Florida supports driving laws. In the Sunshine State, it’s already illegal to drive while texting, but now the state wants to go further. With the goal of further reducing distractions, the state is pushing for a total ban on the use of handheld devices while driving, beyond simply texting. Recently, Senator Erin Grall of Vero Beach, a Republican, said there would be harsher penalties for violators. Infractions range from fines of up to $150 to points being deducted from the driver’s license.
The state began to tighten driving regulations to prevent distractions
Specifically, Senate Bill 1152 would prohibit driving while holding a phone or other communication device, and would require drivers to use wireless or hands-free devices. When smartphones first became popular, texting while driving was commonplace. In fact, some vehicles even came with a built-in phone; it was a standard feature in more modern cars. After a few years, and with the number of accidents on record, the state began to tighten driving regulations to prevent distractions.
First-time offenders face a $150 fine and three points added to their license
In Florida, the penalties for those who disobey the law requiring drivers to put their mobile devices away while driving have already been outlined. First-time offenders face a $150 fine and three points added to their license; second-time offenders face a $250 fine and three points added to their license; and third-time offenders face a $500 fine, four points added to their license, and a 90-day license suspension. The more frequent the offense, the more severe the state’s punishment. Senator Erin Grall also explained that the bill makes it illegal for drivers to hold their phones or keep them in their laps while driving.
People are probably capable of doing two things at the same time, but they won’t do both equally well
Therefore, the line is very fine between those who are texting and those who are glancing at their GPS. According to experts, people are incapable of multitasking. Humans themselves have proven this. They are probably capable of doing two things at the same time, but they won’t do both equally well. In fact, behavioral experts say that people believe they can, but what actually happens is task switching; that is, attention shifts from one activity to another, never both simultaneously. This makes it clear that driving is undervalued. Just because practically everyone has the ability to drive doesn’t mean it’s easy. The risks on the road are real, and a lapse in attention of even a few seconds can end in an accident. That’s why the law aims to raise awareness among drivers.
The bill was introduced in the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions but has not yet been passed
In fact, according to local media, this bill and its penalties were championed by Demetrius Branca, a Tallahassee resident whose teenage son tragically died due to a distracted driver in 2014. Thirty-one other states have already passed similar laws banning portable devices. As explained above, the bill was introduced in the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions but has not yet been passed. Analysts believe Senate Bill 1152 should be approved this year.
To prevent truly horrific situations the law is being made even more stringent
The stricter regulations aim to make drivers more aware of the dangers behind the wheel. Not only is it illegal to drive with excessive blood alcohol levels or in a state of extreme exhaustion, but it’s also illegal to drive while using a smartphone. A law enforcement officer simply can’t tell if the driver is using GPS, texting, or watching Netflix. To prevent truly horrific situations (remember, reality is often stranger than fiction), the law is being made even more stringent.