Are you a ‘super speeder?' Florida bills would bring higher fines for fastest drivers
Got a heavy foot? If either of two bills working their way through the Florida Legislature pass, "super speeders" could see dramatically higher fines, lose their licenses, and have their vehicles impounded.
Both bills add driving more than 50 mph over the speed limit or driving more than 100 mph under any circumstances to the definition of "reckless driving" under state law, and both bills increase those penalties.
Under House Bill 351 from Rep. Susan Plasencia, R-Winter Park, the fine for reckless driving, currently $25 to $500, would become a flat $500. A second offense means a flat fine of $5,000 (up from the current $50 to $1,000) and revocation of driver's license for a year, although the arresting officer has some leeway.
Under State Bill 1782, filed by Sen. Jason W. B. Pizzo, D-Hollywood, the fine for reckless driving would be raised to up to $1,000 for th first offense, the driver's driving privileges would be revoked for six months and their vehicle could be impounded for 30 days. For a second offense, the fine would be at least $2,500, with a one-year license suspension and a 30-day impoundment.
Potential jail time (90 days for first offense, six months after that) remains the same. However, speeders may get a slight break: another bill (SB 462) would raise the speed limits in Florida by 5 mph.
HB 351 does the following:
Adds the following to the state definition of reckless driving:
Exceeding the speed limit by 50 mph or more
Operating a motor vehicle at 100 mph or more
Increases penalties for reckless driving:
First conviction: Increases the fine from a minimum of $25 to a $500 flat flee, which is the maximum amount in current law.
Second or subsequent conviction: Increases the fine from a maximum of $1,000 to a minimum of $5,000 and requires the court to revoke the person's driving privilege for one year.
Requires a mandatory hearing for
A driver of a motor vehicle who exceeds the speed limit in excess of 50 mph
A driver of a motorcycle or moped who fails to have both wheels on the ground at all times, facing forward, and with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.
A driver of a motorcycle or moped who fails to have a license plate permanently affixed to a motorcycle or moped and clearly visible from the rear at all times.
SB 1782 does the following:
Adds the following to the state definition of reckless driving:
Exceeding the speed limit by 50 mph or more
Operating a motor vehicle at 100 mph or more
Operating a motor vehicle on anywhere other than a limited access highway while exceeding the posted speed limit by 35 mph or more
Increases penalties for reckless driving:
First conviction: Increases the fine from a minimum of $25 to a minimum of $1,000, requires license suspension for six months and vehicle impoundment for 30 days
Second or subsequent conviction: Increases the fine from a maximum of $1,000 to a minimum of $2,500, requires license suspension for one year and vehicle impoundment for 30 days
Requires a mandatory hearing for:
A driver of a motor vehicle who exceeds the speed limit in excess of 50 mph
A driver of a motorcycle or moped who fails to have both wheels on the ground at all times, facing forward, and with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.
A driver of a motorcycle or moped who fails to have a license plate permanently affixed to a motorcycle or moped and clearly visible from the rear at all times.
If passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, either bill would go into effect on July 1, 2025.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Speeding in Florida could mean higher fines, license suspensions
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