summary
Introduced
01/08/2026
01/08/2026
In Committee
02/13/2026
02/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to hands-free driving; amending s. 316.1925, F.S.; prohibiting a person who violates careless driving provisions from operating a vehicle while using a wireless communications device in a handheld manner; providing additional penalties for a person who violates careless driving provisions and operates a vehicle while using a wireless communications device in a handheld manner; authorizing first-time offenders to participate in a wireless communications device driving safety program in lieu of the imposition of additional penalties; providing exceptions to such prohibition; requiring a law enforcement officer who stops a vehicle for a violation of careless driving provisions and finds that the operator of the vehicle is also using a wireless communications device in a handheld manner to inform the vehicle operator of his or her right to decline a search of his or her wireless communications device; prohibiting the law enforcement officer from taking certain actions without a warrant or consent from the vehicle operator; providing that a user's billing records for a wireless communications device or the testimony of or written statements from certain authorities are admissible as evidence in crashes resulting in death or serious bodily injury for certain purposes; amending s. 318.18, F.S.; providing an additional fine for a violation of careless driving provisions while using a wireless communications device in a handheld manner; requiring the deposit of such fine into the Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund of the Department of Health; amending s. 322.27, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; amending ss. 316.1575, 316.1576, 316.1923, and 316.306, F.S.; conforming cross-references; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill, titled "Hands-free Driving," aims to enhance road safety by prohibiting the handheld use of wireless communications devices while driving, particularly when a driver is already violating careless driving provisions. Specifically, it amends existing laws to impose additional penalties, including fines and points on a driver's license, for careless driving that also involves using a handheld wireless device. First-time offenders may be eligible to attend a driving safety program to avoid these additional penalties. The bill outlines several exceptions, such as for emergency responders, reporting emergencies, or using devices for navigation or in a hands-free manner. It also clarifies that law enforcement officers cannot search a driver's wireless device without a warrant or consent, and that consent must be voluntary. In cases of crashes resulting in death or serious bodily injury, billing records and related testimony may be admissible as evidence. The bill also mandates that additional fines collected for these violations will be deposited into the Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund. Finally, it makes conforming changes to various sections of Florida Statutes related to traffic laws and driver licensing, with an effective date of July 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (7)
Omar Blanco (R)*,
Alex Rizo (R)*,
Jose Alvarez (D),
J.J. Grow (R),
Mike Redondo (R),
Mitch Rosenwald (D),
Allison Tant (D),
Other Sponsors (1)
Government Operations Subcommittee (House)
Last Action
1st Reading (Committee Substitute 1) (on 02/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1241 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1241/BillText/c1/PDF |
| Analysis - Government Operations Subcommittee (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1241/Analyses/h1241.GOS.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1241/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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