Florida Traffic Laws: DUI, Speeding Penalties (2025)

Speed Limits and Enforcement Zones

Florida strictly enforces speed limits, especially in school zones, work zones and other high-risk areas. While speed limits can vary based on the precise road in question, Florida has an established set of standard speed limits per road type, including:

• Municipal Areas: 30 mph
• Business Areas: 30 mph
• Residential Areas: 30 mph
• Highways: 70 mph
• Interstates: 70 mph
• Toll Roads: 70 mph
• State Rural Highways: 60 mph
• School Zones: 20 mph

The low speed limit within a school zone is enforced at certain times. Typically, the speed limit is 20 mph during school sessions, 30 minutes before school, and 30 minutes after. It’s also usually enforced during school breakfast programs.

Florida takes school zone speed limit enforcement very seriously. While police officers can monitor active school zones, Florida laws also allow for camera enforcement.

Right-of-Way Rules at Intersections

Florida’s right-of-way rules for intersections echo those of many other states. These are some of the most notable ones:

• When approaching an intersection, drivers must yield to vehicles already in the intersection
• At a four-way stop, the first car to arrive and stop may proceed
• If two vehicles arrive and stop at about the same time, the one on the right proceeds first
• Vehicles turning in intersections generally must yield to traffic proceeding straight through
• Drivers may make right turns on red unless there is a sign prohibiting it
• When merging onto a highway, drivers must yield to those already on the highway

If you want to brush up on your knowledge of Florida’s intersection right-of-way laws, the Florida Driver License Handbook is a useful resource.

Seat Belt and Child Restraint Requirements

Florida’s seat belt laws aren’t as stringent as some other states. The driver and passengers in the front seat must wear seat belts, and children under 18 must be secured in an approved child seat or with a seat belt. However, adults in rear seats do not have to wear seat belts.

DUI Laws and Penalties

In Florida, DUI laws may not be as strict as those in some other states, but a conviction is still serious. A first offense can lead to up to nine months in jail and a license suspension of up to a year, while a second offense can result in imprisonment of up to one year and a suspension of up to five years.

Penalties increase with higher BAC, repeat offenses and DUI accidents involving death or injury. If you’re convicted, you may also have your vehicle impounded, have to install an ignition interlock device, and see a dramatic increase in insurance premiums.

Mobile Device Usage While Driving

Texting or otherwise using a mobile device while driving greatly increases the risk of accidents on the road. Like many other states, Florida has adopted laws penalizing the use of mobile devices that aren’t hands-free while driving.

Traffic Violation Points System

Florida uses a point system to track violations and determine when a driver’s license suspension is warranted. Notably, if you get a ticket from out of state, it can still be added to your record.

School Zone and School Bus Regulations

In Florida, school zone speed limits must be between 15 mph and 20 mph. Speeding fines in school zones are typically doubled.

Drivers also must follow traffic laws to protect the safety of buses. For instance, when a school bus stops, traffic coming from either direction must also stop, unless the road is a divided highway.

Recent Changes in Florida Traffic Legislation

It’s always important to stay abreast of traffic law changes. These are some important new developments in Florida traffic laws:

More Protections for Vulnerable Road Users

Florida Statute §318.14(5) has been updated to include steeper fines and more penalties for drivers who injure or kill a cyclist, pedestrian or other vulnerable road user.

Expansion of the “Move Over Law”

Florida’s previous “Move Over Law” applied to emergency, police, sanitation and construction vehicles parked along the road. A 2024 expansion requires cars to move aside for all other disabled vehicles by the side of the road as well.

Possible Penalties for Excessive Speeders

Florida is considering passing legislation to crack down on people who exceed the speed limit by more than 50 mph. If the bill passes, a first offense would lead to a $2,500 fine.

Sharing the Road with Bicycles and Pedestrians

Thanks to Florida’s pleasant weather, it’s not uncommon to see cyclists and pedestrians using the road alongside vehicles. In even a low-speed crash with a car, bicycle accident injuries can be life-threatening, so Florida law includes special protections.

State law treats bicycles as vehicles, so riders are generally expected to obey traffic laws. However, they do have some unique protections. For instance, Florida requires drivers to leave three feet of space between their vehicle and a bicycle they’re passing.

Florida’s pedestrian laws are similar to those in other states. Drivers must yield to pedestrians, but pedestrians must typically use crosswalks and sidewalks if they’re available.

While it’s not true that pedestrians always have the right-of-way, Florida law does specify that drivers of vehicles have a duty of care to all pedestrians. This means that drivers must be alert and watch for pedestrians, even if they’re violating right-of-way laws.

Need a Traffic Lawyer?

If you’ve been ticketed or arrested for violating Florida traffic laws, you may be afraid of the impact it will have on your driving record and insurance rates. In this situation, the best thing you can do is to retain a traffic lawyer or DUI lawyer as soon as possible.

You may not be sure where to start in finding an attorney, and that’s where ConsumerShield comes in. We are dedicated to educating consumers about their rights and matching people in need of legal assistance to qualified attorneys nearby. To start a free case review, fill out our contact form today.