Regardless of what state you live in, you’ll legally have to obey some universal laws, such as maintaining a valid driver’s license and stopping at red lights. However, Florida drivers must also adhere to a specific set of state and local ordinances.

Instead of attempting to interpret all of Title XXIII of the Florida Statutes, check out our much simpler guide to the Sunshine State’s rules of the road. We’ll go over general traffic laws,

car insurance

, speeding, car accidents, DUIs, distracted driving, seatbelt use, and more.

Florida general traffic laws

All of Florida’s traffic-related laws and guidelines are laid out in

Title XXIII of Florida’s Statutes

, Chapters 316 through 324. While this comprehensive handbook gives you the most detailed instructions, it can be quite dense—which is why we’ve summarized the most important rules here.

Driver’s license laws

You must hold a valid Florida driver’s license if you reside in the state and are operating a motor vehicle. You must keep your license on your person whenever you’re behind the wheel.

If you’re pulled over by police for any reason, you’ll need to show your license (as well as proof of insurance). Being caught driving without a license could result in serious consequences.

In Florida, “No Valid Driver’s License” is classified as a second-degree misdemeanor, with penalties of up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

Although the majority of cases will not result in a jail sentence, the principal consequence of a “No Valid License” conviction is that it will create a permanent criminal record.

MORE:

Florida Restricted License

Insurance laws

On top of carrying a valid license, you’ll also need to hold a valid

car insurance

policy.

Florida drivers are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in

personal injury protection (PIP)

and $10,000 in property damage liability coverage.

Florida is a

no-fault state

—so Florida insurance requirements are somewhat unique. Unlike most states, Florida does not require drivers to carry

bodily injury liability insurance

Instead, Florida drivers must carry personal injury protection insurance to help cover expenses related to injuries. You also need to have a certain amount of

property damage liability

to provide some protection from lawsuits if you cause an accident.

If your policy lapses or you’re unable to show proof of insurance, here’s what could happen:

Penalty Type	First Offense	Subsequent Offenses
Fines	$150	Up to $500 for subsequent offenses within three years of the first offense
License suspension	Lasts until reinstatement fee is paid and proof of noncancelable coverage is provided	Lasts until reinstatement fee is paid and proof of noncancelable coverage is provided

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Florida minimum car insurance laws

Right of way

Florida’s statutes assert that every driver, motorcyclist, moped rider, bicyclist, and pedestrian must do everything possible to avoid a crash. They may do so by giving up the right of way in the following situations:

Stop signs: Yield the right of way to any other cars and foot traffic. Proceed only when the road is completely clear. If at a four-way stop, the first car to arrive should proceed first. If two cars approach the intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the left should yield to the vehicle on the right.

Open intersections (without traffic control signals): Yield the right of way if a car is already in the intersection, if you enter a state highway from a secondary road, if you enter a paved road from a dirt or gravel road, or if you wish to make a left turn and a car is approaching from the other direction.

Roundabouts: Vehicles approaching the roundabout yield to circulating traffic; however, drivers must obey all signs to determine the correct right of way in the roundabout.

Pedestrians: Turning motorists must yield to pedestrians at intersections with traffic signals. Motorists must yield to pedestrians crossing the street or driveway at any marked mid-block crossing, driveway, or intersection without traffic signals.

Emergency vehicles: Pedestrians and drivers must yield the right of way to law enforcement cars, fire engines, and other emergency vehicles using sirens and/or flashing lights.

MORE: How do I know who has the right of way?

Passing and turning

Passing other cars while driving in Florida is perfectly legal, but there are a few guidelines you must follow in order to do so safely.

Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle you’d like to pass. If you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, you won’t be able to see ahead of it. A driver’s vision is especially impaired when following trucks, trailers, and other large vehicles.

Check your blind spots carefully prior to pulling out to pass, making sure that you have plenty of time and space.

On a two-lane road, lightly beep your horn to alert the other driver that you are passing. If it’s dark, you can flash your headlights.

Use your turn signal before you cross over into the left lane.

Do not return to the right lane until you have a view of the tires of the car you passed in your rearview mirror. However, make sure you return to the right side of the road before coming within 200 feet of any vehicle driving at you from the other direction.

Passing on the right is only allowed if there are two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction or the vehicle you are passing is stopped in preparation for a left turn. Pulling off the roadway or onto a shoulder to pass on the right is always prohibited.

You may not pass on a two-lane road with traffic moving in opposite directions under these conditions:

Where you see a "DO NOT PASS" or "NO PASSING ZONE" sign.

Where a solid yellow line is painted on your side of the centerline.

On hills or curves.

At intersections.

Within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, tunnel, or railroad crossing.

When it comes to turning, Florida lays out specific rules for those turning left. The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway shall yield the right of way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction, or vehicles lawfully passing on the left of the turning vehicle, which is within the intersection.

Finally, U-turns are legal as long as there are no signs prohibiting them and they don't interfere with other cars. Keep in mind that you have to follow the usual right-of-way laws when making a U-turn, so you will usually be the last person to make a move.

MORE: Reckless driving in Florida

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Parking laws

Florida parking laws are relatively intuitive. When parking on a public road, move as far away from traffic as possible. If there is a roadside shoulder, pull as far onto it as you can. If there is a curb, pull close to it—you must not park more than one foot away. Always park on the right side of the roadway, unless it is a one-way street.

Parking is not allowed:

On the roadway side of another parked vehicle (double parking)

On crosswalks

On sidewalks

In front of driveways

By curbs painted yellow or where "No Parking" signs are posted

Within intersections

Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant

Within 20 feet of an intersection

Within 20 feet of the entrance to a fire, ambulance, or rescue squad station

Within 50 feet of a railroad crossing

On the hard surface of a highway where parking spaces are not marked

On any bridge or overpass or in any tunnel

Within 30 feet of a rural mailbox on a state highway between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m

Within 30 feet of any flashing signal, stop sign, or traffic signal

In such a way that you block or create a hazard for other vehicles

MORE: How to find your car in a parking lot

Florida speeding laws

One of the most policed traffic laws in the Sunshine State is speeding. If you’re caught driving too fast, you’ll likely receive a speeding ticket, which is accompanied by various fines and penalties. Let’s take a closer look.

Speed limits

First things first: speed limits show the fastest speed you may drive under good conditions. You are responsible for adjusting your driving speed to the road conditions. For example, if the weather is bad or there is a lot of traffic, you must drive slower than the posted speed.

The safest speed is the one that allows you to have complete control of your vehicle.

A 55 mph speed limit is generally in effect throughout the state unless otherwise posted. You can expect Florida’s standard speed limits to be set at the following:

Municipal speed areas: 30 mph

Business or residential areas: 30 mph

Rural interstate: 70 mph

Limited access highways: 70 mph

School zones: 20 mph

All other roads and highways: 55 mph

The penalties you face for speeding will depend on how fast you were going:

Even traveling just a few miles over the speed limit—6 to 9 mph—will cost you $144.

If you were going between 10 and 14 mph over the limit, expect to pay a $219 fine.

Zoom 15 to 19 mph over the posted speed limit, and the ticket will set you back $269.

20 to 29 mph over the limit brings a $294 penalty.

Going more than 30 mph over the speed limit means you face a mandatory court hearing. Prepare yourself for a reckless driving charge, which is a criminal misdemeanor, and a fine of at least $369. For such a hearing, it is wise to obtain legal representation.

If you're going 50 mph or more over the speed limit, your fine is $1,000 for the first offense and $2,500 for the second.

MORE:

How do I lower my car insurance after a speeding ticket?

Move over laws

Like many states, Florida has a “move over law.” Florida law requires you to move over a lane—when you can safely do so—for stopped law enforcement, emergency, sanitation, and utility service vehicles, tow trucks or wreckers, and maintenance or construction vehicles with displayed warning lights.

Penalties for violating the Florida Move Over Law differ based on severity. This type of violation is considered a “noncriminal traffic infraction.” In general, drivers who violate this statute can expect to pay a fine of at least $120 and incur three points on their driving record.

MORE:

Comparative negligence in Florida

Florida car accident laws

Florida law requires all drivers to stop at the scene of an accident to help anyone who’s injured. If an accident causes injuries or damage in excess of $500, it must be reported to local law enforcement.

If injuries occurred, you’re required to stay at the scene of the accident. You must also exchange information (name, address, and vehicle registration) with all parties involved. While not required by law, you should also write down the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident take place. Other important details to note include weather conditions and road conditions.

Take photos of the damage to all vehicles involved so you can submit them with the accident report to your insurance company. The report should simply state the facts without admitting to fault on your behalf or explicitly blaming the other driver.

The penalties you may face, if convicted of leaving the scene of an accident in the state of Florida, will depend on whether a death or serious injury occurred or whether the damage was only to property. Potential penalties include:

If you leave the scene of an accident in which another person died, you could be charged with a first-degree felony, and, if convicted, could face penalties of up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. If you were driving under the influence at the time of the accident, you will be subject to a mandatory four-year prison sentence.

If you leave the scene of an accident where another person suffered injuries, you could be charged with a third-degree felony. Your penalties, if convicted, could include up to five years in prison or five years probation and a $5,000 fine.

If you leave the scene of an accident that only involved property damage, you may be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor and, if convicted, you could face as many as 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

MORE: Florida hit-and-run

Florida DUI laws

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) or

driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs (DUI)

is incredibly dangerous and, appropriately, a serious offense in Florida.

Under Florida law, driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances is one offense, proved by impairment of normal faculties or an unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of .08 or above.

Offense	Fines	Jail	Vehicle impoundment
DUI/DWI (First offense)	Not less than $500 or more than $1,000. If blood/breath alcohol level (BAL) was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, not less than $1,000 or more than $2,000.	Imprisonment for no more than six months. If BAL was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, imprisonment for not more than nine months.	10 days
DUI/DWI (Second offense)	Not less than $1,000 or more than $2,000. If BAL was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, not less than $2,000 or more than $4,000.	Imprisonment for no more than nine months. If BAL was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, imprisonment for no more than 12 months.If the second conviction was within five years of a prior conviction, mandatory imprisonment of at least 10 days. At least 48 hours of confinement must be consecutive.	30 days, if within five years of the prior conviction
DUI/DWI (Third offense within 10 years from the second offense)	No less than $2,000 or more than $5,000. If BAL was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, not less than $4,000.	Mandatory imprisonment of at least 30 days. At least 48 hours of confinement must be consecutive.	90 days, if within 10 years of a prior conviction
DUI/DWI (Third offense more than 10 years from the second offense)	No less than $2,000 or more than $5,000. If BAL was .15 or higher, or if there was a minor in the vehicle, no less than $4,000.	Imprisonment for no more than 12 months.	10 days
DUI/DWI (Fourth or subsequent offense)	Fines up to $10,000, imprisonment in TDCJ for 2 to 10 years, and license suspension for 90 days to 2 years	Imprisonment for no more than five years.	Depends on prior convictions

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Keep in mind that the penalties will be far more severe if your DUI results in the injury or death of another person.

DUI manslaughter: Second-degree felony (no more than a $10,000 fine and/or 15 years imprisonment).

DUI manslaughter/leaving the scene: A driver convicted of DUI manslaughter who knew or should have known the crash occurred, but failed to give information or render aid, is guilty of a first-degree felony (no more than $10,000 fine and/or 30 years imprisonment).

Vehicular homicide: Second-degree felony (not more than $10,000 fine and/or 15 years imprisonment).

Vehicular homicide/leaving the scene: A driver convicted of vehicular homicide who left the scene of a crash is guilty of a first-degree felony (not more than $10,000 fine and/or 30 years imprisonment).

You can also expect your license to be revoked if you receive a DUI. Here are the estimated revocation periods:

First offense without bodily injury: Minimum 180 days revocation, maximum one year.

First offense with bodily injury: Minimum three years revocation.

Second offense within five years from prior conviction: Minimum five years revocation. May be eligible for hardship reinstatement after one year.

Second offense five or more years after first conviction: the same revocation periods as the first offense apply.

Third offense within 10 years of the second conviction: Minimum 10 years revocation. May be eligible for a hardship reinstatement after two years.

Third offense 10 or more years after the second conviction: The same revocation periods as the first offense apply.

Fourth conviction, regardless of when prior convictions occurred: Mandatory permanent revocation. May be eligible for hardship reinstatement after five years. If incarcerated, the revocation period begins upon the date of release from incarceration.

DUI manslaughter: Mandatory permanent revocation. May be eligible for hardship reinstatement after five years, if there are no prior DUI-related convictions.

DUI manslaughter, serious bodily injury, or vehicular homicide convictions: Minimum three years revocation. DUI serious bodily injury having a prior DUI conviction is the same as above.

Florida distracted driving laws

While driving while intoxicated is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Florida, distracted driving isn’t far behind.

Distracted driving is anything that takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, or your mind off of driving. It is extremely risky behavior that puts everyone on the road in danger. There are different kinds of driver distractions:

Visual: taking your eyes off the road

Manual: taking your hands off the wheel

Cognitive: thinking about anything other than driving

Most of Florida’s distracted driving laws focus on cell phone usage. Section 316.305, Florida Statutes allows law enforcement to stop motor vehicles and issue citations to motorists that are texting and driving. A person may not operate a motor vehicle while manually typing or entering multiple letters, numbers, or symbols into a wireless communications device to text, email, and instant message.

Section 316.306, Florida Statutes, is a prohibition on using wireless communications devices in a handheld manner in school and work zones. A person may not operate a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device in a handheld manner in a designated school crossing, school zone, or active work zone area.

Active work zone, as it pertains to Section 316.306, Florida Statutes, means that construction personnel are present or are operating equipment on the road or immediately adjacent to the work zone area.

MORE: How much a distracted driving ticket costs you in the long run

Florida seatbelt laws

All of the above laws are put in place for your safety—as are the seatbelts in your vehicle.

Florida law requires the use of safety belts for all drivers and passengers in all motorized vehicles, except:

A person certified by a physician as having a medical condition that causes seatbelt use to be inappropriate or dangerous. Make sure to keep a copy of your certification while you are driving or being driven.

Employee of a newspaper home delivery service while delivering newspapers.

School buses that were purchased new prior to December 31, 2000.

Buses used for the transportation of persons for compensation.

Farm equipment.

Trucks with a net weight of more than 26,000 pounds.

Extra steps must be taken to ensure a child’s safety:

Florida law requires children aged five and under to be secured properly in a crash-tested, federally-approved child restraint device.

Children ages zero through three must be in child restraint devices of a separate carrier or a vehicle manufacturer’s integrated child seat.

Children ages four through five must be in a separate carrier, integrated child seat, or booster seat.

Not wearing a seatbelt in Florida is considered a primary violation, which means law enforcement can pull you over if you're not wearing a seatbelt. The fine for a seatbelt violation in Florida is $30 for an adult and $60 for a child five and younger

MORE:

Seat-belt laws in Florida

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Can you speed while passing in Florida?

No. Driving over the speed limit is always illegal, even if you’re trying to pass another vehicle. You should only pass another vehicle if you can do so safely and within the posted speed limit.

Is Florida strict on DUIs?

Yes—there are multiple penalties for DUIs in Florida, which include fines, jail time, license revocation, and vehicle impoundment. The penalties increase quickly for repeat offenders.

How long does a DUI stay on your insurance record in Florida?

A DUI in Florida can affect insurance for up to 10 years, depending on how far back the insurance company looks in a driver's motor vehicle record. Most insurers look back at the past three to five years of a driver's motor vehicle record when calculating premiums, but some look even further for major violations, like a DUI.

Is it illegal to eat and drive in Florida?

No state in the U.S. has a law that specifically prohibits eating while driving. So it is not illegal to eat while driving in Florida. But you could still face legal consequences for any harm or damage you cause while eating and driving.

Is it illegal to drive with no shirt on in Florida?

Technically, there are no laws that specifically prohibit topless driving (for any gender).

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