- New legislation is targeting drivers exceeding the speed limit by 50 mph or more.
- Motorists driving at 100 mph or more in a dangerous manner are also under the microscope.
- The law comes after an 11-year-old pedestrian was killed by a speeding driver in 2022.
Florida is looking to clamp down on speeding drivers, and as of July 1, some could be required to serve jail time. A new law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis aims to improve road safety, but has sparked controversy, with some suspecting the new law could further clog an already congested legal system. Some have claimed the law is also too broad.
The new legislation targets motorists who are nabbed exceeding the posted speed limit by 50 mph or more, or for driving at 100 mph or more in a manner that threatens the safety of people or property. First-time violators may face a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both.
Read: Florida County Rakes In Nearly $600,000 In Just 3 Weeks From School Zone Speed Camera Fines
Anyone caught a subsequent time could be forced to pay a $1,000 fine, face 90 days in jail, or both. Additionally, repeat offenders may have their licenses revoked for up to one year. Motorists caught exceeding the speed limit by 50 mph or more must appear before a Judge, too, as the Florida legislation includes a mandatory court appearance provision.
The law was prompted by the death of 11-year-old Anthony Reznick, who was killed in 2022 after being struck by Samentha Toussaint while crossing at a crosswalk. At the time, Toussaint had more than two dozen prior traffic citations, a suspended license, and was driving 85 mph through a residential area without headlights.
Despite the circumstances, she faced no criminal charges. Her license was suspended for eight years, and she was ordered to perform community service and pay a fine.
Court Concerns
State Republican Mike Gottlieb has expressed opposition to the legislation, claiming that it is not well thought out.
“It’s constitutionally overbroad,” he said, reports WFLA. “It is incredibly invasive. It’s going to clog our court systems in a way that none of us can imagine. The bill makes sense, speeding kills, we want to punish people more severely for speeding. It’s not well thought out and its enforcement and inaction, I would urge you, we need to reconsider this, tee it up next session. It’s not a good bill. It’s not in a great posture.”
