Tiger Woods Arrested for DUI After Rollover Crash in Florida
The 50-year-old golf legend was arrested Friday afternoon in Jupiter Island after his Land Rover clipped a trailer and rolled over on a narrow two-lane road. His breathalyzer registered 0.00, but deputies determined he was impaired — believed to be from medication. He was released from jail late Friday night.
What Happened
At approximately 2 p.m. ET on Friday, March 27, 2026, a two-vehicle crash occurred in the 280 block of South Beach Road on Jupiter Island, Florida, according to the Martin County Sheriff's Office. A truck pulling a pressure-cleaning trailer was traveling north and slowing to turn into a driveway when a Land Rover driven by Woods approached from behind at high speed, according to authorities.
The Land Rover attempted to pass the truck, clipping the rear of the trailer. The impact caused the SUV to tip onto its driver's side and slide along the road before coming to a stop. Woods crawled out through the passenger door. No injuries were reported — neither Woods nor the truck driver required medical treatment, according to the Martin County Sheriff's Office.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said at a press conference Friday afternoon that Woods exhibited signs of impairment at the scene and was arrested. Budensiek noted the road is a narrow, two-lane roadway with a 30 mph speed limit and that the crash could have been far more serious had oncoming traffic been present.
The Charges
According to the Martin County Sheriff's Office, Woods was charged with:
- Driving under the influence with property damage (misdemeanor)
- Refusal to submit to a lawful test (misdemeanor)
Woods agreed to take a breathalyzer test, which showed a blood alcohol content of 0.00, indicating no alcohol in his system, according to authorities. He refused to take a urine test, which is used to detect drugs or medication. Deputies said they believe impairment may have been caused by medication, though no substances were found in the vehicle.
Under Florida law, a first DUI conviction carries imprisonment of up to six months and a fine of up to $1,000. A first refusal to submit to a lawful test is punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine, according to Florida statute.
Woods was transported to the Martin County Jail in Stuart, Florida, where Florida law required he be held for a minimum of eight hours. He was released late Friday, with local television station WPBF photographing him leaving the jail in the passenger seat of a vehicle at approximately 11:15 p.m. ET, according to USA Today.
Woods' Prior Incidents
This is not the first time Woods has faced legal or physical consequences behind the wheel. In May 2017, Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Jupiter, Florida. According to the incident report at the time, he was found asleep in his vehicle and had to be woken up. He was later released on his own recognizance and issued a public statement apologizing to his family, friends, and fans.
In February 2021, Woods was seriously injured in a rollover crash in the Rancho Palos Verdes area of Southern California. The 2021 Genesis GV80 he was driving was found several feet from the center divider in an area authorities described as having a "high-frequency" of accidents. Authorities said at the time there was no "evidence of impairment" and that the wreck was "purely an accident." Following that crash, Woods underwent extensive rehabilitation, telling Golf Digest that recovery included three months in a hospital-type bed at his home.
Woods' Current Status in Golf
At the time of the crash, Woods, 50, had recently indicated that playing in the 2026 Masters was a possibility as he continued recovering from an Achilles injury and back surgery, according to USA Today. On March 24, just three days before the crash, Woods played in the TGL Finals at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters during a media availability in Miami on Friday, described Woods as "a close friend" and said he felt "so badly." Trump said he had limited information about the incident, adding that Woods was "an amazing person, amazing man." Trump had previously said on Fox News on Thursday that Woods would not be playing at the 2026 Masters.
Mark Steinberg, Woods' longtime agent, did not immediately respond to requests for comment from multiple outlets. ABC News said it reached out to Woods' representatives for comment as of the time of publication.
What Comes Next
Woods faces two misdemeanor charges. The case will proceed through Florida's court system. His prior 2017 DUI in Jupiter, Florida was resolved when Woods entered a diversion program — he pleaded guilty to reckless driving and was sentenced to probation, fines, and community service, according to court records reported at the time by ESPN.
No court date for the March 27 charges had been announced as of publication time.