This bill amends various sections of Florida law concerning the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, with a primary focus on enhancing penalties for distracted driving and improving driver improvement programs. It introduces a provision that allows individuals cited for using wireless communication devices while driving to participate in a distracted driving safety program, which could lead to the waiver of penalties and points on their driving record upon successful completion. Additionally, the bill establishes a new prohibition against the unauthorized sale of service appointments, imposing criminal penalties for violations. It also mandates the creation of a driver improvement course specifically targeting distracted driving, which must be offered by driver improvement schools.

Further amendments include the replacement of the "DV" designation on disabled veteran license plates with the term "disabled veteran," while still allowing veterans to request a specialty plate with the "DV" initials. The bill also requires the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to issue validation stickers for new permanent disabled veteran plates at no cost and simplifies the renewal process for disabled parking permits for those certified as permanently disabled. Tax collectors are given expanded responsibilities in administering driver license services, including the option for charitable donations during transactions. The bill also specifies that individuals with temporarily disqualified commercial driver licenses may obtain a Class E driver license at no cost and introduces penalties for violations of restricted driving privileges. The provisions of this bill are 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