Driving Laws In Florida (2026): Rules That Could Cost You Big

Most people think they know the rules of the road. They don’t.

Florida’s driving laws changed dramatically in 2025, and some of these updates are catching drivers completely off guard. We’re talking new criminal charges for speeding. Stricter DUI penalties. Even laws about driving through flooded streets.

Here’s the deal. You could be breaking laws you don’t even know exist. And the penalties? They’re steeper than ever. Let’s break down exactly what you need to know to stay safe and legal on Florida roads.

What Makes Florida’s Driving Laws Different?

Florida takes driving violations seriously. Very seriously.

The state handles millions of tourists every year. Add that to residents, and you’ve got some of the busiest roads in America. That’s why Florida lawmakers keep updating the rules to make roads safer.

Some laws apply everywhere in the state. Others only kick in at certain times or places. School zones, construction areas, and flooded streets all have special rules.

Okay… this one’s important. Many violations that used to be simple traffic tickets are now criminal offenses. That means jail time, not just fines.

Basic Speed Limits and the New Super Speeder Law

Speed limits in Florida seem straightforward. Highways can go up to 70 mph in some areas. Residential streets are typically 30 mph. School zones drop to 20 mph when kids are around.

But wait, it gets more serious.

Starting July 1, 2025, Florida introduced what people call the “Super Speeder Law.” This law completely changed the game for fast drivers. Driving 50 mph or more over the speed limit or 100 mph or more in a reckless manner now counts as a second-degree misdemeanor, not just a traffic ticket.

Let’s be clear about what this means. If you’re caught going 100 mph on the highway, you’re facing criminal charges. Same if you’re doing 80 in a 30 mph zone.

Here are the penalties:

First offense means up to 60 days in jail. You’ll also pay between $1,000 and $5,000 in fines. Your license gets suspended for 30 days to one year.

Second offense within five years? That’s up to 90 days in jail. Fines jump to $1,000. License suspension lasts 180 days to one year. And here’s the kicker: court appearance is mandatory.

This isn’t a ticket you can just pay online. You’ll be standing in front of a judge. With a permanent criminal record on the line.

Wondering if this applies to you? If you’ve ever pushed your speedometer past 100, yes it does. Many people assume highway speeds are lenient. They find out the hard way. Don’t be one of them.

The HALO Law: Keep Your Distance from First Responders

Starting January 1, 2025, Florida introduced something new called the HALO Law. It’s basically the Move Over Law on steroids.

You probably know about the Move Over Law already. When you see emergency vehicles on the side of the road with lights flashing, you change lanes. If you can’t change lanes, you slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit.

The HALO Law takes this further. Much further.

It establishes a mandatory 25-foot buffer zone around first responders, such as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, tow truck operators, and utility workers. This applies everywhere. Highways, parking lots, even sidewalks.

If a first responder verbally tells you to back off, you must comply immediately. Period.

The penalties aren’t published yet, but law enforcement is watching closely. This law protects people doing dangerous jobs on the roadside. Take it seriously.

Cell Phone and Distracted Driving Rules

Florida’s cell phone laws are getting stricter. Right now, texting while driving is illegal as a primary offense. That means cops can pull you over just for texting.

But hold on, this part is important.

In school zones and work zones with active personnel, you cannot use your phone at all in a handheld manner. You must use hands-free technology.

Starting July 1, 2025, penalties in these zones got much harsher:

First offense in a school or work zone brings a $500 civil penalty. Second offense means $1,000 fine plus six-month license suspension. Third offense also costs $1,000 plus one-year license suspension.

Outside of school and work zones, you can still make phone calls while holding your phone. You can use GPS. But you cannot manually type messages or scroll through apps.

Sound complicated? It’s actually not. Just put your phone down while driving. Use Bluetooth. Let your passenger handle navigation. Simple!

Lawmakers tried passing a full hands-free law in 2025. It didn’t pass yet, but it might come back. The message is clear: Florida wants phones out of drivers’ hands.

DUI Laws: Zero Tolerance Gets Stricter

Florida DUI laws were already tough. Then October 1, 2025 rolled around with even stricter penalties.

Here’s the basic rule: Under Florida law, Driving Under the Influence of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances is one offense, proved by impairment of normal faculties or an unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of .08 or above.

For drivers under 21, the limit drops to .02%. That’s Florida’s zero tolerance policy. One drink can put you over the limit.

Commercial drivers face a .04% limit when operating commercial vehicles.

Now, here’s where it gets serious.

Refusing a breathalyzer test used to be just an administrative violation on your first refusal. Not anymore. A first refusal to submit to a lawful breath or urine test will now be a second-degree misdemeanor which can include jail time, fines, and a criminal record.

Let’s talk about penalties for DUI convictions:

First offense with BAC under .15% costs $500 to $1,000 in fines. You’ll serve up to six months in jail. License suspension lasts six months to one year. If blood/breath alcohol level was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, fines increase to not less than $1,000 or more than $2,000.

Second offense brings $1,000 to $2,000 in fines. Jail time can reach nine months. License gets suspended for five years.

Third conviction within 10 years becomes a third-degree felony. You’re looking at $2,000 to $5,000 in fines. Up to five years in prison.

DUI causing death is now treated even more harshly. A second or subsequent conviction for DUI or BUI manslaughter, or vehicular homicide or vessel homicide, is now classified as a first-degree felony with a maximum sentence of 30 years.

These penalties apply to boats too. Florida doesn’t mess around with boating under the influence.

Honestly, this is the part most people miss. Insurance costs will skyrocket. You’ll need FR-44 insurance for three years, which typically costs way more than regular insurance. Many jobs won’t hire you with a DUI on your record.

The bottom line? Don’t drink and drive. Ever. Call an Uber. Get a designated driver. Sleep on your friend’s couch. Whatever it takes.

Seatbelt and Child Restraint Laws

Florida requires everyone to buckle up. Well, almost everyone.

Florida law requires the use of seat belts or child restraint devices by drivers of motor vehicles, all front seat passengers, and all children riding in a vehicle under 18.

Back seat passengers over 18 aren’t legally required to wear seatbelts. But seriously, wear them anyway. They save lives.

Child restraint laws are specific:

Ages 0-3 must be in a separate carrier or integrated child seat. These need to be federally approved and crash-tested.

Ages 4-5 must use a separate carrier, integrated child seat, or booster seat. Again, everything must be federally approved.

Ages 6 and up need to wear regular seatbelts. Safety experts recommend kids under 13 stay in the back seat.

Violations cost $30 for unbuckled adults. $60 for unbuckled minors. Plus you’ll get three points on your license for child restraint violations.

Not sure what counts as proper restraint? Here’s a simple test. Can the child sit with their back against the seat? Do their knees bend at the edge of the seat? Does the lap belt sit across their hips, not stomach? Does the shoulder belt cross their chest, not neck?

If you answered no to any of these, your child probably needs a booster seat still.

Most kids aren’t ready for regular seatbelts until they’re 10 to 12 years old. The law says one thing. Physics says another. Follow both.

The No-Wake Law for Flooded Streets

This one surprised me when I first heard about it. Florida now has a law about driving through flooded streets.

Florida’s “no-wake law” officially became active on July 1, 2025. It outlaws driving fast enough through flooded streets to generate large wakes that splash onto homes, yards, sidewalks, or other property.

Local cities and counties can designate no-wake zones on flooded roads. Drive too fast through them, and you’ll get a ticket.

Officers will determine violations based on vehicle speed, road conditions, posted warnings, and the size of the wake splashing onto nearby property—though only violations witnessed by an officer can result in a ticket; video evidence alone isn’t enough.

This law came from communities in Pinellas County. Shore Acres, Riviera Bay, and other neighborhoods got tired of drivers speeding through floodwater and damaging homes.

Makes sense, right? Your rush home shouldn’t flood someone’s living room.

Special Rules for Teen Drivers

If you’re between 15 and 17, getting your license got harder in 2025.

Starting July 1st, 2025, all teen drivers between 15 and 17 years old are required to complete an official driver’s education course. Not just that short TLSAE course from years past. This is the full classroom shebang.

The old four-hour drug and alcohol course isn’t enough anymore. Now teens must complete a full driver education course. It covers driving laws, risk management, safe practices, and distracted driving.

Teens also need vision and hearing screenings before getting their permits. Then they must pass the Class E knowledge exam.

Once you have your learner’s permit, you need to hold it for at least 12 months before applying for a regular license. During that time, practice with a licensed adult who’s at least 21.

It sounds like a lot. And yeah, it is. But Florida lawmakers believe better training means safer teen drivers.

Parents, this affects you too. Make sure your teen completes an approved course. Don’t try cutting corners. The requirements are strict for a reason.

Work Zones and School Zones

Work zones and school zones have special rules. Break them, and penalties double.

In active work zones with personnel present, you cannot use handheld devices at all. Speeding fines increase. Law enforcement watches these areas closely.

School zones drop the speed limit to 20 mph when lights are flashing. This typically happens before school starts and right after school ends.

School zones remain with a strict 20 mph speed limit, however the penalties for violations have risen. Enforcement has gotten much stricter too.

If you’re caught speeding through a school zone, expect big fines. Courts don’t go easy on drivers who endanger kids.

Same goes for construction zones. Workers’ lives are at stake. Slow down. Put your phone away. Pay attention.

What Happens When You Break These Laws

Consequences depend on what you did wrong. Minor violations bring fines and points on your license. Major violations can mean jail time and permanent criminal records.

Points on your license add up fast. Get too many, and your license gets suspended. Insurance rates will jump too.

Criminal convictions are permanent in Florida. You cannot seal or expunge a DUI from your record. Ever. That stays with you for 75 years.

Some violations now require mandatory court appearances. You can’t just pay the fine online and move on. You’ll stand before a judge and explain yourself.

Honestly, most people don’t realize how strict Florida has become. The state isn’t playing around anymore. One bad decision can affect your life for years.

How to Protect Yourself

Stay informed about current laws. They change regularly.

Never drive impaired. Not after one drink. Not after medications that say “do not operate machinery.” Not when you’re exhausted. Just don’t.

Put your phone away before you start driving. Toss it in the back seat if you have to. Out of reach means out of temptation.

Buckle up every single time. Make sure everyone in your car does too. It takes two seconds and could save your life.

Keep your car maintained. Broken brake lights or expired registration can lead to traffic stops. Then officers might notice other violations.

If you do get pulled over, be polite. Don’t argue with the officer. Answer questions respectfully. Save your defense for court if needed.

Consider getting legal help for serious violations. A traffic attorney knows the system and can sometimes reduce penalties or get charges dropped.

When You Need Legal Help

Not every traffic ticket needs a lawyer. But criminal charges? Those definitely do.

If you’re facing DUI charges, get an attorney immediately. The penalties are too severe to handle alone. Time is critical in DUI cases.

Super speeder violations need legal help too. These are criminal charges with potential jail time. Don’t try defending yourself.

Multiple violations or license suspension also warrant legal advice. An experienced attorney can often work out better outcomes than you’d get on your own.

Many traffic lawyers offer free consultations. Take advantage of that. At minimum, you’ll understand your options better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use GPS on my phone while driving in Florida?

Yes, you can use GPS while driving. But it must be hands-free in school and work zones. Best practice is to set your route before you start driving.

What happens if I’m visiting Florida and break a driving law?

You’re subject to the same laws as Florida residents. Out-of-state plates don’t give you a pass. Violations can affect your home state license too.

Do these laws apply on private property?

Most traffic laws only apply on public roads. But DUI laws can apply anywhere you operate a vehicle, including parking lots.

Can police pull me over just for suspecting I’m texting?

Yes. Texting while driving is a primary offense. Officers don’t need another reason to stop you if they see you texting.

How long do points stay on my Florida driving record?

Points remain for three to five years, depending on the violation. But the actual conviction stays on your record for 75 years.

Final Thoughts

Florida’s driving laws changed a lot in 2025. More violations are criminal offenses now. Penalties are harsher. Enforcement is stricter.

The goal isn’t to trap drivers. It’s to save lives. Florida’s roads are dangerous. Tourists, heavy traffic, and bad weather create constant risks.

Know the rules. Follow them every time you drive. One moment of carelessness can change everything.

Stay safe out there. Drive responsibly. And when in doubt, slow down and put that phone away.

Driving Laws in Florida (2026): Rules That Could Cost You Big