Floridians demand jail time for Tiger Woods, warn judge about his ties to Trump

Floridians are making their voices heard in Tiger Woods’ DUI case — and they are not holding back. Letters are pouring into the Martin County courtroom ahead of the golf legend’s May 12 hearing, with concerned citizens demanding jail time and urging the judge to resist what they fear could be outside pressure tied to Woods’ high-profile friendships, including his well-documented relationship with President Donald Trump.

One of the most pointed letters came from a man who claims to own a prison consulting company in Florida. Filed on May 4, the letter laid out a decade-long pattern of legal troubles, anchored by Woods’ 2017 DUI arrest, when he was found asleep at the wheel with a cocktail of prescription drugs in his system. He ultimately pleaded guilty to reckless driving and avoided jail time.

“This pattern is alarming,” the letter read. “The purpose of sentencing is also deterrence, public safety, accountability, and prevention before someone is killed. This may be one of the last opportunities to stop this pattern before an innocent person is seriously injured or killed on a public roadway.”

The man called on the judge to impose the maximum sentence, writing: “This case gives Martin County an opportunity to show the public that justice is not controlled by celebrity status, wealth, political friendship or public-relations pressure.”

He specifically flagged Woods’ ties to Trump — ties that have been very public. After the crash, Trump called Woods a “very close friend” and expressed his support. Body cam footage from the scene captured Woods telling officers he was “just talking to the president.” Woods is also currently dating Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr.

“The public must know that President Trump, political pressure, and celebrity status will not affect the outcome of a Martin County criminal case,” the letter stated. “This is not about hatred toward Tiger Woods. This is about equal justice and public safety. Mr. Woods has already received leniency in the past.”

A second letter, filed April 28 by a radio personality, was equally blunt. “His drivers licence should be revoked immediately and if he is caught driving again he goes to jail as he is a danger to society,” it read.

Woods was arrested on March 27, 2026, after his Land Rover rolled over on a two-lane road in Jupiter Island, Florida. He was charged with DUI, property damage, and refusal to submit to a lawful test after declining a urinalysis. No injuries were reported. Woods pleaded not guilty and subsequently announced he was seeking treatment.

“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” he wrote in a statement on X, adding that he was “stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health.”

Woods’ legal team has declined to comment.