If you’re convicted of a traffic violation in Florida, you’ll normally have to pay a fine and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will assess points to your driving record. However, eligible motorists can at least avoid the points by completing driver improvement school (traffic school). And, if you contest your ticket and win, you won’t have to pay a fine or worry about points.
Below are the fines and other penalties for some common traffic violations in Florida. However, depending on the situation, judges have the power to deviate from these fine amounts and fines are often increased if the offender has recent prior convictions. Violations in construction and school zones may also carry enhanced fines.
What Are the Fines & Points for Florida Speeding Tickets?
The penalties for speeding tickets in Florida depend on the type of violation, the driver's speed, and where the violation occurred.
Florida's Two Types of Speed Limits
Florida has two types of speed limits: absolute and basic. An absolute speed limit is a posted maximum, whereas the basic speed limit prohibits motorists from driving at a speed greater than is “reasonable and prudent” under the existing circumstances and conditions. (Fla. Stat. Ann. §§ 316.183, 316.187, 316.189 (2025).)
Florida's Speeding Violation Penalties
Basic Speeding Violation in FL:
- Fine - Generally $25 to $250 ($500 maximum)
- Traffic School - Judge can order in addition to or in lieu of fine
- License Points - 3
Absolute Speeding Violation in FL:
- Fine - Generally $25 to $250 ($500 maximum)
- Traffic School - Judge can order in addition to or in lieu of fine
- License Points - 3 or 4
Speeding Violation in a Construction or School Zone in FL:
- Fine - Generally $50 to $500 ($1,000 maximum)
- Traffic School - Judge can order in addition to or in lieu of fine
- License Points - 3 or 4
Also, you can’t do traffic school if you get caught exceeding the speed limit by 30 miles per hour or more.
(Fla. Stat. Ann. § 318.18 (2025); Fla. Stat. Ann. § 318.14 (2025).)
What Are the Fines & Points for Stop Sign and Stop Light Tickets in Florida?
Penalties for stop sign and red light tickets depend on the type of violation and where the violation occurred.
Florida's Stop Sign and Traffic Signal Rules
At a stop sign or stop light, motorists must come to a complete stop before the nearest of a marked limit line, entering the crosswalk at the near side of the intersection, or entering the intersection itself. Right turns on red are allowed so long as the driver makes a complete stop first. (Fla. Stat. Ann. §§ 316.075, 316.123 (2025).)
Penalties for Stop Sign and Red Light Tickets in Florida
Running a Red Light in FL:
- Fine - Generally $158 ($500 maximum)
- License Points - 3 or 4 (depending on circumstances)
Running a Stop Sign in FL:
- Fine - Generally $60 ($500 maximum)
- License Points - 3
(Fla. Stat. Ann. § 318.18 (2025); Fla. Stat. Ann. § 318.14 (2025).)
What Are the Fines & Points for Distracted Driving in Florida?
Penalties for distracted driving in Florida depend on the driver's record and where the violation occurred.
Florida's Texting and Cell Phone Rules for Drivers
Florida’s distracted driving law prohibits text messaging while driving. Distracted driving is a secondary violation—meaning the officer must have some other reason (like speeding) for pulling you over. (Fla. Stat. Ann. §§ 316.305, 316.306 (2025).)
Florida's Distracted Driving Penalties
First Distracted Driving Offense in FL:
- Fine - Generally $30
- License Points - 0
Second Distracted Driving Offense within Five Years:
- Fine - Generally $60
- License Points - 3
Second Distracted Driving Offense that Occurs in a School Zone:
- Fine - Generally $60
- License Points - 3
(Fla. Stat. Ann. § 318.18 (2025); Fla. Stat. Ann. § 318.14 (2025).)
What Are the Fines & and Jail Time for Driving Without a License in Florida?
Penalties for unlicensed driving in Florida vary depending on circumstances, including why the driver was without a valid license.
Florida's Driver's License Requirement
Generally, all Florida motorists must have a valid license in their possession while driving. However, there is a range of penalties depending on the circumstances of the violation. (Fla. Stat. Ann. §§ 322.03, 322.34 (2025).)
Florida's Unlicensed Driving Penalties
Driving without a Valid License in FL:
- Fine - $500 maximum
- Jail - Up to 60 days
Driving Without a License in Possession in FL:
- Fine - $10 (dismissal fee with proof of valid license)
- Jail - Up to 60 days
Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License in FL:
- Fine - $500 maximum
- Jail - Up to 60 days