If you’re a teen driver in Florida, there are specific laws and guidelines to remember that will help you stay safe and enjoy driving more.
1. Curfews
If you are 16 years old with a driver’s license, you cannot drive between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM unless you’re traveling to or from work or accompanied by someone 21 or older.
If you are 17 years old with a driver’s license, you cannot drive between 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM unless you’re traveling to or from work or accompanied by someone 21 or older.
If you are driving with a learner’s permit, you may only drive during daylight hours for the first three months. After that, you may drive until 10:00 PM. Drivers with learner’s permits must always be accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old.
2. Driving distracted
Texting is illegal in Florida. The state is considered a “hands-free” state. The official Florida statute regarding texting while driving states:
“A person may not operate a motor vehicle while manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, symbols, or other characters into a wireless communications device or while sending or reading data on such a device for the purpose of nonvoice interpersonal communication, including, but not limited to, communication methods known as texting, e-mailing, and instant messaging.”
There are limited exceptions, such as using a hands-free device, reporting a crime, or responding to an emergency. Even then, it’s best to avoid distractions altogether—especially in school zones or areas requiring extra caution.
Distractions go beyond texting. GPS use, loud music, eating, and conversations with passengers can all take your focus off the road. The key is to stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
Don’t let something as small as dropping a french fry lead to an accident, injury, or worse.
3. Driving under the influence
According to a CDC study, 1 in 5 teen drivers involved in fatal crashes had some alcohol in their system. If you are under 21 and have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02% or higher, your license will be suspended for six months.
Law enforcement can pull you over if they suspect impairment. They don’t need direct proof—probable cause is enough. Refusing a breath test can lead to a license suspension of up to one year.
Beyond legal consequences, the risks are severe. 30% of all traffic fatalities in 2020 were related to alcohol impairment. If you’ve been drinking, don’t drive and don’t get in the car with someone who has.
4. Speeding
From 2015 to 2019, drivers ages 16–19 accounted for more speeding-related traffic fatalities than any other age group—4,930 deaths in total.
Speeding increased during COVID, and it remains a major issue among teen drivers. Some do it for the thrill, others to impress passengers, and some to compete with other drivers. Regardless of the reason, it’s dangerous.
Even going 10 MPH over the speed limit can significantly increase the force of impact in a crash. Speeding often leads to other risky behaviors, including tailgating, aggressive driving, and running traffic signals.
5. School attendance
In Florida, drivers under 18 cannot have more than 15 unexcused absences within a 90-day period. If they do, their driver’s license or learner’s permit can be suspended.
To reinstate driving privileges, the student must attend school for 30 consecutive days. This rule does not apply to drivers who are 18 or older.
