Several new Florida laws went into effect this July—many of which directly impact personal injury cases, liability, and roadway safety. Here are the key ones to know:
Dangerous Excessive Speeding
Drivers going over 100 mph or exceeding the speed limit by 50+ mph can now face jail time and increased fines—making reckless speeding both a criminal and financial risk.
Boater Freedom Act
Law enforcement must now have probable cause or clear evidence of a violation before stopping a boat. This could affect boating accident investigations and liability.
Swatting
The act of falsely reporting a serious emergency to provoke a police response will carry tougher penalties, especially if the call results in physical harm. These incidents may also open the door to civil injury claims.
Pam Rock Act
Dog owners with dangerous animals will now be required to microchip their pets, maintain secure enclosures, and carry liability insurance. This law strengthens protections for dog bite victims.
Driver’s License Education Reform
Teens must now complete a state-approved driver education course, pass vision and hearing tests, and obtain parental consent—steps designed to improve road safety and reduce teen-involved crashes.
Hands-Free Driving Law
Florida now prohibits the use of handheld cell phones while driving. This law aims to reduce distracted driving injuries and may affect fault in future accidents.
