The vibe in the “Magic City,” where the traffic on the 836 is pure “locura” and the I-95 is a “campo de batalla” (battlefield), is already muy rápido. But hey, “cuidado” (be careful) because starting October 1, 2025, the new Florida traffic laws are going “full throttle,” making life mucho más duro for every driver in Miami-Dade. This new legislation is a “palo” (a big hit/blow) for anyone who thought a ticket was just a little fine. Now, serious infractions can send you straight to jail and cause big “problemas” (problems) with your “plata” (money).

Our community, which needs a license for work and to move around this city that never sleeps, has to be “al tiro” (on top of it) with these new rules. If you get a ticket or are accused of something serious, before your world falls apart—“se te caiga el mundo encima”—you need to find a good traffic lawyer who understands your hustle.

1. The Hardest “Palo”: Trenton’s Law and DUI (HB 687)

House Bill 687, which they call “Trenton’s Law,” is the most important—and the most dangerous—change. It’s a “cero tolerancia” (zero tolerance) policy for driving under the influence (DUI) and boating under the influence (BUI).

Refusing the Breath Test? Now It’s a Crime!

• The Big Change: Before, saying “no” to the breathalyzer or urine test for a first DUI arrest was mostly just a DMV problem—a license suspension.
• Now It’s a Crime (Misdemeanor): After October 1st, if you refuse the test the first time, you commit a second-degree misdemeanor. That means you can go to “el tanque” (the tank, meaning jail) for up to 60 days, and now you have a criminal record. “¡Qué fuerte!” (How serious/intense!). This forces drivers to get a lawyer immediately, because the refusal itself is now a crime.

Repeat Offender Homicide: 30 Years of “La Pinta”

For those who kill someone because of repeat DUI, BUI, or vehicular homicide, the law is “bien serio.” The charge is now a First-Degree Felony. The maximum sentence has doubled from 15 years to a huge 30 years in “la pinta” (jail/prison). Miami-Dade’s nightlife and boating scene means this law will be used a lot to punish those who keep drinking and driving.

2. Hunting Down the “Corredores” and Covered Tags (HB 351 & HB 253)

These new laws target things you see every day on Miami streets, from street racing to cars with dark license plate covers.

Super Speeding is a Crime (HB 351)

Driving 50 mph or more over the limit or going 100 mph or faster is no longer just a big fine. It’s now a criminal offense that can put you in jail for up to 30 days on the first time. The working community, especially those who drive for a living, need to be “súper careful.” If they catch you, you have to go to court “sí o sí” (without question). Don’t just pay it! You need a lawyer to try to save you from a criminal record.

The End of Covered “Placas” (HB 253)

In Miami, many people use plate covers to try and beat tolls or red-light cameras. “¡Se acabó!” (It’s over!).

• Covering Your Tag: Trying to hide or alter your “placa” (license plate) is now a second-degree misdemeanor. That means it’s a crime, not just a ticket.
• Impersonating Police: Using lights or equipment that look like a cop car to pull over other drivers is now a Third-Degree Felony.

3. Running from Police: Higher Risk on the Expressway (HB 113)

Running from the police in Miami traffic is one of the most dangerous things you can do. The new law raises the jail penalties for Fleeing and Eluding, and it takes away defenses that lawyers could use before.

• Longer Jail Time: The crime is ranked higher, which means the mandatory minimum time in prison will be longer.
• Less Defense: The cop doesn’t have to have his insignia very visible on the patrol car anymore for the fleeing charge to stick. If you run, the law says you are exposed to the super harsh penalties.

You Need to Be Protected, “Punto”

These new laws, starting in October 2025, completely change the legal situation in Miami-Dade. Criminalizing the refusal of the breath test, giving super harsh sentences for speeding, and making covered tags a crime means that the “tolerancia” (tolerance) is “terminada” (finished).

In a city where your license is “vital” for everything—para trabajar, para resolver—losing it is a disaster. So, if you get a serious ticket, or worse, get charged with a criminal traffic offense, don’t stay quiet and don’t go alone. You need someone who knows the system.

Get a lawyer immediately, “punto” (period). Remember: in the new Florida system, “pay and forget” is “no más” (no more) for serious infractions. ¡Protégeles tu futuro! (Protect your future for them!)