Florida’s new dangerous excessive speeding law officially raises the stakes for drivers who choose to drive recklessly fast, and the penalties are no joke. If you’re caught driving at 100 mph or more, or exceeding the speed limit by 50 mph in a way that endangers others, you could face jail time, steep fines, and even a license revocation.
Understanding this law isn’t just important for habitual speeders. Anyone driving on Florida’s highways, especially in South Florida where fast-paced traffic is common, needs to be aware of the new criminal offense of dangerous excessive speeding.
What Is Considered Dangerous Excessive Speeding in Florida?
House Bill 351 now defines dangerous excessive speeding as more than just going fast. To be charged under the new law, a driver must meet one of two conditions:
- Drive 50 mph or more over the posted speed limit, or
- Operate a vehicle at 100 mph or more in a way that threatens the safety of people or property or interferes with other vehicles.
This second condition is key. Simply hitting 100 mph doesn’t automatically make it a criminal act. It becomes dangerous excessive speeding when paired with behaviors like swerving through traffic, tailgating, or cutting off other drivers at high speed.
Why Did Florida Create This New Speeding Law?
Legislators introduced this law in response to a troubling rise in fatal crashes linked to high-speed driving. According to data from the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, car accident-related fatalities have been steadily increasing. Lawmakers say they needed a more serious deterrent, particularly for drivers who treat public highways like racetracks.
Under the previous law, excessive speed was mostly a traffic infraction. Now, dangerous excessive speeding is classified as a criminal offense, signaling that the state views this as a serious public safety issue.
First-Time Offense Penalties Under FL’s New Excessive Speeding Law
If this is your first conviction for dangerous excessive speeding, you may be facing:
- Up to 30 days in jail
- A fine of up to $500
- Or both jail time and a fine
The judge also has the authority to require you to appear at a mandatory hearing. Unlike a typical speeding ticket, you can’t simply pay a fine and move on. A court appearance is likely, and depending on the case, the consequences can go beyond the statutory minimum.
Penalties for a Second or Subsequent Offense
Florida’s new law comes down even harder on repeat offenders. A second conviction (or more) for dangerous excessive speeding carries:
- Up to 90 days in jail
- A fine of up to $1,000
- Or both
But there’s more: If your second or subsequent conviction happens within five years of your first, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles must revoke your driver’s license for a period of no less than 180 days and no more than one year.
This license revocation is mandatory. That means judges and prosecutors have less discretion, and you may not be able to avoid the penalty, even with legal representation. That’s why it’s so important to take your first offense seriously.
What Happens If You’re Charged?
Being charged with dangerous excessive speeding means you’re now dealing with a criminal traffic offense. That’s significantly different from a civil traffic citation.
Here’s what to expect:
- You’ll likely be arrested, not just ticketed
- You may have to post bail
- You’ll be scheduled for a mandatory court appearance
- A conviction will result in a permanent criminal record
Even if you avoid jail time, the record itself could impact your insurance rates, employment opportunities, and more. If you drive for work (Uber, Lyft, delivery, sales, etc.), your job could be at risk.
Similar Post: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Charged with a Crime in Florida
How Is Florida’s New Excessive Speeding Charge Different from Reckless Driving?
Some drivers confuse this charge with reckless driving, another criminal traffic offense in Florida. While they can overlap, they’re not the same.
- Reckless driving is based more broadly on driving behavior that shows willful disregard for safety.
- Dangerous excessive speeding specifically focuses on extreme speed combined with endangerment.
A driver could be charged with both offenses, depending on the situation. And both carry the potential for jail time and fines.
Can You Fight a Dangerous Excessive Speeding Charge?
Yes, but doing so requires a skilled Florida criminal defense attorney who understands the nuances of traffic law and criminal procedure.
Potential defenses may include:
- Disputing radar evidence or how the speed was measured
- Arguing lack of endangerment, especially if you were driving alone on a clear road
- Challenging the officer’s interpretation of “dangerous” behavior
Every case is different. That’s why hiring a firm like BD Law, with a deep understanding of Florida traffic laws and local court systems, is critical to protecting your rights.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Charged?
If you or someone you know is facing charges for dangerous excessive speeding, don’t assume it’s “just a speeding ticket.” You could be looking at jail time, a permanent criminal record, and loss of your license.
Steps to take immediately:
- Do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney
- Do not plead guilty without exploring your options
- Call a Florida criminal defense attorney right away
The sooner you get legal representation, the better your chances of minimizing the penalties or even getting the charge dismissed or reduced.
Speak to an Attorney Who Understands the Stakes
At BD Law, we know that one bad decision—or one misunderstanding—shouldn’t define your future. Attorney Brandon Dinetz brings years of criminal defense experience and has successfully defended clients facing serious traffic charges throughout West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Wellington, Palm Beach County, and across South Florida.
We’ll review every detail of your case, examine the evidence, and craft a defense strategy tailored to your situation. Whether it’s challenging the speed reading, showing your behavior wasn’t dangerous, or negotiating with the prosecutor, we’re here to fight for you.
Facing Charges Under Florida’s New Excessive Speeding Law? Call BD Law Today to Protect Your Future
If you’re facing a charge under Florida’s new dangerous excessive speeding law, don’t go it alone. Call BD Law at (561) 778-5213 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. With the right legal team by your side, one high-speed mistake doesn’t have to ruin your future.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.