Florida’s New Super Speeder Law: Understanding HB 351 and How It Affects Drivers

# Florida’s New Super Speeder Law: Understanding HB 351 and How It Affects Drivers


1. [Quick summary](#quick-summary)
2. [What is the “Super Speeder” law?](#what-is-the-super-speeder-law)
3. [Penalties for first, second and third offences](#penalties-for-first-second-and-third-offences)
4. [How the law fits into Florida’s traffic‑safety strategy](#how-the-law-fits-into-floridas-traffic-safety-strategy)
5. [Defences and legal strategies for super‑speeder charges](#defences-and-legal-strategies-for-super-speeder-charges)
6. [Impact on insurance and licence points](#impact-on-insurance-and-licence-points)
7. [Lessons from other states’ super‑speeder programmes](#lessons-from-other-states-super-speeder-programmes)
8. [Frequently asked questions](#frequently-asked-questions)
9. [Key takeaways](#key-takeaways)

## Quick summary

| Topic | Details |
| --- | --- |
| **Law** | Florida House Bill 351, known as the **Super Speeder** law, took effect on 1 July 2025. It criminalises “dangerous excessive speeding,” defined as driving **50 mph over the posted limit** or **100 mph or more** in a way that endangers others. |
| **First offence** | Up to **30 days in jail** and a **fine up to $500**【749478473475516†L171-L183】. |
| **Repeat offences** | A second offence within five years brings fines up to **$1,000** and **up to 90 days in jail**【749478473475516†L171-L183】. A third offence leads to a **mandatory six‑month suspension** of your licence【749478473475516†L171-L183】. |
| **Purpose** | To reduce extreme speeding, save lives and deter reckless behaviour on Florida roads—particularly during heavy‑traffic periods such as holidays【749478473475516†L171-L183】. |
| **Defence options** | Challenging the speed measurement, negotiating reduced charges, arguing necessity (emergency), exploring procedural errors and negotiating for diversion programmes. |
| **Insurance impact** | Convictions add major points to your driving record, leading to premium spikes or policy cancellation. |
| **Comparisons** | Other states like Georgia and North Carolina also have super‑speeder laws but with different thresholds and penalties. |

## What is the “Super Speeder” law?

### Origins and intent

Florida’s highways have seen an uptick in extreme speeding incidents. Law‑enforcement officers reported more motorists driving **50 mph or more above the limit** or exceeding **100 mph** on crowded urban freeways. Lawmakers argued that existing fines did little to deter this dangerous behaviour. In response, the Florida Legislature passed **HB 351** (nicknamed the Super Speeder law) during the 2025 session. Governor Ron DeSantis signed it, and it became effective on **1 July 2025**.

The law criminalises “dangerous excessive speeding.” According to CBS Miami, the statute targets drivers “caught going **50 miles per hour or more over the speed limit** or driving **recklessly at 100 mph or faster**”【749478473475516†L171-L183】. Unlike typical speeding tickets, these violations are treated as criminal misdemeanours.

### What qualifies as a super‑speeder?

To be charged under HB 351, a driver must:

* **Exceed the posted speed limit by 50 mph or more.** For example, driving 105 mph in a 55 mph zone qualifies.
* **Drive 100 mph or more in a reckless manner.** Even if the posted limit is 70 mph, travelling at 100 mph in heavy traffic or weaving dangerously may trigger the law.

The officer must document evidence such as radar/laser readings, dash‑cam footage and witness testimony. Unlike civil speeding infractions, this charge requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

## Penalties for first, second and third offences

### First offence: Misdemeanour penalties

For a first‑time super‑speeder conviction, the court may impose:

1. **Up to 30 days in jail.** Judges can order incarceration, particularly when the violation involved extremely dangerous circumstances (e.g., racing through school zones).
2. **A fine up to $500**【749478473475516†L171-L183】. Fines vary by county and judge.
3. **Probation and community service.** The court may require traffic‑safety courses or community service hours.

### Second offence

If you violate the law again within five years:

* **Fines up to $1,000**.
* **Up to 90 days in jail**【749478473475516†L171-L183】.
* **Longer probation and potential licence restrictions.** Judges may order you to surrender your licence for a period or install an ignition interlock device.

### Third offence

A third conviction within five years triggers a **mandatory suspension**:

* **Six‑month licence suspension**【749478473475516†L171-L183】.
* Possible longer jail time depending on circumstances.

The suspension is imposed regardless of whether the court orders additional jail time or fines. After three offences, the state considers you a chronic offender and may require you to retake driver‑education courses and pay reinstatement fees.

## How the law fits into Florida’s traffic‑safety strategy

### Reducing fatalities and serious injuries

Extreme speeding is a major contributor to fatal crashes. Data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) show that in **2024**, about **12 %** of fatal crashes involved drivers exceeding the speed limit by **40 mph or more**. Legislators hope that the threat of jail time will discourage drivers from such behaviour and, in turn, reduce fatalities.

### Aligning with national trends

Other states already had super‑speeder laws. **Georgia** introduced its version in **2010**, imposing an extra $200 assessment for drivers who go **75 mph or more on two‑lane roads** or **85 mph or more on multi‑lane roads**. **North Carolina** criminalises **15 mph over the limit** when driving faster than **55 mph**. Florida’s law is comparatively more severe because it uses a **50 mph over‑limit** threshold and criminal penalties.

### Encouraging law‑abiding behaviour during peak travel

The law came into effect just before the Fourth of July holiday—one of the busiest travel periods. Authorities hoped to send a clear message that reckless speeding would no longer be tolerated. News reports emphasised that the law aims to “reduce dangerous speeding and save lives on Florida’s roads, especially during high‑traffic periods”【749478473475516†L171-L183】.

## Defences and legal strategies for super‑speeder charges

### Challenge the speed measurement

Radar and lidar devices must be calibrated regularly. Your attorney can request maintenance logs to ensure the device used to clock your speed was functioning correctly. Weather conditions, officer training and device placement can all affect readings. If the evidence is unreliable, charges may be reduced or dismissed.

### Argue necessity or emergency

Florida law recognises emergencies as a defence. If you can show that you were speeding to avoid imminent harm (e.g., rushing someone to the hospital), the court may consider reducing the charge.

### Attack the officer’s observations

The prosecution must prove you were driving recklessly. Video footage may show that you were maintaining lane discipline and not endangering others. In some cases, attorneys successfully argue that the speed alone does not constitute reckless driving.

### Negotiate plea deals or diversion

Because the law is new, prosecutors may be willing to negotiate, especially for first‑time offenders. Options include:

* **Plea to a lesser offence.** You might accept a guilty plea to a high‑speed civil infraction, avoiding a criminal record.
* **Pre‑trial diversion programmes.** Some jurisdictions offer education courses or community service in lieu of jail time.

### Hire experienced counsel

Criminal traffic charges require skilled representation. An attorney who specialises in traffic law can evaluate the evidence, identify procedural errors and develop an appropriate defence strategy. Investing in legal counsel can help you avoid a permanent criminal record.

## Impact on insurance and licence points

### Licence points

Under Florida’s point system, a conviction for **reckless driving** typically carries **4 points**. However, a conviction for dangerous excessive speeding under HB 351 is treated as a **criminal traffic offence**. While the statute doesn’t define a point value, courts typically report such convictions to the DHSMV, which may assign **6 points** or more. Drivers who accumulate **12 points in 12 months** face a **30‑day suspension**; **18 points in 18 months** triggers a **90‑day suspension**. Because a super‑speeder conviction can add a big chunk of points, repeat offenders risk losing their licence quickly.

### Insurance premiums

Insurers view criminal traffic offences as high‑risk factors. A single conviction may raise your premiums by **30–50 %** or lead to policy cancellation. Repeat offences could require you to obtain **high‑risk insurance** (SR‑22 or FR‑44), which is significantly more expensive. Some carriers may deny coverage altogether.

### Long‑term consequences

Beyond higher rates, a criminal speeding conviction appears on your record during background checks. Employers, landlords and lenders may view you as irresponsible. For commercial drivers, a super‑speeder conviction can threaten a CDL (Commercial Driver’s Licence) and jeopardise employment.

## Lessons from other states’ super‑speeder programmes

### Georgia

When Georgia enacted its Super Speeder law, authorities collected a **$200 fee** for offenders, in addition to local fines. Revenue funded the state’s trauma‑care system. Over time, Georgia saw a modest reduction in high‑speed crashes, but critics argue that the flat fee is little deterrent for affluent drivers.

### North Carolina and Virginia

North Carolina labels **15 mph over the limit when driving faster than 55 mph** as reckless driving, punishable by up to **60 days in jail**. **Virginia** treats speeds over **85 mph** or **20 mph over the limit** as reckless driving. These states emphasise that extreme speeding is not just a civil infraction but a criminal offence.

### What Florida can learn

Florida’s law includes both financial and custodial penalties. By imposing escalating punishments for repeat offences and mandating licence suspensions, it aims to deter chronic offenders more effectively. However, the true deterrent effect will depend on consistent enforcement and public awareness.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is the Super Speeder law a felony?

No. For now, HB 351 classifies dangerous excessive speeding as a **first‑degree misdemeanour**. However, if your speeding causes injury or death, prosecutors may bring felony charges under other statutes (e.g., vehicular manslaughter).

### Can I take a traffic school course to remove a super‑speeder conviction?

No. Because it’s a criminal offence, you cannot “erase” the conviction by taking basic driver‑improvement courses. At best, you can use traffic school to reduce points from your record after the fact.

### Will my car be impounded?

The statute does not require automatic impoundment. However, officers can impound your vehicle if they believe it’s necessary to protect public safety (for example, if you were street racing).

### What if I’m from another state?

Out‑of‑state drivers are still subject to Florida law. If convicted, the violation will likely be reported to your home state’s licensing agency. States that are part of the Driver Licence Compact will assess points or equivalent penalties.

### How does this law relate to other traffic violations?

You can be charged with both “super‑speeder” and other offences, such as reckless driving, DUI or racing on highways. Courts may consolidate charges, but each carries its own penalties.

## Key takeaways

* **Florida’s new law means extreme speeders face criminal charges.** Going 50 mph over the limit or 100 mph in a reckless manner can land you in jail for up to 30 days and cost you hundreds of dollars in fines【749478473475516†L171-L183】.
* **Repeat offences are harshly punished.** A second violation within five years can bring fines up to $1,000 and 90 days behind bars; a third leads to a mandatory six‑month licence suspension【749478473475516†L171-L183】.
* **The law is part of a broader safety strategy.** Legislators hope to deter extreme speeding and align Florida with other states that treat dangerous speeding as a crime.
* **Defence is possible.** Challenging the evidence, negotiating plea deals and hiring experienced counsel can minimise consequences.
* **Insurance premiums will soar.** A criminal conviction could raise rates by 30–50 % and put you in the high‑risk category.
* **Stay informed and drive responsibly.**