What Is the New Florida Speeding Law? Changes for 2026 Drivers

If you are driving in the Sunshine State this year, the rules of the road have shifted significantly under your feet. As of January 2026, Florida has transitioned from a state that treats speeding as a minor “pay-and-forget” annoyance to one that enforces criminal penalties for heavy feet.

The most critical update is the full implementation of House Bill 351 (HB 351), which officially went into effect in late 2025. This law marks a permanent change in how Florida defines “dangerous speeding.” Most sites won’t tell you this, but you can now face a jail cell for a single speeding incident—no reckless driving charge required.

What You Must Know: The Death of the “Civil Infraction”

Here’s the truth: Prior to 2025, if you were caught going 100 mph on I-95, you were usually facing a hefty fine and some points. It was a civil matter.

That is no longer the case. Under the new Florida speeding law, extreme speed is now a second-degree misdemeanor. The state has removed the need for police to prove you were weaving in and out of traffic or acting “recklessly.” In 2026, the speed itself is the crime.

• The 50+ Rule: If you are caught going 50 mph or more over the posted limit, it is automatically a criminal offense.
• The 100 mph Ceiling: Regardless of the posted limit, hitting 100 mph now triggers enhanced criminal scrutiny and mandatory court appearances.
• No More Mail-In Fines: For these violations, you cannot simply pay online. You must appear before a judge.

What You Came to Know: 2026 Penalties and Fine Schedules

Florida’s updated statutes have created a tiered system that punishes repeat offenders with life-altering consequences. If you are cited under the new “Super Speeder” guidelines, here is exactly what you are facing in 2026:

First Conviction (Second-Degree Misdemeanor)

• Jail Time: Up to 30 days in county jail.
• Fines: A base fine of $500, plus court costs that can push the total over $1,000.
• Criminal Record: Unlike a standard ticket, this conviction creates a permanent criminal history.

Second Conviction (Within 5 Years)

• Jail Time: Up to 90 days in jail.
• Fines: Increased to $1,000 plus costs.
• License Revocation: Mandatory suspension of your driving privilege for 180 days to 1 year.

Third Conviction

• Felony Territory: If you are a habitual offender, the state can escalate charges to a third-degree felony, which carries up to 5 years in prison and a permanent loss of your [legal rights] regarding firearms and voting.

School Zones and the “Photo Enforcement” Wave

While the criminal laws target highway speeders, Florida’s HB 657 has fully rolled out across the state as of the 2025-2026 school year.

Most Florida counties now use automated speed detection systems (cameras) in school zones. These cameras are active during the entire school day, including 30 minutes before and after. If you are caught going just 10 mph over the school zone limit, you will receive a $100 notice of violation in the mail.

Bottom line: These camera tickets don’t add points to your license if paid within 30 days, but failing to pay will trigger a formal uniform traffic citation and an immediate increase in your [insurance rates].

Moving Over: The Speeding Trap You Didn’t See Coming

In 2026, Florida’s “Move Over” law has been expanded to protect all stationary vehicles on the roadside, not just emergency responders.

If you see a car on the shoulder with its hazard lights on and you cannot safely move into the left lane, the law requires you to reduce your speed to 20 mph below the posted limit.

• If the limit is 70 mph, you must drop to 50 mph.
• If the limit is 20 mph or less, you must slow down to 5 mph.

Failure to do this is considered a moving violation, adding 3 points to your license and potentially causing a 23% to 44% jump in your premium for [Florida traffic law] violations.

What to Do Next: Protecting Your License in 2026

If you receive a citation under the new Florida speeding law, do not treat it like a “normal” ticket. Your future depends on your next steps:

1. Check the Charge Code: Look for references to Statute 316.1926. If you see this, you are being charged with a crime, not an infraction.
2. Request a Hearing: For any ticket over 30 mph, the [speeding tickets] section of the court website will explain your right to a hearing. Always exercise this right if jail time is on the table.
3. Audit the Equipment: In 2026, Florida law requires strict calibration logs for radar and LIDAR. If the officer’s device hasn’t been tested within the last 6 months, the evidence may be thrown out.
4. Consult a Professional: Because 2026 laws carry criminal records, you should consult an attorney to see if you qualify for a “withhold of adjudication,” which keeps the conviction off your permanent record.

💡 Pro Tip

In 2026, many Florida judges are using “speed-assist technology” data from your car’s black box (EDR) as evidence in criminal speeding cases. If you are involved in an accident while speeding, that data can be subpoenaed to prove you were over the 100 mph criminal threshold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 100 mph a felony in Florida in 2026?

No, it is generally a second-degree misdemeanor for a first offense. However, it can become a felony if it’s your third conviction or if it causes serious bodily injury to others.

Can I still go to traffic school for a 50+ mph ticket?

No. Under the new law, violations of 50 mph over the limit require a mandatory court appearance. Traffic school is typically only an option for civil infractions, not criminal misdemeanors.

When did the “Super Speeder” law take effect?

The initial framework began in 2024, but the full criminal penalties under HB 351 became active state-wide in July 2025, with enforcement reaching peak levels in January 2026.

How many points is a speeding ticket in Florida?

Standard speeding (15 mph or less over) is 3 points. Speeding resulting in a crash or excessive speed is 4 to 6 points. Accruing 12 points in 12 months will trigger a 30-day suspension.

Do school zone cameras operate on weekends?

No. Cameras are legally restricted to school days during scheduled sessions and the 30-minute buffers surrounding them.

Official Sources & Legal Links

To verify these 2026 statutes or check your specific ticket status, use these official resources:

• Florida Legislature: HB 351 – Excessive Speeding Criminal Penalties
• Florida DHSMV: Official Florida Driver License Points Schedule
• Florida Statutes: Section 316.1895 – School Zone Regulations

Detailed Legal Disclaimer

This article covers Florida speeding law updates for informational use only. Traffic law, state regulations, and penalties vary significantly and evolve rapidly—with many critical updates occurring in late 2025 and January 2026. AllAboutLawyer.com does not provide legal advice or personal recommendations. You should not rely on this article to make legal decisions. Instead, consult a qualified attorney or review official resources from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and Florida courts directly to understand the specific rules for your situation.

For more information on your driving privileges, read our guide on [traffic violations].

Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com

Last Updated: February 1, 2026 — We keep this current with the latest legal developments

General info only, not legal advice.

About the Author

Sarah Klein, JD, is a former criminal defense attorney with hands-on experience in cases involving DUIs, petty theft, assault, and false accusations. Through All About Lawyer, she now helps readers understand their legal rights, the criminal justice process, and how to protect themselves when facing charges.
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