The bill amends Florida Statutes to establish specific penalties for noncriminal traffic infractions that result in vehicle crashes. It introduces new provisions that impose civil penalties and driver license suspensions for individuals found guilty of certain infractions. For example, if a person is required to appear before a designated official and is found to have committed an infraction, they may face a civil penalty of $1,000, with a 6-month license suspension. If the infraction involves a vulnerable road user, the penalties increase significantly, with a minimum civil penalty of $5,000 and a 1-year license suspension, along with mandatory attendance at a driver improvement course.

Additionally, the bill specifies that certain infractions will require a mandatory hearing, removing the option for individuals to utilize certain provisions that would otherwise allow them to avoid a hearing. The bill also includes provisions for escalating penalties for repeat offenders and mandates that the civil penalties collected be directed to the Department of Health Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund to support trauma centers across the state. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 699 Filed: 318.14