Florida driving questions, answered
What a new driver in Florida asks, answered in two or three sentences from Florida’s own manual, code, court schedule or licensing pages, and kept only after every figure in it was found in the source it cites. How the answers are made
What happens if I get pulled over and I don't have my license on me?
Under Florida law, the officer can write you a ticket and take your fingerprints on it. It's a $30 nonmoving violation you can pay without going to court. If you later show a license that was valid when you were stopped, it's dismissed for a fee of $0 to $10.
Sources: Fla. Stat. § 322.15 · The 2026 Florida Statutes — 318.18 Amount of penalties. · as of 7 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught texting while driving?
An officer can pull you over and give you a ticket, since texting while driving is illegal in Florida. It carries 3 points on your license. Under Florida law it's a noncriminal infraction, and a second one within 5 years counts as a moving violation.
Sources: Florida driver’s manual pp. 30, 34 · Fla. Stat. § 316.305 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I'm driving past my curfew with a provisional license?
If you're 16, you can't drive between 11 pm and 6 am. If you're 17, you can't drive between 1 am and 5 am. The curfew doesn't apply if you're driving to or from work, or have a licensed driver 21 or older with you.
Sources: Florida driver’s manual p. 25 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How many friends can I have in the car when I first get my license?
Florida doesn't set a number, but its own guidance says to keep passengers to a minimum. Extra passengers can distract a new teen driver.
Sources: Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles — Teen Drivers - Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles · as of 11 Oct 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How long do I have to hold my permit before I can take the road test?
If you're under 18, you must hold your learner license for 12 months, or until you turn 18, whichever comes first.
Sources: Florida driver’s manual p. 8 · Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles — Teen Drivers - Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What car insurance do I need to drive?
In Florida you need at least $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP). You also need at least $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL).
Sources: Florida driver’s manual p. 23 · Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles — Florida Insurance Requirements - Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I crash my parents' car?
Your parents' insurance must cover you when you drive their car with their permission, up to at least $10,000 for damage to other people's property. If you were at fault, the state can make you pay for the damage before you get your driving privilege back.
Sources: Fla. Stat. § 324.151 · Fla. Stat. § 324.022 · Florida driver’s manual p. 24 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How far from a fire hydrant do I have to park?
You can't park within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Sources: Florida driver’s manual p. 66 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Can I use my phone at a red light?
Yes, in a school zone, school crossing or work zone, Florida law bans holding your phone only while your car is moving. A car that is stopped is not covered by that ban.
Sources: Fla. Stat. § 316.306 · Florida driver’s manual p. 34 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
How much is the fine for speeding in a school zone?
Fines are doubled for speeding in a school zone, with possible civil penalties up to $1,000. Florida law says going up to 5 mph over in a posted school zone is a $50 fine. If a school zone camera catches you, Florida law makes it $100.
Sources: Florida driver’s manual p. 29 · Fla. Stat. § 318.18 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
What happens if I get caught driving alone on my permit?
You must always have a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the seat right next to you. If you're caught alone, an officer can give you a citation, and your license can be suspended. Florida law treats it as a moving violation, with that civil penalty.
Sources: Florida driver’s manual pp. 1, 10 · Fla. Stat. § 322.1615 · as of 14 Sep 2026
Answered on 11 October 2026.
Any question about Florida driving law can be asked in the box, not only these: each answer comes from Florida’s own manual or code, cited. Ask a question