New Florida Law Creates Crime of Dangerous Excessive Speeding

New Florida Law Creates Crime of Dangerous Excessive Speeding

Effective July 1, 2025, a new Florida law—§ 316.1922, Florida Statutes—creates the criminal offense of dangerous excessive speeding. This change reflects a legislative effort to crack down on drivers who engage in extreme and unsafe speeding behavior.

What Changed?

The law introduces a new criminal offense for dangerous excessive speeding. A person commits this offense if they:

• Drive more than 50 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, or

• Drive at 100 miles per hour or more in a way that threatens the safety of others or interferes with traffic.

This statute did not previously exist in Florida law.

New Criminal Penalties

Penalties under § 316.1922 include:

• First offense: Up to 30 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both.

• Second or subsequent offense: Up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.

• If the second or later offense occurs within five years of a prior conviction, the person’s driver’s license must be revoked for at least 180 days and up to one year.

This elevates certain high-speed violations from civil traffic infractions to criminal misdemeanors.

Mandatory Court Appearance for Added Infractions

The law also amends § 318.19 to require mandatory court appearances for violations of:

• § 316.1926(2) – which includes aggressive driving behavior.

These additions expand the list of violations that require drivers to appear in court, removing the ability to resolve the case by paying a fine.

Officer Citation Discretion Updated

An amendment to § 318.14(2) allows officers to use their discretion when noting hearing details on traffic citations. Additionally, officers are not required to list a civil penalty amount on citations for:

• Violations under § 318.19(5) or § 316.1926(2).

This change reflects the shift toward treating these infractions as court-handled matters rather than payable fines.

Charged with Dangerous Speeding in Florida? Call a Criminal Defense Attorney Now

A citation under § 316.1922 is not just a ticket—it’s a criminal charge with potential jail time, fines, and license revocation. Your future and freedom may depend on how quickly and effectively you respond.

At The Brancato Law Firm, P.A., we provide serious criminal defense for clients facing high-speed driving and related charges in Tampa, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties.

Call (813) 727-7159 today to schedule your free consultation with attorney Rocky Brancato.