Can Speeding Result in Criminal Charges in Florida?
Being pulled over by a police officer for speeding is always a stressful experience. Still, while no one likes dealing with law enforcement, most people think that speeding is nothing more than a minor traffic infraction. Although this is often true and speeding only results in a fine, there are times when it can be far more serious. There are times when speeding is considered a criminal offense and if convicted, may leave you with a permanent criminal record.
If law enforcement charges you with criminal speeding, the penalties you face may be much more than high fines. Our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer can help you fight the charges so you avoid a conviction, and the consequences that come with it.
What is Criminal Speeding?
A person can be charged with criminal speeding when they drive 30 miles per hour or more above the speed limit. Traveling between 30 and 49 miles per hour above the speed limit is classified as a misdemeanor. Speeding 50 miles or more above the speed limit is considered ‘super speeding’ under a new Florida law that went into effect July 1, 2025.
What are the Penalties for Speeding?
When a person is charged with speeding, the penalties they will face depend on the speed they were driving at the time of the offense. Being convicted of traveling 29 miles or less above the speed limit is not a criminal offense. This traffic violation can result in fines between $149 to $599, depending on the speed. Three to four points may also be added to the driver’s license.
Penalties for speeding over 30 miles per hour above the speed limit, but less than 50, vary depending on the criminal charge. For example, if you are charged with reckless driving, you may face jail time and high fines.
Under the new ‘Super Speeder” law, the penalties increase dramatically for those driving 50 or 100 miles per hour above the speed limit. These include:
- First offense: Maximum fine of $500 and up to 30 days in jail.
- Second offense: Maximum fine of $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail.
- Subsequent offenses: A license suspension of at least six months if subsequent offenses occur within five years of each other.
In addition to the above, any criminal conviction for speeding may have other penalties, as well. These include points being added to your driver’s license, which are accumulative and can result in a suspension, increased insurance rates, and mandatory court appearances.
Our Criminal Defense Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Can Help You Avoid Conviction
Speeding may seem like a minor traffic infraction but there are factors that can make these charges much more serious. At Haber Blank, our Fort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer can review the facts of your case, advise on the defense strategies available, and challenge the prosecution’s case to help you avoid a conviction. Call us now at 954-767-0300 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.
Source:
flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1782/BillText/c1/HTML
