5 new Florida laws that go into effect July 1, 2024
Posted By Darrigo & Diaz
On July 1, 2024, more than 150 new Florida laws will go into effect. Here are the new bills that will directly impact Florida drivers.
Each year, the Florida Legislature convenes to propose, debate, and pass new bills and laws that address various aspects of life in the state. This legislative process involves both the House of Representatives and the Senate, where lawmakers draft proposals that respond to emerging issues, public concerns, and the need for updated regulations. The bills are then sent to the governor for approval.
This year, Governor Ron DeSantis has signed more than 150 bills into law that will go into effect July 1, 2024. While these bills cover a wide range of topics, including public safety, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental protection, there are several new laws that significantly impact highways and drivers across the state. To keep you informed, our Florida car accident attorneys identify the five new Florida laws that you need to know.
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5 new laws that impact Florida drivers
From increasing penalties for street racing and driving without a valid driver’s license to better protecting pedestrians and bicyclists, here are five new Florida laws that impact highway safety.
HB 1133: Vulnerable Road Users
House Bill 1133 amends state statutes regarding traffic infractions involving “vulnerable road users.” There are now heavier fines and potential license suspensions for anyone who commits a non-criminal traffic infraction that seriously injures or kills a vulnerable road user.
The bill identifies a vulnerable road user as a pedestrian engaged in work or providing emergency services along a highway; a person operating a bike, e-bike, motorcycle, scooter or moped lawfully on a roadway; a person riding an animal along a highway; and a person lawfully operating a tractor, skateboard, skates, electric personal assistive mobility device, or wheelchair on a public right-of-way, crosswalk, or shoulder of a roadway.
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HB 1363: Traffic Enforcement with Red Light Cameras
House Bill 1363 introduces additional requirements to state statutes that authorize the use of red light cameras. The new law requires county governments to pass an ordinance that authorizes the installation of red light cameras. In addition, counties using red light cameras must annually report on the results of all traffic infraction detectors at public meetings.
Understanding red light camera violations in Florida
Florida Statute 316.0083, also known as the “Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act,” was enacted in 2010, and it authorizes local governments to use red light cameras for enforcing traffic laws. If you are caught by a red light camera, the registered owner (not the driver) of the vehicle receives a Notice of Violation with a fine, typically $158. This is a non-criminal violation, and no points are assessed on the driver’s license. However, if not paid within the specified time, it can escalate to a Uniform Traffic Citation (UTC), increasing the fine and potentially adding points to the license.
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HB 1589: Driving Without a Valid Driver’s License
House Bill 1589 revises penalties for the offense of driving without a valid driver’s license. Under the new law, the penalties have been increased, with a required minimum jail sentence for third or subsequent conviction of such offense.
Below are the new penalties for driving without a valid driver’s license:
– Second-degree misdemeanor — Upon a first conviction
– First-degree misdemeanor — Upon a second conviction
– First-degree misdemeanor and must serve 10 days in jail — Upon a third or subsequent conviction
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H3: SB 1765: Highway Racing
Senate Bill 1764 introduces harsher fines and enhanced penalties for highway racing. Anyone who is unlawfully engaged in a “coordinated street takeover,” in which several cares are racing, can face a third-degree felony charge and steep fines. The law also states that it is a third degree felony if someone in a street takeover interferes with the movement of an emergency vehicle. The driver can face a fine of $4,000 and a five-year prison sentence. In addition, spectators at such events can also be fined.
Highways racing is a growing problem in Tampa and Central Florida. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, more than 9,200 citations have been issued for street racing or stunt driving between 2018 and 2023. Some of those races have led to deadly crashes
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HB 271: Parking on Private Property
House Bill 271 establishes new rules for private parking facilities in the state. Under this law, parking facilities are required to clearly post their rules and rates at the entrance of lots. Furthermore, a 15-minute grace period is established for drivers who enter such a lot but don’t actually park. This law impacts the ability for companies or commercial property owners to tow vehicles that are parked on their property if signs are not clearly posted.
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Injured in an accident in Florida?
Call the Florida Accident Attorneys at Darrigo & Diaz for a free consultation at (813) 774-3341
For over 25 years, the Florida car accident attorneys at Darrigo & Diaz have fought tirelessly on behalf of Central Florida accident victims and their families. We specialize in all types of automobile accidents, including accidents involving commercial trucks, drunk drivers, motorcycles, left-hand turns, pedestrians and bicyclists.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Florida, contact us immediately through our secured contact form. Or call our office at (813) 774-3341 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and connect with an experienced and knowledgeable accident lawyer.
