House Bill 543 introduces significant amendments to Florida statutes concerning transportation regulations, motor carrier licensing, and digital identification. The bill mandates the Department of Transportation to increase the minimum perception reaction time of steady yellow traffic signals by 0.4 seconds and revises the licensing process for motor carriers, transitioning from registration to licensing and requiring fuel tax decals instead of identifying devices. It establishes electronic submission for fuel tax decal renewals starting October 1, 2026, and updates reporting periods for motor fuel use tax returns. Additionally, the bill introduces penalties for counterfeiting fuel tax licenses and decals, and it outlines requirements for motor carriers regarding the destruction of fuel tax decals under specific circumstances.

Moreover, the bill enhances regulations surrounding digital identification by creating a framework for digital proofs of driver licenses and identification cards, ensuring strict privacy principles are adhered to. It also establishes a Next-generation Traffic Signal Modernization Grant Program to support local governments in upgrading traffic signal systems with advanced technology, funded by an annual appropriation from the State Transportation Trust Fund. Other provisions include updated penalties for motor carriers failing to comply with tax filing requirements, new definitions for off-highway vehicles and micromobility devices, and regulations for automated license plate recognition systems. Overall, HB 543 aims to improve transportation safety, streamline regulations, and protect individual privacy in the context of digital identification.

Statutes affected:
H 543 Filed: 207.001, 207.002, 207.004, 207.005, 207.007, 207.019, 261.03, 261.11, 316.003, 316.20655, 322.032, 339.85, 207.003, 207.008, 207.011, 207.013, 207.014, 212.08, 316.455, 318.18, 324.171, 403.061, 403.415, 627.7415