This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes concerning the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, with a primary focus on addressing distracted driving and the use of wireless communication devices while operating a vehicle. It revises penalties for violations, allowing individuals to participate in a distracted driving safety program that can lead to the waiver of penalties and points on their driving record upon completion. The bill also introduces provisions that prohibit the unauthorized sale of service appointments and establishes a new driver improvement course specifically targeting distracted driving. Additionally, it mandates that all basic driver improvement courses include content on distracted driving, including testimonials from affected individuals, aiming to enhance road safety.

Furthermore, the bill makes significant changes to the issuance and management of disabled veteran license plates and driver licenses. It introduces a "disabled veteran" designation for license plates, replacing the previous "DV" designation, and allows veterans to request a specialty license plate embossed with "DV." The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is required to issue validation stickers for new permanent disabled veteran plates at no cost, and it streamlines the renewal process for disabled parking permits. The bill also emphasizes the examination process for obtaining driver licenses, allowing tax collectors to process transactions online, and establishes conditions for reinstating commercial driving privileges. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1348 Filed: 319.24, 320.031, 320.0848, 322.135, 322.251, 322.271, 322.29, 322.66
S 1348 c1: 319.24, 320.031, 320.0848, 322.135, 322.251, 322.271, 322.66
S 1348 c2: 316.305, 316.306, 319.24, 320.031, 322.135, 322.251, 322.271, 322.66
S 1348 c3: 316.305, 316.306, 319.24, 320.031, 322.135, 322.251, 322.66