Florida Traffic Ticket Update: October 14, 2026

Phone-while-driving tickets, what camera ticket data shows, and how to spot fake “unpaid ticket” texts

Part 1: What’s New

A Florida City’s Camera Report Shows Fewer Than 1% of Tickets Are Contested

In early October, Sarasota police gave their city commission the annual reports on the city’s camera programs, covering the year ending June 30, 2026. School-zone speed cameras issued about 34,000 notices and red-light cameras about 33,000, for nearly 67,000 in all. Only 182 were contested. Most drivers simply paid.

What this means for you: A camera ticket is not automatically final. Florida law gives you time to respond and options beyond paying, so read the notice carefully before you send money. Red-light camera notices are $158 and must be handled within 60 days (s. 316.0083, Florida Statutes).

Source: LBK News — https://lbknews.com/with-66984-tickets-and-no-traffic-stop-sarasotas-cameras-mailed-7-million-in-fines-last-year/

Part 2: Driver’s Guide

Can I Get a Ticket for Using My Phone While Driving in Florida?

Yes. Florida has two separate phone laws. The first bans texting, emailing and instant messaging while your vehicle is moving, and officers can pull you over for it. A first texting offense is a nonmoving violation with a $30 base fine and no points. A second offense within five years is a moving violation with a $60 base fine and 3 points on your license (s. 316.305; FLHSMV). Court costs are added on top of the base fine.

The second law is stricter. In a school zone, a school crossing, or an active work zone where workers are present, simply holding your phone while driving is illegal, even if you’re only on a call. It is a moving violation with a $60 base fine and 3 points (s. 316.306). For a first offense, the statute lets you elect an approved wireless-device driving safety program to have the points waived. The clerk may also dismiss a first offense if you show proof that you bought hands-free equipment, though court costs can still apply.

There is no statewide “hands-free everywhere” law yet. Bills to create one were filed in 2026 but died in committee in March (SB 1152 and HB 1241), so watch for similar proposals in 2027.

What this means for you: In Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach school zones, put the phone in a mount or use Bluetooth. A 3-point ticket counts toward a license suspension, since 12 points within 12 months triggers a 30-day suspension (s. 322.27).

Sources: Florida Statutes s. 316.305 — https://flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/0316.305; s. 316.306 — https://flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/0316.306; FLHSMV — https://flhsmv.gov/safety-center/driving-safety/distracted-driving/; SB 1152 — https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1152

Part 3: Common Questions

Can I text while stopped at a red light in Florida?

Under the texting law, a vehicle that is stationary is not considered “being operated,” so the texting ban does not apply while you are fully stopped. Once traffic moves, it applies again. The school-zone and work-zone handheld rule has the same stationary-vehicle language.

Source: Florida Statutes s. 316.305(3)(a) — https://flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/0316.305

Can police take or search my phone during a texting stop?

No, not without a warrant. The officer must tell you that you can refuse a search of your phone. The officer cannot access the phone without a warrant or confiscate it while waiting for one, and any consent you give must be voluntary.

Source: Florida Statutes s. 316.305(3)(c) — https://flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/0316.305

Can I use my phone for GPS while driving?

Yes. Using a device for navigation is an exception to the texting law. In school zones and active work zones, though, navigation must be used hands-free, so a mounted phone is the safe choice.

Sources: s. 316.305(3)(b) — https://flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/0316.305; s. 316.306(3)(b) — https://flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/0316.306

I got a text saying I owe money for an unpaid traffic ticket. Is it real?

Probably not. Officials in South Florida have warned about fake texts that claim to be from the state motor vehicle agency and ask you to click a link and pay. Don’t click. Check your case yourself through your county clerk’s official website or phone line. For a real ticket, you generally have 30 days to pay or choose another option.

Sources: NBC 6 Miami — https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/miami-dade-tax-collector-warns-of-text-scams-about-unpaid-traffic-citations/3789437/; Broward Clerk — https://www.browardclerk.org/Divisions/TrafficAndMisdemeanor; Palm Beach Clerk — https://www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/departments/courts/traffic-tickets

Got a ticket? Talk to us before you pay. Traffic Ticket Team handles traffic tickets in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Call (954) 967-9888 or visit trafficticketteam.com for a consultation.

Sources

This post is for general information only and is not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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