Effective July 1, 2025, a new crime called “dangerous excessive speeding” will take effect in Florida. This law, established by House Bill 351, targets drivers who engage in extremely risky speeding behavior. It’s no longer just a traffic infraction carrying points and a fine; it can now lead to criminal charges.
Specifically, the new law applies in situations where drivers:
- Go at least 50 mph over the posted speed limit.
- Drive at 100 mph or more in a way that threatens the safety of people or property around them.
The penalties under this new law are substantial and go beyond what many drivers expect from a speeding ticket:
- First-time offenders face up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500, or both.
- Subsequent offenses can result in up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
- A second or subsequent conviction of dangerous excessive speeding within five years of a prior conviction can also lead to your driving privilege being revoked for at least 180 days but no more than one year.
This new statute elevates what was previously a severe civil traffic infraction to a criminal offense, meaning you could be looking at actual jail time, not just a ticket and points. While Florida Statute 316.183 still outlines general speeding regulations and their associated civil penalties, this new law, 316.1925, specifically targets the most egregious speeding offenses with criminal consequences.
How We At Meltzer & Bell, P.A. Can Help You Fight Dangerous Speeding Charges
The new “dangerous excessive speeding” law significantly raises the stakes for drivers in Florida. What might have previously been a hefty fine and points could now result in a criminal record, jail time, and the loss of your driving privileges. This is precisely why you need aggressive and experienced legal counsel from the moment you are cited.
At Meltzer & Bell, P.A., we are a client-driven firm, and we believe your life comes before all else. When you are facing a charge under this new, serious speeding law, we are ready to aggressively tackle your case, day or night, no matter how simple or complex the circumstances. We fight, scratch, and claw so that no matter what, our client’s lives aren’t changed for the worst. Your future and your freedom are our priority.
Our team brings unparalleled experience to the table. We include former government lawyers, a former felony special unit prosecutor, and a former major crimes Public Defender. This diverse background means we understand how the prosecution thinks and how the state builds its cases, giving us a crucial advantage in dismantling their arguments against you. We will scrutinize the evidence, challenge the officer’s methods of speed detection, and explore every possible defense.
We have won groundbreaking cases in Florida that have changed the law, demonstrating our ability to achieve significant legal victories even in challenging situations. We handle the most difficult cases, and our relentless advocacy is why we have nearly 1,000 5-star reviews. We’re extremely well known and respected in the West Palm Beach community for our commitment to our clients. Don’t let a “dangerous excessive speeding” charge define your future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida’s New Speeding Law
When does Florida’s new dangerous excessive speeding law take effect?
The new law takes effect on July 1, 2025.
What specific actions are considered “dangerous excessive speeding” under the new law?
The law defines “dangerous excessive speeding” as driving at least 50 mph over the posted speed limit, or driving at 100 mph or more in a way that threatens the safety of people or property.
What are the penalties for a first conviction under this new law?
A first conviction can result in up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500, or both.
Are there increased penalties for repeat offenses?
Yes, subsequent convictions can lead to up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000, or both. A second or subsequent conviction within five years of a prior conviction for this offense will also result in a driver’s license revocation for at least 180 days up to one year.
How does this new law differ from a regular speeding ticket?
Unlike a regular speeding ticket, which is typically a civil traffic infraction carrying points and a fine, “dangerous excessive speeding” is now a criminal offense. This means it can lead to jail time and a criminal record, not just civil penalties.
Do I need a lawyer if I’m charged under this new speeding law?
Given the potential for jail time, substantial fines, and driver’s license revocation, it is highly recommended to seek legal counsel immediately. A criminal defense lawyer can evaluate the evidence, challenge the charge, and fight to protect your rights and your driving privilege.
If you’re facing a charge under Florida’s new dangerous excessive speeding law, contact Meltzer & Bell, P.A. in West Palm Beach today for a confidential consultation to discuss your defense strategy.
Thank you for the insightful article on Florida’s new criminal speeding law. The distinctions you highlighted between civil and criminal speeding violations were particularly helpful for understanding the potential consequences of this new legislation. In addition to what you covered, it’s worth noting that this law is part of a broader trend in several states to combat reckless driving behaviors more aggressively. For instance, many other states have implemented similar laws, but Florida’s approach stands out due to the explicit emphasis on how repeat offenses can escalate legal repercussions and influence insurance rates. In fact, drivers who accumulate multiple charges may not only face fines but could also see significant increases in their premiums, which often impacts their financial standing long after the citation. Moreover, this change may lead to increased court cases where individuals contest their speeding violations, resulting in a potential rise in demand for legal assistance. This context could lead one to consider the implications of “writ of mandamus” in this scenario. Could it be argued that this legal instrument might play a role for defendants seeking to compel governmental agencies to act in accordance with the law regarding their specific cases involving speeding violations? What are your thoughts on this intersection of the new law and the use of a writ of mandamus in such contexts? https://www.writofhabeascorpus.com/2024/05/03/what-are-the-key-responsibilities-of-a-cyber-crime-defense-attorney/