Starting July 1, 2025, Florida drivers who hit dangerously high speeds could face criminal charges under a newly created law, Section 316.1922, Florida Statutes. This law marks a shift in how the state treats the most egregious forms of speeding, turning what was once just a traffic citation into a criminal matter.
What’s the Law About?
Florida lawmakers have taken a firm stance against excessive speeding by introducing a new misdemeanor offense called “dangerous excessive speeding.” Under the statute, drivers can be charged if they:
- Exceed the posted speed limit by more than 50 miles per hour, or
- Drive 100 miles per hour or faster in a way that endangers others or disrupts the normal flow of traffic.
This is a brand-new criminal offense. Prior Florida law did not separately classify this type of conduct as a crime.
Penalties: More Than Just a Fine
The new law doesn’t treat these violations lightly. It imposes criminal consequences, including:
- First-time offenders face up to 30 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both.
- Repeat offenders may receive up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.
- If a second or later offense happens within five years of a prior conviction, the driver’s license must be revoked for at least six months, and possibly up to a year.
This means that certain speeding violations are no longer just civil traffic infractions. They’re now misdemeanor crimes that can lead to jail time and long-term consequences for your driving record.
New Mandatory Court Requirements
In addition to the creation of the new offense, the law also updates Section 318.19 to require a mandatory court appearance for violations of Florida’s aggressive driving statute—Section 316.1926(2).
This means drivers can no longer simply pay a fine and move on. If cited for certain aggressive or dangerous behaviors behind the wheel, a court appearance is now required.
Officer Discretion in Issuing Citations
Changes to Section 318.14(2) also give law enforcement more flexibility when writing tickets for certain offenses. Officers are no longer required to write in a fine amount on citations involving either:
- Dangerous excessive speeding under Section 318.19(5), or
- Aggressive driving under Section 316.1926(2).
Instead, these cases are now intended to be handled through the court system.
Facing Charges for Dangerous Speeding? Get Legal Help Immediately.
Being cited under this new statute means you’re not just dealing with points on your license; it’s a criminal charge that could lead to jail, steep fines, and a suspended license. If you’ve been accused of dangerous excessive speeding in Florida, it’s critical to consult with a criminal defense attorney immediately to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. So call my office today and schedule a consultation at 813-222-8210!
The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please contact a licensed attorney to discuss the details of your case.