FloridaFlorida counts driving without a valid license toward repeat-offender status
Florida counts driving without a valid license toward repeat traffic offender status, which drivers can reach with three covered convictions from separate acts within five years.
What it does
Driving without a valid license counts toward repeat traffic offender status. Drivers qualify through this rule with at least three covered convictions from separate acts within five years.
Argument forCounting unlicensed driving toward repeat-offender status could discourage repeated violations through the risk of suspension or revocation.
Argument againstDrivers could face suspension or revocation based on repeated license violations, which may make daily travel harder.
More detail
Florida counts driving without a valid license toward its habitual traffic offender label, meaning a repeat traffic offender. Drivers qualify through this rule when their Florida driving record shows at least three convictions for listed offenses, alone or combined, within five years. The convictions must come from separate acts. Similar offenses under federal law or laws outside Florida also count. The law took effect July 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 24Chapter No. 2026-53Latest
- Apr 23Approved by Governor Ron DeSantisBecame Law
- Apr 21Signed by Officers and presented to GovernorTo Governor
- Mar 12Ordered enrolledMinor
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 12In Messages
- Mar 12CS passed; YEAS 39 NAYS 0Passed Senate
- Mar 12Read 3rd timeMinor
- Mar 12Read 2nd timeMinor
- Mar 12Substituted for SB 1370
- Mar 12Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading
- Mar 12Withdrawn from RulesMajor
- Feb 26ReceivedMinor
- Feb 26Referred to RulesMinor
- Feb 25In Messages
- Vote recorded Passage, Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 25CS passed; YEAS 99, NAYS 15Passed House
- Feb 25Read 3rd timeMinor
- Feb 25Added to Third Reading Calendar
- Feb 25Read 2nd timeMinor
- Feb 19Bill added to Special Order Calendar (2/25/2026)
- Feb 10Added to Second Reading Calendar
- Vote recorded Favorable (State Affairs Committee). Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 10Bill released to House Calendar
- Feb 10Reported out of State Affairs Committee
- Feb 10Favorable by State Affairs CommitteeMinor
- Feb 6Added to State Affairs Committee agenda
- Jan 131st Reading (Committee Substitute 1)Minor
- Jan 131st Reading (Original Filed Version)Minor
- 2025
- Nov 19Now in State Affairs Committee
- Nov 19Referred to State Affairs CommitteeMinor
- Nov 18CS FiledMinor
- Vote recorded Favorable (Criminal Justice Subcommittee). Result: pass.Lower
- Nov 18Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)Minor
- Nov 18Reported out of Criminal Justice Subcommittee
- Nov 18Favorable with CS by Criminal Justice SubcommitteeMinor
- Nov 10PCS added to Criminal Justice Subcommittee agenda
- Oct 1Now in Criminal Justice Subcommittee
- Oct 1Referred to Judiciary CommitteeMinor
- Oct 1Referred to Criminal Justice SubcommitteeMinor
- Sep 23FiledIntroduced
TransportationPublic Safety