Florida’s New Crackdown on Speeding: What Drivers Need to Know
- Page & Eichenblatt
- May 12
- 3 min read
If you’re the type to push the speed limit on Florida highways, now’s the time to slow down…literally. A new legislation is on the verge of changing how the state penalizes high-speed drivers, and the consequences could go far beyond a traffic ticket.
House Bill 351, recently passed by both chambers of the Florida Legislature, is headed to the governor’s desk for final approval. Once signed, it will impose some of the state’s toughest penalties to date for what lawmakers are calling “excessive and dangerous speeding.”
For Florida drivers, especially those in fast-growing, high-traffic areas like Orlando, understanding this law is critical. Because under HB 351, hitting triple digits on the highway could now mean jail time, mandatory court appearances, and a suspended license.
What Does the New Law Target?
HB 351 zeroes in on two types of dangerous behavior:
Driving 50 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit
Driving at 100 miles per hour or more in a way that endangers others or disrupts traffic flow
These aren't minor infractions. If signed into law, violations will trigger harsh penalties, including:
First offense: Up to 30 days in jail and/or a $500 fine
Repeat offense: Up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine
License revocation: From 6 months to 1 year for habitual violators
Court appearance required: No more paying by mail and moving on quietly
This shift signals a hardline approach to reckless driving, especially as Florida sees rising traffic injuries and deaths linked to high-speed collisions.
What’s Driving the Change?
At the heart of this bill is the tragic story of 11-year-old Anthony Reznick, whose death was linked to a driver with a long history of excessive speeding. The incident galvanized public support for tougher laws and inspired lawmakers to act.
Senator Jason Pizzo, who championed the bill in the Senate, has emphasized that this isn’t about punishing minor speeders; it’s about targeting drivers treating public roads like racetracks. As he put it, the law aims to curb “high-speed stunts” and hold repeat offenders accountable.
The bill passed the Senate unanimously (37–0) and cleared the House with significant bipartisan support. That kind of consensus shows just how seriously the state is taking the issue.
How This Law Affects You and Why It Matters
The impact of HB 351 won’t just be felt by extreme speeders, it will also change how courts and law enforcement handle aggressive driving overall. Drivers cited under the new statute will be criminally charged, not just issued a moving violation.
That means:
You’ll be required to appear in court
You may face jail time even for a first offense
Your insurance premiums could spike
You could be left with a criminal record, not just points on your license
This isn’t hypothetical. Similar laws in other states have already been used to press charges in high-profile crash cases. And with Florida roads becoming increasingly congested, enforcement is likely to ramp up quickly.
Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that speeding continues to be a leading factor in traffic fatalities across the U.S., giving further weight to Florida’s legislative action.
What to Do If You're Charged Under HB 351
If you’re cited for extreme speeding under this new law, the consequences can escalate fast. That’s why it’s critical to contact a criminal traffic defense attorney as soon as possible. Attempting to handle the case on your own is a gamble with serious stakes.
At Page & Eichenblatt, our attorneys understand the nuances of traffic law and how quickly a speeding case can evolve into something more severe. We’ve represented drivers across Orlando and Central Florida in cases involving reckless driving, license suspension, and traffic-related criminal charges.
Whether it's negotiating for reduced penalties, challenging the traffic stop, or helping you keep your license, our team is here to fight for the best possible outcome.
A New Era for Speeding Laws in Florida
With HB 351, Florida is sending a clear message: extreme speeding is no longer just a traffic issue; it’s a public safety crisis. And the penalties now reflect that.
Don't wait to act if you're facing charges under this law or any serious traffic violation. The sooner you have legal representation, the more options you’ll have to protect your record, your freedom, and your future.
