Using a mobile phone while driving in Florida (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Florida bans manually typing or reading text messages and other non-voice messages while driving. Holding a phone for any use is banned only in designated school crossings, school zones and work zones with workers present. The penalty for texting is a non-moving violation fine of USD 30.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | No [1] |
| Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car | $30.00 per offence [2] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car; School crossings, school zones and work zones | Yes [3] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car; School crossings, school zones and work zones | Allowed [3] |
| Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car; School crossings, school zones and work zones | 3 points [3] |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Banned for all drivers: you may not manually type or enter characters, or send or read data, on a handheld device for texting, e-mail or instant messaging while driving. Exceptions include navigation, safety alerts and voice-operated communication; a stationary vehicle is not being operated. [4] |
| Can police stop you for this alone?Using a mobile phone while driving a car | Primary: the law states its intent to authorise police to stop vehicles and issue citations to drivers who are texting. [4] |
Notes
- Statewide the ban covers manually typing or entering characters into, or sending or reading data on, a wireless communications device for non-voice interpersonal communication. Navigation, voice-operated use and conversation that needs no manual entry are excepted. A second violation within 5 years after a prior conviction is a moving violation.
- A first texting violation is a non-moving violation, for which section 318.18(2) sets USD 30. The fine for a second texting violation (moving violation) and for the school and work zone offence was not read.
- Section 316.305 does not state points; a first texting violation is a non-moving violation, a second within 5 years is a moving violation. The number of points for a second violation was not read.
- A person may not operate a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device in a handheld manner in a designated school crossing, school zone or work zone. For work zones it applies only if construction personnel are present or operating equipment on the road or immediately adjacent to the work zone area.
- A violation is a moving violation with 3 points. For a first offence a driver may elect an approved wireless communications device driving safety programme instead of the penalty and points.
Sources
- The Florida Senate: Florida Statutes 316.305 - Wireless communications devices; prohibition (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- The Florida Senate: Florida Statutes 318.18 - Amount of penalties (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- The Florida Senate: Florida Statutes 316.306 - Prohibition on handheld use of wireless communications devices in school and work zones (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- The Florida Senate: 2026 Florida Statutes § 316.305: Wireless communications devices; prohibition (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
Florida and neighbouring states
| State | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: Texting only Using a mobile phone while driving a car, School and work zones: Banned in school and work zones | Using a mobile phone while driving a car, School and work zones: Hands-free allowed | USD 30 (texting) | Using a mobile phone while driving a car: ⚠ Not yet verified Using a mobile phone while driving a car, School and work zones: 3 points |
| Alabama | Banned (offence needs erratic driving) | Hands-free allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | 1 point |
| Georgia | Banned | Hands-free allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | 1 point |
More rules in Florida
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour up to 20 g) · Growing at home: Prohibited, including for patients
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (after 12 months on a learner's licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (learner's licence)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: None (local may set)
- Fireworks
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Common pocketknife is not a 'weapon' · Locking or one-handed knives: Only ballistic knives banned outright
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.00 per hour (from 30 Sep 2026)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Under 18 only
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21+ · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21+
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.