Cell Phone Driving Laws in Florida: What You Need to Know
Distracted driving remains a leading cause of traffic crashes across Florida. Lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 1318 to strengthen penalties for mobile device use behind the wheel. However, the bill did not pass. Florida still enforces cell phone driving laws. These laws can make a big difference if a distracted driver injures you in a crash.
Learning Florida’s current cell phone driving laws helps you stay informed and protect yourself. It also prepares you to take the right steps if a negligent driver injures you or a loved one.
Florida’s Current Distracted Driving Laws
Although SB 1318 failed to make it through the Florida House last month, Florida still enforces strict distracted driving rules. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), using a wireless device to text while driving is illegal in Florida. The law also prohibits handheld phone use in school and construction zones.
In 2023 alone, distracted driving contributed to over 53,000 crashes statewide and caused more than 2,500 serious injuries. Preliminary data for 2024 shows similarly alarming trends, including nearly 300 distracted driving fatalities across the state.
These numbers highlight why Florida’s cell phone driving laws—and responsible behavior behind the wheel—are so critical for protecting everyone on our roads.
How These Laws Impact Personal Injury Cases
Florida’s cell phone usage laws can strengthen your personal injury claim if a distracted driver injured you in a crash. A driver who texts or talks on a handheld phone in a restricted area violates state law. This reckless behavior helps establish negligence in a personal injury case.
Even if no citation was issued at the scene, an experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the facts and build a strong case. That’s where Schwed Law can help.
Contact Schwed, Adams & McGinley
At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A., we understand how devastating an injury from a distracted driver can be. With over 200 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys fight for victims of car accidents, pedestrian injuries, bicycle crashes, and more across Florida and Tennessee. If you or someone you love has been injured due to a distracted or negligent driver, our firm is ready to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and provide guidance on next steps. Contact Schwed Law Firm today at 877-694-6079 or email us at contact@schwedlawfirm.com.