Heads up, Florida drivers! Our roads are about to become much tougher on speeding violations. Starting July 1, 2025, a new law goes into effect that could land you in jail for dangerous speeding, even on a first offense. This is a big change, and your safety, your license, and your future could depend on knowing the new rules, which have major consequences; both criminally and potentially in civil court.

What’s Considered “Dangerous Excessive Speeding” Now?

You will be facing a “dangerous excessive speeding” charge if you’re caught:

• Driving 50 miles per hour (mph) or more over the posted speed limit. Imagine a 70 mph highway, and you’re going 120 mph – that’s now a criminal offense. Or a 30 mph street, and you’re caught at 80 mph.
• Driving at 100 mph or more, regardless of the posted speed limit, in a way that puts others or property at risk, or messes with traffic.

The New, Serious Penalties (and Beyond Criminal Court)

Under the new law, certain types of extreme speeding are now considered a criminal offense as opposed to a traffic offense.

• First Offense: You could be sentenced to up to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, or both.
• Second or Later Offense (within five years): up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
• License Revocation: For repeat offenders, your driver’s license may be taken away for 180 days to one year.
• Mandatory Court Appearance: Forget just mailing in a check pay the fine. For these excessive speeding violations, you must appear in court before a judge.

But the consequences might not stop there. If your “dangerous excessive speeding” leads to an accident that causes injury or damage to others, you could also face a civil lawsuit. In such cases, the victim might not only seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering (known as “compensatory damages”), but they might also pursue punitive damages to punish you for driving excessively fast.

Punitive damages are special awards meant to punish the at-fault driver for particularly reckless or egregious behavior and to deter others from similar conduct. Because “dangerous excessive speeding” shows an extreme disregard for safety, it may open the door to these significant additional financial penalties in a civil court. This means that a criminal conviction could have a ripple effect, leading to a costly civil judgment against you.

Why This New Law?

This law was passed to address the increasing number of serious accidents and deaths caused by reckless, high-speed driving on Florida’s roads. Lawmakers and police hope that these much harsher penalties will finally make people think twice before driving at extremely dangerous speeds.

What This Means for YOU

The message for every driver is simple: slow down. These new penalties are designed to be a strong warning. Even if you’ve never had a speeding ticket before, a single instance of “dangerous excessive speeding” could now lead to a criminal record, jail time, and potentially severe financial liability in a civil lawsuit.

Facing Charges? Don’t Wait!

If you are charged with “dangerous excessive speeding,” the consequences are incredibly high, affecting both your criminal record and potentially your financial future. The possibility of jail time, heavy fines, a criminal record, and a civil lawsuit means you need experienced legal help right away.

At Kampf,  Inman & Associates, we are ready to protect your rights and guide you through this challenging new legal landscape. Our team has extensive experience in criminal defense, traffic violations, and civil litigation defense here across Florida. We can help you navigate both the criminal charges and any potential civil claims that may arise.

Don’t risk your freedom, your future, and your financial well-being. Contact us today for a consultation. We’re here to help you understand your options and fight for the best possible outcome.

Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information about Florida’s new excessive speeding law and is not legal advice. The specific facts of your case will determine the applicable law and potential outcomes. If you have been charged with a traffic offense or are facing a civil claim, it is crucial to consult with a qualified attorney.