TALHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – A new law, which comes into effect in July, aims to crack down on dangerous speeding. Some say it’s a lifesaving measure, but critics warn that it could backfire, warning drivers would land behind bars for a momentary decision.
“You can’t drive 50 mph at a speed limit and I don’t think that’s too much and it’s dangerous,” state Sen. Jason Pizzo said.
For those who have recklessly chosen to speed, the new law signed by Gov. Ron Desantis targets drivers who drive 50 miles at speed limits or drive more than 100 miles per hour.
For the first attack, you will be fined up to $500 in prisons for up to 30 days, and fined up to $1,000 in prisons for up to 90 days for repeated crimes.
The bill was passed in both the House and Senate, but Democrats say it is overly widespread and hurts Floridians every day.
“It’s a constitutional overload. It’s very invasive. It’s going to clog our court system in ways none of us can imagine,” Rep. Mike Gottlieb said. “The bill makes sense, we’ll do our best. We want to punish people more severely for speeding. It’s not well thought out, its enforcement and inaction, I urge you, we need to reconsider this, we need to tee up the next session. It’s not a good attitude. It’s not a great attitude.”
But supporters of the bill pushed for much-needed change. Pizzo shared a personal story about a reckless driving incident that influenced the effort.
“The woman who wasn’t insured was a woman who was 85 mph, who removed her headlights and passed through a red light and killed 11-year-old Anthony in front of her sister,” Pizzo said.
Pizzo says the driver paid the $85 ticket, that’s it.
“One of the things we can control is how many people are killed on the road,” Pizzo said.
Despite pushbacks from some members, the bill accomplished it through sessions and the governor.
The new law will come into effect on July 1, 2025.
