The Basics Of Speed Limits In Florida (2026)
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Reviewed By Adam Ramirez, J.D.
Editor
Summary
- In Florida, different zones carry different speed limits
- You can face a ticket for driving above these limits or too far below them
- Speeding tickets can mean fines and other penalties
Speed limits in Florida serve to help prevent car accidents that could result in property damage and injuries. Staying within the accepted speed limits is part of every driver’s responsibility, but it may not always be clear what these limitations are.
If you live in the Sunshine State or plan on visiting, it’s important to understand the basics of speed limits in Florida and what to do if you face speed-related traffic violations.
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What Are the Standard Speed Limits in Florida?
One of the most essential parts of following Florida traffic laws involves knowing what the standard speed limits are. These limits can vary depending on the type of road you’re on and other key factors.
Speed Limits in School Zones and Residential Areas
School zone speed limits are regulated very strictly in Florida to help prevent accidents involving children as they get on and off buses or as they cross streets. The speed limit in school zones is generally 20 mph.
These limits are enforced 30 minutes before school or a breakfast program begins, throughout the school day and 30 minutes after it ends. You will usually see flashing yellow lights that let you know the speed limit is being enforced.
In residential areas, the speed limit is typically 30 mph. This applies to both business and residential zones unless otherwise stated.
Highway and Interstate Speed Limits in Florida
Other speed limits in Florida to be aware of are those involving highways and interstate roads. On interstates and the turnpike, the speed limit is usually 70 mph, while on rural divided highways, it’s 65 mph. That’s only the case if you’re outside an urban area, though. Other state highways have a speed limit of 60 mph.
Keep in mind that any posted speed limits trump these laws. There could be lower limits, depending on factors like weather and construction sites.
Driving in Non-Ideal Conditions and Speed Adjustments
To help prevent accidents, it is important for every driver to be aware that the posted speed limits in Florida are for ideal weather and road conditions only. You must adjust for visibility problems, wind and any other weather issues you could encounter.
The same applies to road condition problems. If there are serious potholes or other similar issues, then drivers are expected to slow down.
Penalties for Speeding Violations in Florida
If you violate speed limits in Florida, you can face a number of penalties. You will likely be charged a fine, which can vary depending on how many mph you were above the limit. For example, if you’re 10 to 14 mph over the limit, you will likely be charged $100, while being 30 mph or more over the limit could mean a fine of $250.
If you’re stopped for speeding in a school zone, you could be charged $50, even if you were only 5 mph over the limit. If you’re over 5 mph in a school zone, the fines you pay will be double what they’d normally be.
Violating a speed limit can also mean getting points placed on your license. Typically, it’s three points, but going over the limit by more than 50 mph could earn you up to four points. If you accumulate too many points, your license could be suspended.
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Driving Too Slowly: Minimum Speed Requirements
Just as there are maximum speed limits in Florida, there are minimum ones, too. On interstates that have a maximum speed limit of 70 mph, for example, the minimum is 50 mph. The rule is that if your driving impedes the regular flow of traffic, you could face a ticket.
Racing and Reckless Speed Violations
As of 2025, dangerous excessive speeding in Florida can be a criminal offense. This applies to those who drive 50 mph or more over the speed limit.
You can face a criminal charge carrying up to 30 days in jail for the first offense and 90 days for every subsequent one. The fines could be up to $1,000. You may also have a mandatory court appearance.
In Florida, racing can be charged as a first-degree misdemeanor, carrying penalties like jail time, fines and license revocation of at least one year. Your vehicle will typically be impounded, too, for 30 days. Repeat offenses can escalate jail time to a few years.
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Legal Help for Speed-Related Traffic Violations
If you have received a ticket for a speed-related traffic violation in Florida, you could face a range of consequences. In many instances, hiring an attorney to help you fight the ticket is vital.
At ConsumerShield, our team can connect you to vetted local attorneys throughout Florida who can provide the assistance you need when dealing with speeding violations. Contact us to get started today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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In most instances, a speeding ticket will result in higher premiums. These are moving violations that can lead insurers to consider you a higher-risk driver, which they will likely take advantage of when your next renewal occurs.
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Yes, you can fight a speeding ticket in Florida. It will require going to court, which means hiring an attorney to assist you through this process. You may be able to get an alternate solution, like attending traffic school, instead of paying a fine or getting points on your license.
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If you were no more than 5 mph over the speed limit, the officer could give you a warning instead of a ticket. That’s not possible, however, in school zones.
