Florida drivers should be aware of several changes that went into effect on July 1, 2025. While some updates are aimed at general safety, others can directly affect how fault is evaluated after a crash.
1. Hands-free phone law
Florida’s distracted driving law has expanded. It was already illegal to text and drive, but the updated rule goes further by restricting handheld phone use while driving.
Under the new law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone for activities such as:
- making calls while holding the device
- scrolling social media
- using GPS while physically holding the phone
- recording video or taking photos
Hands-free use, such as Bluetooth or mounted devices, is still permitted.
Penalties
Violations can result in fines and points on your license. More importantly, if a crash occurs while a driver is holding a phone, that behavior may be used as evidence of negligence.
In serious accidents involving injury or death, investigators may also obtain phone records to determine whether the law was violated at the time of the crash.
2. “Super speeder” law
Florida has introduced stricter penalties for extreme speeding. Drivers going 30 miles per hour or more over the speed limit may face:
- fines ranging from $250 to $500
- a mandatory court appearance
- possible jail time (up to 30 days)
- higher insurance premiums
- license consequences for repeat offenses
This law targets high-speed driving that often leads to severe or fatal crashes. Enforcement has already been aggressive, with arrests occurring immediately after the law took effect.
3. New requirements for teen drivers
Teen drivers between ages 15 and 17 now face stricter requirements before getting a license.
These include:
- completion of an approved driver education course
- updated instruction on distracted driving, pedestrian safety, and DUI prevention
- parent or guardian certification of supervised driving hours
- holding a learner’s permit for at least 12 months or until age 18
These changes are meant to improve safety, but they also raise expectations for new drivers. Failing to meet these standards can become an issue in accident cases involving younger drivers.
Why this matters for accident claims
These laws are not just about avoiding tickets. They can directly affect how fault is analyzed after a crash.
For example:
- a driver holding a phone at the time of impact may face stronger negligence claims
- extreme speeding is easier to frame as reckless behavior
- teen drivers may be held to stricter standards based on training requirements
When these factors are present, they can influence both insurance decisions and potential legal claims.