Florida drivers, take note. Several new driving laws went into effect on July 1, 2025, and they could impact everything from how you use your phone behind the wheel to how your teen gets a driver’s license.
1. No More Phones in Hand, Period
Florida’s hands-free law just got stricter. While it was already illegal to text and drive, the updated statute now prohibits holding a cell phone for any reason while driving, not just in school or construction zones. That means:
Penalties
Violators can face fines from $30 - $60 and as much as 3 points on their license, even for a first offense. And if an accident happens while you're holding a phone, it could be considered negligence, strengthening potential claims against you.
* If there is a wreck with injury or death involved, the statute permits obtaining cell phone records to determine if the law was violated.
- no phone calls while holding the phone while driving
- no scrolling social media at red lights
- no holding your phone for GPS directions
- no recording video or taking photos while driving
Penalties
Violators can face fines from $30 - $60 and as much as 3 points on their license, even for a first offense. And if an accident happens while you're holding a phone, it could be considered negligence, strengthening potential claims against you.
* If there is a wreck with injury or death involved, the statute permits obtaining cell phone records to determine if the law was violated.
2. Florida's "Super Speeder" Law Has Changed
The new law targets extreme speeding, similar to laws in Georgia. So now, if you're caught driving 30 MPH over the speed limit or faster, you could face:
This law specifically aims to crack down on the kind of reckless speeding that often results in catastrophic injuries. And to show you how serious law enforcement agencies are about these cracking down, the first arrest under this law occurred just minutes after midnight on July 1 when a driver was caught driving over 100 MPH on I‑4.
- additional fines starting at $250 and up to $500
- up to 30 days in jail
- a mandatory court appearance
- higher insurance premiums
- possible license suspension for repeat offenses
This law specifically aims to crack down on the kind of reckless speeding that often results in catastrophic injuries. And to show you how serious law enforcement agencies are about these cracking down, the first arrest under this law occurred just minutes after midnight on July 1 when a driver was caught driving over 100 MPH on I‑4.
3. New Driver’s Ed Requirements for Teens
Teens ages 15-17 applying for a learner’s permit or driver’s license now have to meet enhanced education standards apart from simply taking the old TLSAE class:
* Florida Virtual School is offering free online driver ed to meet demand.
- completion of an approved driver education course (in-person or online) is mandatory
- new curriculum now includes education on distracted driving, pedestrian safety, and DUI prevention
- a parent or guardian certification of supervised driving hours is required, with penalties for falsifying records
- to get a license he or she must hold a learner’s permit for 12 months or until age 18
* Florida Virtual School is offering free online driver ed to meet demand.
Why This Matters for Accident Victims
These updates aren’t just about avoiding tickets, they affect who’s at fault in a crash and what legal options are available to injury victims. For example:
- a driver holding a phone at the time of impact may now have a tougher time defending against negligence claims
- excessive speeding is easier to prove as reckless behavior
- teens involved in accidents will be held to stricter standards, especially if driver’s ed was skipped or faked
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a crash, contact Wilkes & Mee today for a free case review. Our Jacksonville car accident lawyers will walk you through your options and help you understand how these new laws might affect your claim.