This bill amends Florida's traffic enforcement laws, specifically targeting reckless driving and the penalties associated with it. It establishes that exceeding the posted speed limit by 50 miles per hour or more, operating a vehicle in excess of 100 miles per hour while passing or changing lanes, and exceeding the speed limit by 35 miles per hour on non-limited access highways are all classified as reckless driving per se. The bill increases fines for first and subsequent convictions of reckless driving, with first-time offenders facing a minimum fine of $1,000 (up from $25) and a six-month revocation of their driving privileges, while repeat offenders face a minimum fine of $2,500 (up from $50) and a one-year revocation. Additionally, law enforcement officers are granted the authority to impound vehicles involved in reckless driving for up to 30 business days.

The bill also modifies the procedures for handling traffic citations. It allows officers to indicate civil penalties on traffic citations at their discretion rather than mandatorily, and it requires individuals cited for certain moving violations to attend mandatory hearings. Furthermore, it stipulates that individuals cited for specific infractions, including reckless driving, must have their driving privileges revoked for a designated period. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1782 Filed: 316.192, 318.19