On January 1st, Florida's new texting and driving laws went into effect. The new law was passed last summer, with officers issuing warnings through the end of 2019. Now the warning period is over, and using your phone/mobile device while driving is now a primary offense.
School and construction zones are now 100% hands-free. You can be ticketed for texting/phone use while driving. You can still use your phone at a red light, and you can use your GPS features. But if you haven't already broken the habit of using your phone while driving, it's a good plan to get into the habit of using your phone's hands-free features. Here's an excerpt from the Tampa Bay Times:
Is holding my phone while driving a crime no matter what?
It depends where you are. Work zones and school zones are hands-free areas, which means cell phones, tablets and gaming systems are off limits. This section of the law, which that prohibits holding your phone while driving in these areas, is the part that goes into effect today. Previously, officers were only issuing warnings.
Can I get in trouble if I’m texting at a red light?
Nope. The bill does not apply to stationary vehicles, so if your vehicle is stopped at a red light or stuck in traffic, you can technically use your phone.
Can’t I just claim I was checking directions or the weather and get out of a ticket?
If you’re not in a school or work zone, holding a phone is okay if it’s for designated safety reasons — like navigation, checking weather or traffic alerts, and calling law enforcement to report criminal or suspicious activity.
This means that if you have a poor sense of direction, don’t worry — you’ll still be able to use your favorite GPS service without fear of being pulled over.
Does voice texting count?
As long as you’re not pressing buttons, you’re in the clear. Voice texting is allowed at all times, including in school and work zones. The goal of the law is to get people to put their phones down.
Violators will get a $30 ticket for the first offense, and fines escalate from there. Be safe, y'all!