Florida, apart from being known for its sunny and sometimes hurricane-prone climate, is also characterized by its vast highways and high traffic volume. So much so that the number of road accidents is somewhat alarming. The state has reported 339,038 accidents in the last year, of which 218,969 resulted in serious injuries. It is normal for the authorities to be concerned: Florida’s traffic fatality rate is estimated at 15.9 people per 100,000, considerably higher than the national average.
That is why between 2025 and 2026, a major change will be made to the penalty system. From now on, the way people drive in this state will change forever.
The “Tough Love” Laws That Are Already in Effect
The stricter changes that convert what were previously civil fines into criminal offenses have been law since 2025. The most controversial law is HB 351 (which came into effect on July 1, 2025), known as the dangerous speeding law.
In reality, most speeding violations were only civil fines handled by mail. However, as of this summer 2025, driving 50 or more miles per hour over the speed limit becomes a criminal offense. Driving 100 miles per hour or more in any zone is considered a threat to safety, with a mandatory court appearance. Drivers will face fines of up to $1,000 in civil penalties and jail time—up to 90 days for repeat offenders—in addition to a criminal record.
Another significant change was the hit-and-run law, formally known as HB 479. The law, which took effect on October 1, 2025, strengthens protections for victims. Now, courts have the explicit authority to order the at-fault driver to pay full restitution for any property damage caused in the traffic accident. This ensures that victims receive compensation for vehicle repairs or damaged property.
HB 253 combats identity theft from camera evasion by prohibiting the use and sale of any device designed to conceal license plates from traffic cameras, such as tinted covers and special reflective sprays.
Finally (at least in 2025), the “Move Over” Law was expanded: as of July 1 of this year, drivers must change lanes—or drastically reduce speed—when passing any vehicle stopped on the shoulder of the road with its emergency lights on, not just emergency or service vehicles.
Florida Traffic Reform for 2026
This year’s legislation will focus primarily on technological implementation and administrative modernization. To this end, HB 521 and SB 654 have been signed into law. These three bills focus primarily on the regulation of traffic violation detectors. The law requires that any ticket issued by an automatic detector must be accompanied by a clear photograph or image of the violation. Yes, the authorities will have irrefutable evidence, which will limit the margin of error.
In addition to cameras, efforts are also being made to modernize vehicle procedures. HB 961, for example, seeks to streamline the issuance of vehicle titles digitally and decentralize the distribution of license plates. Its goal is to alleviate the endless queues that form at the FLHSMV…at least starting in 2026.
So remember next time you head up to the Sunny State, the time for running wild on the highway is over, you better watch out for the speed limit from now onward!
FAQs
What do you mean that “Speeding” is a criminal offense now?
If a driver is caught driving 50+ mph over the limit or 100+ mph or more, the driver faces criminal charges (misdemeanor). This involves a mandatory court appearance and not just a fine in the mail. Penalties can include fines of up to $1,000 and potentially jail time.
What changes with traffic cameras (violation detectors)?
The 2026 bills (HB 521/SB 654) seek to regulate their use—to protect the driver, not the police. The proposal requires that any ticket issued by an automated detector be accompanied by a clear photograph or image of the violation committed. No evidence, no ticket!