Florida Speeding Statutes Guide | SuperSpeederLawyer.com

Florida has some of the strictest speeding laws in the country. Drivers who receive a traffic citation may face fines, points on their driver license, mandatory hearings, or even criminal charges depending on the violation. Understanding the Florida speeding statutes is essential whether you are dealing with a simple civil traffic infraction or a criminal case such as reckless driving or racing on highways.

This Florida Speeding Statutes Guide provides a complete overview of the laws, penalties, and defenses, with links to individual statute pages for deeper explanation.

Why Florida Speeding Laws Matter

Speeding is not always “just a ticket.” Certain violations are treated as criminal offenses. Others carry automatic penalties such as mandatory court appearances, higher fines, or license suspension. The state’s goal, enforced by the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department, is to protect highway safety and reduce crashes.

Every driver should know:

• The posted speed limit is not optional.
  
• Some statutes require you to attend court even if you want to admit guilt.
  
• Violations can trigger mandatory enrollment in a basic driver improvement course or driver improvement school.
  
• Points on your driving record can accumulate quickly, leading to suspension under Florida Statute 322.27.
  

Overview of Florida Speeding Statutes

Below is an outline of key Florida statutes covering speeding, reckless driving, and related offenses. Each section links to a full explanation page.

Florida Statute 316.1922 – Dangerous Excessive Speeding

Defines “dangerous excessive speeding” and treats it as more than a civil traffic infraction. This statute carries harsher penalties and may lead to criminal charges in certain cases. Read more about 316.1922.

Florida Statute 316.1926(2) – 50 MPH Over

Adds enhanced penalties for drivers caught speeding 50 MPH or more above the speed limit. This includes mandatory fines and potential court appearance. Read more about 316.1926(2).

Florida Statute 318.14(13) – 50 MPH Over Fines

Explains mandatory fines and penalties for drivers exceeding the speed limit by 50 MPH or more. The court imposes fines that cannot be waived. Read more about 318.14(13).

Florida Statute 318.19 – Mandatory Hearings

Lists offenses where drivers must attend court for a court hearing. Includes violations such as speeding 30+ MPH over, reckless driving, and racing. Read more about 318.19.

Florida Statute 316.183 – Unlawful Speed

Covers general unlawful speed provisions, including exceeding posted speed limits and failing to drive safely for conditions. Read more about 316.183.

Florida Statute 316.187 – Speed Limits on State Roads

Establishes how speed limits are set on state-maintained highways. Read more about 316.187.

Florida Statute 316.189 – Speed Limits in Municipalities

Governs how municipal speed limits are set and enforced within cities and towns. Read more about 316.189.

Florida Statute 316.1895 – School Zone Speeding

Creates strict penalties for speeding in school zones, including higher fines and mandatory basic driver improvement for some offenders. Read more about 316.1895.

Florida Statute 316.191 – Racing on Highways

Defines “racing on highways” and includes mandatory court appearance, heavy fines, and possible license suspension. Read more about 316.191.

Florida Statute 316.192 – Reckless Driving

Explains reckless driving as a criminal offense, often tied to high-speed cases. A conviction may bring jail, probation, and additional penalties. Read more about 316.192.

Florida Statute 316.1925 – Careless Driving

Covers “careless driving,” which is a traffic infraction but often cited after a crash. Read more about 316.1925.

Florida Statute 322.27 – Driver License Points and Suspension

Outlines the point assessment system for violations and explains how driving privileges can be suspended. For example:

• 12 points in 12 months = 30-day suspension
  
• 18 points in 18 months = 3-month suspension
  
• 24 points in 36 months = 1-year suspension
  
  Read more about 322.27.
  

Penalties and Court Procedures

A traffic citation may require:

• Court appearance for mandatory hearings
  
• Payment of a civil penalty, plus court costs and possibly additional fines
  
• Enrollment in a basic driver improvement course or driving school
  
• Suspension of a valid driver license if too many points accumulate
  
• Compliance measures, such as fixing improper or unsafe equipment or submitting proof of insurance
  

If the clerk’s office records a violation and the driver fails to comply, license suspension follows automatically.

Correcting Violations Through Compliance

Some tickets can be resolved by submitting proof of compliance to the clerk:

• Fixing unsafe equipment on your vehicle
  
• Providing proof of valid documentation (registration, insurance, or driver license)
  
• Correcting a child restraint violation
  
• Filing a notarized affidavit for certain compliance cases
  

In these cases, the clerk’s office receives your proof, and the court imposes either a dismissal fee or reduced penalty.

Costs and Payments

Drivers cited under Florida statutes face a variety of costs:

• Traffic fines based on the violation
  
• Court costs if a hearing is held
  
• Additional fees for late payment or non-compliance
  
• Dismissal fee if proof of compliance is submitted
  
• Payment plan options for those unable to make full payment at once
  

Always check with the clerk’s office for accepted methods (cash, credit card, or money order) and deadlines.

Driving School and Basic Driver Improvement

Florida law allows eligible drivers to avoid points by completing a basic driver improvement course. Courts may order you to attend driver improvement school as part of sentencing, particularly for violations involving school buses, red light infractions, or first time offenders. Proof of completion must be submitted to the clerk by the deadline. Failure to submit proof leads to additional penalties and possible license suspension.

Why Legal Representation Matters

While many drivers handle citations themselves, having an attorney improves your chances of avoiding harsh penalties. Attorney David A. Haenel, who leads SuperSpeederLawyer.com, is the former chair of the Florida Bar Traffic Court Rules Committee and a former prosecutor. He has handled thousands of traffic cases across Florida. With his team at The Law Place, he helps drivers fight tickets, challenge citations, and protect their driving privileges.

FAQs

What to expect in traffic court in Florida

At a court hearing, the judge or hearing officer reviews the citation, listens to the officer, and allows you to present your side. Civil infractions are brief, while criminal cases may involve prosecutors and more formal procedures.

Is it better to fight a speeding ticket or just pay it

Fighting is often better. Paying adds points to your license and increases insurance. Contesting may lead to dismissal, reduced penalties, or a requirement to attend a basic driver improvement course instead of receiving points.

How do you get a traffic ticket dismissed in Florida

Tickets can be dismissed if you provide compliance proof, such as fixing unsafe equipment or showing valid documentation, and paying a dismissal fee. Dismissals may also occur if the officer does not appear or the state fails to prove its case.

Can I just pay my ticket and not go to court in Florida

Yes, for most civil traffic infractions you can pay online or by mail. But for charges like reckless driving, racing, or driving without a valid driver license, a court appearance is mandatory.

Call for a Free Consultation

If you received a traffic citation under Florida law, do not risk points, fines, or suspension. Contact SuperSpeederLawyer.com for a free consultation. Led by attorney David A. Haenel and backed by The Law Place, our lawyers represent drivers across the state. We will review your case, explain your options, and fight to protect your driver license and your future.