Florida is stepping up enforcement against reckless driving. In July 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new law making it a criminal offense to exceed the driving speed limit by 50 mph or to drive at 100 mph or above, even on highways. This provides a powerful deterrent to dangerous speeding and has significant implications for motorists and crash victims statewide. Read the full blog to know the latest legal update on driving a car on Florida roadways and when one needs the assistance of a car accident injury lawyer in Florida.
What Does the Florida Law Say
First Offense: Drivers caught at 50 mph over the limit or going 100 mph face up to 30 days in jail with a $500 fine.
Repeat Offenses: Penalties escalate to 90 days in jail and up to a $1000 fine
For example, when a driver drives the car at 120 mph in a 70 mph zone, it would automatically qualify for these penalties. Critics argue the law is too broad and could ensnare everyday drivers in criminal courts. Supporters, however, say it is a much-needed dosage of accountability.
Why It Matters for Car Accident Victims
Excessive speed is one of the leading reasons behind serious and often fatal crashes on the Florida roadways. When a driver chooses to speed at such extreme levels, they threaten public safety and shoulder heightened legal and financial liability.
If you or someone you love has been hit by an extreme speeder, this law strengthens the case for victims seeking justice.
In a personal injury claim, speeding violations can be used as –
- Evidence of negligence
- Support for punitive damages
- Validation of recklessness or gross negligence
That is where experienced attorneys come in. Car accident injury lawyers in Florida effectively leverage this law to secure effective outcomes.
Florida’s Legal Landscape: Speeding and Liability
Under Florida law, a conviction for extreme speeding directly supports a personal injury claim. The Florida Law sees this as clear proof of disregard for others’ safety, a key element when pursuing punitive damages.
Legal experts recommend documenting collateral evidence such as post-crash reports, police logs, eyewitness accounts, and speed-tracking telemetry. Combined with the new statute of limitations, this gives injury victims a strong upper hand after a car accident.
How Car Accident Attorneys in Abercrombie P.A. Can Help You
Our car accident attorneys in Florida assist accident victims through a step-by-step legal process, helping them win compensation for their losses. Let’s have a look at how our attorneys proceed with the matter –
Swift Investigation and Evidence Collection
Abercrombie P.A. teams up with accident reconstruction specialists to determine exact speeds, road conditions, and driver behavior. The new state law adds a solid legal foundation to this evidence.
Crash Claim Support Beyond Insurance
Even if an insurer initially offers a settlement, leveraging extreme speeding convictions with a car accident attorney in Florida, especially at Abercrombie P.A., can help maximize compensation, including punitive damages.
Effective Negotiation and Legal Strategy
If a prosecutor convicts a speeder under the new law, Abercrombie P.A. can use that legal victory in private injury claims, increasing pressure during negotiations or in court.
Courtroom Readiness for Insurers and Drivers
Insurance companies know that a speeding conviction can pivot a claim. With Abercrombie P.A. by your side, your case becomes that much stronger.
Winter Park and Beyond: Service to the Locals
Residents of Winter Park and surrounding areas should be especially aware. When seeking a car accident attorney in Winter Park or elsewhere in Florida, choose a firm familiar with these recent legal changes. Abercrombie P.A. has built a reputation representing serious crash victims, and their local expertise gives victims a critical edge.
Preventive Measures: What Everyday Drivers Should Know
Florida roadways are interesting to drive on. Car drivers must be cautious while driving on the roadways. The wide array of vehicles running through the streets and roads may collide with one another in unfavourable circumstances. One of the leading reasons is speeding. When a car driver is on the road, s/he must adhere to specific preventive measures to avoid any potential mishap. Let’s have a look at what every driver needs to maintain while driving –
- Stay alert to the posted speed limit
- Use vehicle control responsibly on highways
- Avoid chasing faster traffic, which is a common cause of misjudged maneuvers and serious collisions.
- Consider defensive driving courses to build awareness and avoid speeding in the first place.
These steps, coupled with the threat of criminal consequences, aim to reduce high-speed crashes and save lives.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Crash
According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Florida reported 378,437 accidents in 2024. The injured victim must take specific steps at the scene to strengthen their claim. After being involved in a car crash caused by another driver’s speeding, the steps below should be taken immediately.
- Stay Safe and Call 911
- Get the Police Report
- Collect and Accumulate Evidence
- Consult a Car Accident Attorney in Florida
If the other driver is cited or arrested for extreme speeding, this strengthens your claim.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s new traffic law elevates extreme speeding from a mere traffic infraction to criminal behavior punishable by jail time. For those injured in such car crashes, this is a pivotal development. Partnering with skilled car accident injury lawyers in Florida from Abercrombie P.A. can magnify your chances of obtaining justice and full compensation.
If you have been hurt in a crash involving reckless speeding, especially in Winter Park or anywhere in Florida, do not wait. Contact Abercrombie P.A. today to protect your rights with the aggressive, knowledgeable representation you deserve.
