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florida cracks Down on Super Speeders: New Law Imposes Harsher Penalties
Table of Contents
- 1. florida cracks Down on Super Speeders: New Law Imposes Harsher Penalties
- 2. The specifics of House Bill 351
- 3. Key Components of HB 351
- 4. ## Summary of florida Speeding & Reckless Driving Information
- 5. Florida Speeding Law: Fines & Jail Time – Your Extensive Guide
- 6. Understanding Florida’s Speeding Laws
- 7. Defining Speeding Violations
- 8. Speeding Ticket Fines in Florida
- 9. Fine Structure Breakdown
- 10. Examples of Speeding Ticket Costs
- 11. Potential Jail Time for Speeding in Florida
- 12. When is Jail Time a possibility?
- 13. Consequences of Reckless Driving
- 14. Points on your Florida Driving Record
- 15. Point System Explained
- 16. License Suspension Thresholds
- 17. Impact on Insurance
- 18. How to Handle a Florida Speeding ticket
- 19. Paying the Ticket
- 20. Attending Traffic School
- 21. Fighting the Ticket
- 22. What to Do if You Plan to Fight the Ticket
- 23. Speeding Laws in Special Zones
- 24. School Zones
- 25. Construction Zones
- 26. Tips for Avoiding Speeding Tickets in Florida
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Just in time for the busy summer travel season, Florida has implemented stricter penalties for what it’s calling “super speeders.” Thes new regulations, effective July 1, 2025, include meaningful fines, potential jail time, and driver’s license revocation for those caught driving at dangerously excessive speeds.
Dashcam video of Blue Ferrari speed racing incident on I-75
The exotic car was pulled over after speeding at 148 mph in a posted 70 mph zone on northbound Interstate 75 on Saturday, Feb. 22.
Provided by Florida Highway Patrol via Instagram
- Florida’s new “dangerous excessive speeding” law imposes harsher penalties for drivers exceeding speed limits by 50 mph or more, or driving 100 mph or more recklessly.
- Penalties include fines up to $1,000, jail time up to 90 days, and license revocation for repeat offenders.
- Drivers exceeding the speed limit by 50+ mph are now required to appear in court.
The specifics of House Bill 351
House Bill 351, championed by Representative Susan Plasencia (R-Winter Park), establishes a new criminal offense known as “dangerous excessive speeding”. This applies to anyone exceeding the speed limit by 50 mph or more, or driving at 100 mph or more in a reckless manner threatening the safety of others.
A conviction for dangerous excessive speeding carries a potential $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail, or both. Repeat offenders face even stiffer penalties, including up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.
Moreover, anyone caught committing this offense within five years of a prior conviction will have their driver’s license revoked for a minimum of six months.
Adding to the severity, drivers exceeding the speed limit by 50 mph or more will now be required to appear in court. This eliminates the option of simply paying a fine, mandating a formal legal process.
Law enforcement officers are also granted the discretion to impose additional fines for drivers exceeding the posted limit by 30 mph or 50 mph, providing them with greater flexibility in addressing speeding violations.
Key Components of HB 351
Here’s a breakdown of what House Bill 351, regarding traffic infractions, entails:
- creates The Crime: Defines “dangerous excessive speeding” as operating a vehicle:
- In excess of the speed limit by 50 mph or more.
- At 100 mph or more in a manner that threatens the safety of other persons or property.
- Penalties For Dangerous Excessive Speeding:
- First Conviction: Imprisonment for up to 30 days or a fine of $500, or both.
- Second or Subsequent Conviction: Imprisonment for up to 90 days or a fine of $1,000, or both.
- Repeat Offenders: Convictions within five years of a prior conviction will result in driver’s license revocation for at least 180 days (but not more then one year).
- Mandatory Court Appearance: requires a mandatory hearing before a court official for anyone driving more than 50 mph over the speed limit.
- Officer Discretion: Allows law enforcement officers to decide the appropriate civil penalty for anyone driving more than 30 mph or 50 mph over the limit.
| Speed Over Limit | Typical Fine Range | Points assessed |
|---|---|---|
| 1-15 mph | $100 – $200 + Court Fees | 3 points |
| 16-19 mph | $150 – $300 + Court fees | 4 points |
| 20+ mph | $200 – $500 + Court Fees | 6 points, Potential License Suspension |
Note: These figures are estimates and can vary depending on the county and specific circumstances. Always consult with official sources like the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) or a traffic ticket attorney for exact figures. Remember to include court fees,as these costs are attached to every traffic citation.
Potential Jail Time for Speeding in Florida
While it might seem surprising, jail time for speeding in Florida is possible, especially in cases of excessive speed or reckless driving. The severity of the speeding violation and any aggravating factors influence whether or not jail time is absolutely possible.
When is Jail Time a possibility?
The chances of jail time increase when other violations are present.
- Excessive Speeding: Driving significantly over the speed limit (e.g., 30+ mph over) can be considered reckless driving, a criminal offense.
- Reckless Driving: Combining speeding with other perilous behaviors (e.g., aggressive driving, weaving through traffic) can lead to criminal charges and jail time.
- Prior Offenses: A history of speeding convictions can influence a judge’s decision,potentially resulting in harsher penalties.
- Aggravated Speeding: This term is often linked to instances of dangerously high speeds.
Consequences of Reckless Driving
If you are charged with reckless driving, here’s what could happen:
- Jail Time: Up to 90 days for a first offense, longer for subsequent offenses.
- Fines: Substantial fines, significantly higher than speeding ticket fines.
- License Suspension: The court’s discretion will be the deciding factor.
- Criminal record: A reckless driving conviction becomes part of your permanent criminal record, which can have serious consequences in many aspects of everyday life.
Points on your Florida Driving Record
A speeding ticket in Florida doesn’t only mean paying a fine and possibly dealing with a court appearance. It is important to know about points. Points are assessed against your driving record for each moving violation. When you accumulate too many points within a certain timeframe, your driver’s license can be suspended. Understanding the point system is crucial for protecting your driving privileges.
Point System Explained
The number of points assigned varies depending on the severity of the speeding violation. Here’s how the point system works.
- 3 points: For speeding 1-15 mph over the limit
- 4 points: For speeding 16-19 mph over the limit
- 6 points: For speeding 20+ mph over the limit.
License Suspension Thresholds
Knowing the points threshold is key to avoiding license suspension.
- 12 points within 12 months: License suspension
- 18 points within 18 months: License suspension
Impact on Insurance
Points on your driving record can affect your car insurance rates.An increase in points frequently enough leads to higher premiums. Repeat offenses can even cause your insurance policy to be canceled.
How to Handle a Florida Speeding ticket
If you receive a speeding ticket in Florida, you have several options. You can choose to pay the fine, attend traffic school, or fight the ticket, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Paying the Ticket
- Advantages: Quick and easy, avoids court appearances.
- Disadvantages: Points assessed on your driving record, potential for increased insurance premiums.
Attending Traffic School
Taking a traffic school course can sometimes help you avoid points on your license if you’re a first-time offender or meet specific eligibility requirements. Always check eligibility rules, as it varies by state and driving history.
- Advantages: Avoids points (in some cases), keeps insurance rates lower.
- Disadvantages: Requires time and effort to complete the course, may incur additional costs.
Fighting the Ticket
Challenging your speeding ticket can sometimes result in it being dismissed or reduced. This depends on what evidence you might have.
- Advantages: Potential for the ticket to be dismissed, avoid points and associated penalties.
- Disadvantages: Requires more time and effort, involves court appearance (in some cases), and legal fees may apply.
What to Do if You Plan to Fight the Ticket
If you are planning to fight your ticket, take these steps:
- Gather Evidence: Collect any evidence that supports your case, such as photos of the road, a statement from a passenger, or calibration records of the radar/laser device.
- Hire an Attorney: A traffic ticket attorney can evaluate your case, navigate the legal process, and represent you in court. Get legal help to help protect your rights and driving privileges.
- Arrive on Time: Attend all court appearances or hearings promptly.
Speeding Laws in Special Zones
Always pay close attention to speed limits in specific zones.These laws are in place to protect vulnerable road users, such as school zones and construction zones, offering many reasons to watch your speed.
School Zones
- reduced Speed Limits: Speed limits are significantly reduced during school hours.
- Increased Fines: Fines are usually higher for all violations in school zones.
Construction Zones
- Reduced Speed Limits: Reduced speed limits are enforced in such zones,with fines that are often doubled.
- Worker Safety: They’re in place to protect construction workers and drivers.
Tips for Avoiding Speeding Tickets in Florida
The best way to stay safe and avoid tickets is by following these tips.
- Know the Speed Limits: Be aware of the posted speed limits in all areas.
- Use a Cruise Control: Helps to maintain a steady speed on highways.
- Pay Attention: Always be attentive to road conditions, traffic, and speed limit signs.
- Avoid Distractions: Minimize distractions such as cell phones, eating, and other activities that take your focus away from driving.
