New Florida Driving Laws Taking Effect July 1st
Starting July 1, 2025, several new laws will take effect in the state of Florida. Many of these changes apply to traffic violations, vehicle safety, and DMV regulations, all of which could affect your personal injury case. Before you get behind the wheel, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with these new Florida driving laws.
What is the “Super Speeder” Law?
In 2023, Florida law enforcement issued over 683,000 speeding tickets. Of those, almost 2,600 were clocked going 50 mph or more above the speed limit. To help cut down on dangerous, excessive speeding, lawmakers introduced the “Super Speeder” law, which defines a super speeder as someone who, “exceeds the speed limit by 50 miles per hour (mph) or more, or operates a motor vehicle at 100 mph or more in a manner that threatens the safety of other persons or property or interferes with the operation of any vehicle.”
House Bill 351 requires drivers in violation to attend a mandatory court hearing and imposes the following penalties:
- First offense: Up to 30 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both
- Second offense: Up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both
- Two offenses within five years: One-year driver’s license suspension
If you’re injured in a high-speed crash, this law may support your claims of reckless driving and penalize the at-fault driver.
What New Laws Can Affect Florida Drivers After a Crash?
The Super Speeder law isn’t the only law taking effect. Here’s a look at other changes that may impact your personal injury claim.
HOV Toll Exemptions
Previously, Florida allowed certain energy-efficient vehicles to bypass tolls in high-occupancy vehicle lanes (HOV) with a state-issued decal. Under Senate Bill 1662, this exemption will be discontinued:
- No new decals will be issued after June 30, 2025
- Existing decals are valid for one year from the date of issue
- HOV lanes will return to standard travel lanes
This new law could affect traffic patterns and potentially increase congestion in areas prone to collisions, like express lanes and interchanges.
Highway Camping
Per updated Florida Statute 337.406, the state now prohibits camping on any part of the State Highway System’s right-of-way within 100 feet of:
- Bridges
- Causeways
- Overpasses
- Ramps
While the law is meant to cut down on roadside encampments, it may also help prevent pedestrian-related accidents by keeping these areas clear. If you are involved in such a situation, a pedestrian accident lawyer may be able to prove driver negligence; however, the court may choose to deduct from your compensation if they suspect you contributed to the accident in some way. That said, if you’re found to be in violation of this new law, you could forfeit your recovery entirely.
Unauthorized Vehicle Kill Switches
Kill switches can disable a vehicle’s engine and are designed to prevent theft or unauthorized use. House Bill 1371 now makes it a second-degree misdemeanor to use a kill switch unless you are:
- The vehicle owner
- A law enforcement officer acting to prevent a felony
- Acting on behalf of a manufacturer, leasing agency, or subscription program
Illegal use could result in criminal charges, and if it leads to an accident, it could also influence the outcome of a personal injury case.
What Are The New DMV Changes in Florida?
There have also been changes at the DMV you’ll want to pay attention to. If you break these laws and are involved in a car crash, you could be held liable.
First-Time Driver Education
Under Senate Bill 994, any Floridian aged 18 or older applying for their driver’s license must complete a state-approved driver education course in addition to TLSAE (Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education). This mandatory course covers:
- How alcohol and drugs can affect driving
- Florida-specific traffic laws, including DUI consequences
- Defensive driving and safe driving practices
This new requirement for obtaining a Florida license may help drivers avoid preventable accidents caused by inexperienced teen drivers or drivers who may be impaired.
DMV Scams and Cheating
House Bill 961 addresses several DMV-related issues that have recently been in the headlines. This law states:
- Selling or distributing fake DMV or tax collector appointments is now illegal
- Repeat offenders may face the revocation of limited driver privileges
- Anyone caught cheating on the commercial license or Class E knowledge exam must retake the entire test
These updates hold drivers accountable and support safer roads for everyone.
Lifetime Disabled Parking Permits
House Bill 1411 supports lifetime disabled parking permits for those permanently disabled due to amputation or dismemberment. Disability certificates older than 12 months will still be accepted when replacing an existing placard. This bill also eliminates the requirement for repeated doctor visits or re-application.
Injured in Florida After July 1? Know Your Rights
If you’re hurt in a car accident, pedestrian accident, or other personal injury accident, some of these new laws may directly affect how your case is handled. While they may seem straightforward, navigating them alone can be complicated.
At Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A., our experienced personal injury and car accident lawyers know the ins and outs of these laws and can help you build a case around them with your best interests in mind. Contact us today for your complimentary consultation and discover how we can help protect your right to compensation.
Sources:
New Florida law targets dangerous speeders | WCJB
CS/CS/CS/HB 351 — Dangerous Excessive Speeding | The Florida Senate
CS for CS for CS for SB 1662 | The Florida Senate
Final Bill Analysis | Florida House of Representatives
SB 994: Driver License Education Requirements | The Florida Senate
CS/CS/HB 961: Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles | The Florida Senate
HB 1411 – Lifetime Disabled Parking Permits | Florida House of Representatives
Mr. Fine was born in New York, New York, and was raised in the northeast, where he studied sociology at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. He then graduated with honors from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 1976. In law school, he was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, was inducted into the Order of the Coif, and graduated in the top 10 percent of his class. Mr. Fine was admitted into the Florida Bar in 1976, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida in 1977, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida in 1991, and the United States Court of Appeals 11th Circuit in 1982.