed attention to his previous run-in with the law in Palm Beach County in 2017. While the 2017 case involved a mix of prescription drugs in his system, the new charges lack the toxicology evidence that previously played a central role. Authorities also say there is no urine test to show what, if anything, was in Woods' system this time. Additionally, video of Woods at a recent event suggests he may have been limping, which his defense team could use to explain his performance on roadside tests. The contrast between the 2017 and 2021 incidents, where Woods avoided charges despite a serious crash, also adds complexity to the latest case.

Why it matters

Tiger Woods' legal troubles have long been a subject of public interest, and this new DUI case puts the spotlight back on his past run-ins with the law. The differences between the 2017 and current cases could significantly impact the outcome, raising questions about how law enforcement will handle the latest charges without the same toxicology evidence.

The details

In 2017, Woods was found behind the wheel on the side of the road in Palm Beach County, with his car running but stopped. Bodycam footage showed him confused and unsteady, struggling through sobriety tests. While a breath test showed no alcohol, toxicology revealed a mix of prescription drugs in his system. Woods later pleaded guilty to reckless driving, avoiding a DUI conviction through a diversion program. In 2021, Woods was seriously injured in a high-speed crash in California, but authorities found no evidence of alcohol or drugs. Now, the new DUI charges in 2026 lack the toxicology evidence that was central to the 2017 case, and video suggests Woods may have been limping, which could be used by his defense.

• In 2017, Woods was arrested in Palm Beach County in the early morning hours of May 29.
• Woods pleaded guilty to reckless driving and completed a diversion program later in 2017.
• In 2021, Woods was involved in a serious crash in Rolling Hills Estates, California on February 23.
• The new DUI charges against Woods were filed in 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the new DUI case will determine whether the lack of toxicology evidence will impact the prosecution's ability to prove impairment. Woods' defense team may also argue that his apparent physical limitations, as seen in recent video, affected his performance on roadside tests.