By Jason Diamond, Traffic Ticket Lawyer
Founder, The Traffic Ticket Team

As a Florida traffic ticket attorney with decades of experience defending drivers across the state, I’ve seen countless changes to our traffic laws—but few as impactful as the ones that took effect on July 1, 2025. Florida has officially redrawn the line between speeding as a civil infraction and speeding as a criminal offense.

Once known as one of the more lenient states when it came to high-speed violations, Florida has now shifted gears. Under the new legal framework, excessive speeding can land you in jail, lead to a felony conviction, and cost you thousands in fines—not to mention your driving privileges and your reputation.

At the Traffic Ticket Team, we believe education is your first line of defense. This essay provides a comprehensive overview of the 2025 speeding law changes and what they mean for Florida drivers. Whether you’re a commuter, a student, a delivery driver, or a tourist behind the wheel, this is information you cannot afford to ignore.

Speeding in Florida: From Infraction to Crime

Historically, Florida treated speeding primarily as a civil matter—no matter how fast you were going. Even at speeds exceeding 100 mph, most violations were punishable by a citation and a monetary fine. That era is now over.

As of July 1, 2025, certain forms of speeding are now classified as criminal offenses, and the consequences are far more severe. The law distinguishes between civil speeding violations and those deemed dangerous enough to warrant criminal prosecution.

Key Changes: When Speeding Becomes a Crime

Under the new statute, the following actions now constitute criminal speeding offenses:

• Driving 50 mph or more over the posted speed limit
  • Penalty: Up to 30 days in jail and/or a $500 criminal fine, even on a first offense.
• Driving over 100 mph in a manner deemed reckless or threatening to others or property
  • Penalty: Identical to the 50+ mph provision—up to 30 days incarceration, plus fines, and possible vehicle impoundment depending on jurisdiction.

This is a significant departure from previous norms. A driver exceeding 100 mph could once expect only a costly ticket; now, that same action could result in handcuffs and a criminal record.

When Speeding Remains a Civil Infraction—But Still Carries Heavy Consequences

Even when criminal thresholds are not met, the financial and administrative penalties for excessive speed are far more punishing under the revised law.

Civil Penalties for Driving 50+ MPH Over the Limit:

• First offense:
  • $1,000 fine
• Second offense:
  • $2,500 fine
  • Up to 1-year license suspension
• Third offense:
  • Third-degree felony
  • Up to 5 years in prison
  • $5,000 fine
  • 10-year license suspension

This progressive penalty structure demonstrates Florida’s commitment to curbing high-speed driving by escalating consequences with each repeat offense. What begins as a civil matter can quickly evolve into a felony conviction, carrying life-altering ramifications.

As the founder of the Traffic Ticket Team, I often tell clients: “The ticket may look simple, but the consequences are not.”

The Bigger Picture: Why These Changes Matter

It’s not just about the fines and penalties. It’s about how a single poor decision—accelerating too quickly, ignoring posted speed limits, or misjudging your surroundings—can have cascading consequences:

• A criminal record may follow you for life
• Higher insurance premiums—sometimes double or triple the current rate
• Loss of employment opportunities, particularly in driving, healthcare, or security sectors
• Travel restrictions, including potential visa denials or international entry bans
• Long-term damage to your reputation

This law is not a slap on the wrist. It’s a wake-up call.

Speeding and Public Safety: Why the Law Changed

From a legal perspective, these reforms reflect a broader shift toward prioritizing public safety. Florida, like many other states, has seen a rise in fatal accidents related to speeding, reckless driving, and street racing. The legislative response is clear: dangerous speed will no longer be treated lightly.

Speeding increases both the likelihood and the severity of crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding is a factor in nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities nationwide. Florida lawmakers, in passing this bill, are sending an unequivocal message: excessive speed equals elevated threat.

How to Avoid Trouble: Best Practices for Florida Drivers

At the Traffic Ticket Team, we don’t just fight tickets—we educate drivers. The best way to stay out of trouble is to avoid the ticket in the first place. Here’s how to protect yourself:

1. Monitor Your Speed at All Times

Use cruise control when possible. Pay attention to changes in speed zones—especially in construction areas and school zones, where penalties can be doubled.

2. Don’t Let the Flow of Traffic Fool You

If everyone around you is speeding, that’s not a defense. Florida law doesn’t offer protection for “going with the flow.” It only takes one officer and one radar gun to single you out.

3. Be Extra Cautious in High-Speed Vehicles

Sports cars, luxury sedans, and performance motorcycles often attract extra scrutiny. Your car’s capabilities can work against you in court.

4. Avoid Distractions

Speed often goes unnoticed when you’re on the phone, eating, or fiddling with your GPS. Stay alert and focused.

5. Respect Weather and Road Conditions

Heavy rain, fog, or poor visibility should prompt you to drive below the posted limit. Officers may cite you for driving “too fast for conditions” even if you’re technically within the legal limit.

What to Do If You Receive a Speeding Ticket

If you’ve been cited under Florida’s new speeding laws, do not pay the ticket before consulting a traffic attorney. Many drivers don’t realize that paying a fine is the same as admitting guilt, and in criminal speeding cases, that can mean accepting a permanent record, points on your license, and a drastic increase in insurance premiums.

Here’s what to do instead:

• Take a photo of your citation
• Contact the Traffic Ticket Team for a free consultation
• Do not make any statements to police or court officials without understanding your rights

At the Traffic Ticket Team, we’ve successfully handled over 2,000,000 cases, and we know how to navigate both civil and criminal traffic violations. Whether your goal is to avoid points, reduce fines, keep your license, or dismiss the charge entirely, we’re here to protect your rights and your driving record.

Final Thoughts: Drive Smart, Stay Safe, and Know the Law

Florida’s new speeding laws represent a fundamental shift in how the state views excessive speed—not as a nuisance, but as a public safety threat. The penalties are steep, the law is clear, and enforcement is already underway.

As a traffic ticket lawyer and founder of the Traffic Ticket Team, I urge every Florida driver to take these changes seriously. This isn’t about fear—it’s about responsibility. You owe it to yourself, your family, and everyone else on the road to make smart choices behind the wheel.

Let me leave you with this: Arriving late is better than not arriving at all. Speeding might save you five minutes, but it could cost you five years.

If you find yourself facing a citation, know that you have options—and you don’t have to face it alone.

Jason Diamond
Traffic Ticket Attorney
Founder, The Traffic Ticket Team