Bill > S1616

This bill establishes new rules for the liability of companies that make and develop advanced driving systems, which are defined as any software or hardware that can perform driving tasks without human intervention, with or without supervision, and is equipped on a motor vehicle permitted for use in Florida. The bill aims to encourage innovation and safe deployment of these systems by limiting the liability of manufacturers and developers for damages, injuries, claims, or losses related to the design, failure to warn, or performance of these systems, unless a plaintiff can prove by clear and convincing evidence that the harm directly resulted from a known manufacturing defect in a hardware component, a failure to comply with federal safety standards, the system operating outside its intended design domain (except for Level 1 or 2 systems as defined by SAE International), or fraud or intentional concealment of a known defect by the manufacturer or developer. Punitive damages, which are meant to punish egregious conduct, are only allowed if fraud or intentional concealment of a known, dangerous defect is proven, and cannot be awarded if the manufacturer can show their system design met the scientific and technical knowledge available at the time of manufacture. The bill also clarifies that it does not affect claims based on express warranties, statutory duties, or unrelated acts of negligence, and that these new provisions will take precedence over any conflicting existing laws and become effective on July 1, 2026.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1616