Florida’s New “Dangerous Excessive Speeding” Law: What Every Martin County, Florida Driver Needs to Know
Effective July 1, 2025, Florida’s HB 351 (Dangerous Excessive Speeding) transforms extreme speeding into a criminal offense and not just a traffic infraction. As a Florida criminal defense attorney, representing clients in Martin and St. Lucie counties, here is what I want every driver to understand:
What has Changed?
Under the new Florida speeding law, a driver is guilty of “dangerous excessive speeding” if the driver:
- Exceeds the posted speed limit by 50 mph or more, or
- Drives at 100 mph or more, in a manner that endangers people or property.
Steep New Penalties Under Florida’s New Dangerous Excessive Speeding Law:
Penalties increase based on your history:
| Offense | Jail Time | Fine | Other Consequences |
| First | Up to 30 days | Up to $500 | Mandatory court appearance |
| Subsequent | Up to 90 days | Up to $1,000 | License revocation (180 days–1 year) if within 5 years |
Beyond the Ticket: Collateral Consequences
- Criminal Record: A conviction can impact employment, housing, and even child custody cases.
- Civil Liability: If your high-speed driving injures someone or damages property, you’re exposed to civil suits.
- Insurance Premiums: Expect auto/motorcycle insurance rates to increase dramatically following a criminal speeding conviction under Florida’s New Dangerous Excessive Speeding Law.
Your Rights & Defense Strategies in the Defense of Charges of Violating Florida’s New Dangerous Excessive Speed Law
Speaking to a Stuart, Florida criminal defense attorney about defenses right away is recommended:
- Procedural Scrutiny: A Stuart criminal lawyer will question the legality of the traffic stop, meaning was the law enforcement officer justified in the first place for sopping you?
- Evidence Challenges: Our criminal defense attorney, Christian Van Riper, will look for flaws in radar calibration, calibration logs, officer training, and dash-cam footage.
- Negotiation Tactics: In some cases, negotiating to a lesser non-criminal offense may be possible. It is important to explore this early on and that is also why it is important to talk to a Martin County criminal defense attorney soon after an arrest after being charged with violating Florida’s new Dangerous Excessive Speed Law.
What You Should Do
- If Charged with Violating Florida’s new Dangerous Excessive Speed Law: Act fast and speak with an experienced local Stuart criminal defense lawyer right away and surely before your first court appearance. Preparation is important and enlisting the services of an experienced local criminal attorney, with experience in defending clients in Martin and St. Lucie counties, sooner than later is advisable.
In Summary
As of July 1, 2025, going 50 mph over the limit—or 100 mph total—can lead to criminal prosecution, not just a ticket, but jail time, fines, license suspension, and a criminal record.
If you are facing the new law (HB 35: “Dangerous Excessive Speed Law”), please contact our Stuart, FL criminal defense attorney Christian Van Riper, a former prosecutor in St. Lucie County, for a free consultation, at 772-283-8712 or contact us here. Mr. Van Riper also represents drivers charged with DUI, boaters charged with BUI (Boating Under the Influence), and all misdemeanors and felonies. He never charges a consultation fee for anyone charged with a criminal offense. He is also available day or night.
Van Riper and Nies Attorneys
900 SE Ocean Blvd, Ste. 140-E, Stuart, FL 34994