The bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes to enhance road safety by addressing distracted driving and streamlining processes within the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. It introduces new provisions that allow individuals to opt for a distracted driving safety program instead of facing penalties, which can lead to the waiver of certain penalties and points on their driving record upon completion. Additionally, the bill mandates that driver improvement courses include content on distracted driving, revises penalties for violations, and creates new regulations regarding the sale of service appointments with the department and tax collectors, imposing criminal penalties for violations.

Moreover, the bill updates provisions related to disabled veteran license plates, replacing the term "DV" with "disabled veteran" in several instances and ensuring the issuance of a validation sticker for these plates at no cost. It also streamlines the renewal process for disabled parking permits for individuals certified as permanently disabled. The administration of driver license services is modified to emphasize the role of county tax collectors, allowing them to process transactions online and offer donation options to registered charities. Additionally, individuals with temporarily disqualified commercial driver licenses can obtain a Class E driver license at no cost during the disqualification period. 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