- April 19, 2024
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As of Jan. 1, 2020, Florida drivers can be cited for texting while driving and for using a wireless device by hand in a designated school crossing, school zone or active work zone, according to a news release from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
“As a new year begins, I am proud to give law enforcement the ability to fully enforce the Wireless Communications While Driving law. All drivers should be completely focused on the road in order for everyone to arrive at their destinations safely.”
— RON DeSANTIS, Florida governor
The Wireless Communications While Driving Law became effective on July 1, 2019, but for the past six months, Florida Highway Patrol officers have educated drivers about the new texting law, issuing warnings but not citations.
FHP issued 1,087 warnings for texting while driving from July 1 through Dec. 30.
“As a new year begins, I am proud to give law enforcement the ability to fully enforce the Wireless Communications While Driving law,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said, according to the news release. “All drivers should be completely focused on the road in order for everyone to arrive at their destinations safely.”
The law is divided into two sections. Violating the prohibition on texting while driving, Section 316.305, is considered a nonmoving traffic violation, with a base fine of $30 (and no points assessed) for the first offense, or $60 (and three points assessed) for a second offense within five years of the first.
Violating the prohibition on using a wireless device by hand in a school crossing, school zone or active work zone, Section 316.306, is considered a moving traffic violation, with a base fine of $60 (and three points assessed) for any offense.
