Speeding can cost more than just the value of a ticket—it can also lead to increased insurance rates, points on your driving record, and even license suspension. However, understanding the specifics of the price of a speeding ticket in Florida can help you grasp the real cost of speeding. Here’s what you need to know about the financial consequences of speeding tickets in the Sunshine State.
Factors That Raise the Fee Amount
The base fine for speeding in Florida is just the starting point. Several factors can significantly increase the total cost of a ticket.
County Court Fees
Each county in Florida can add additional costs on top of the state’s base fine for speeding. These court fees vary widely depending on where you received the ticket and can sometimes double the cost of the initial fine.
School Zone
Speeding in a school zone is a serious offense with doubled fines. Along with this increase, driving just 1-5 mph over the limit incurs a $50 fine instead of just a warning. This strict rule helps protect children and deters drivers from exceeding the posted speed limit in sensitive areas.
Construction Zone
Similar to school zones, fines for speeding in a construction zone where personnel are present or nearby are also doubled from the base amount. This is because of the danger posed to construction workers.
Enhanced Penalty Zone
Florida has areas marked as Enhanced Penalty Zones, which are segments on highways that have a high incidence of speeding related crashes. Speeding in these zones carries an additional $50 fine on top of the base fine. As an example, speeding 10-14 mph over the limit in an enhanced penalty zone will carry a fine of $150 instead of $100.
Here’s a quick look at how fines can add up, based on the Florida Statutes:
| Speed Over Limit | Base Fine | School Zone Fine | Construction Zone Fine | Enhanced Penalty Zone Fine |
| 1-5 mph | Warning | $50 | $100 | $50 |
| 6-9 mph | $25 | $50 | $100 | $75 |
| 10-14 mph | $100 | $200 | $200 | $150 |
| 15-19 mph | $150 | $300 | $300 | $200 |
| 20-29 mph | $175 | $350 | $350 | $225 |
| 30+ mph | $250 | $500 | $500 | $300 |
Again, these figures are base estimates and can vary with local county fees and court costs.
Removing Speeding Points in Florida
Getting points on your license is a common consequence of traffic tickets. However, in some cases Florida allows drivers to take certain actions through the court prior to posting points to their driving records that might partially reduce the points from a ticket or have them dismissed.
- Court Attendance: Sometimes, attending court and contesting a speeding ticket may lead to points being reduced or the ticket being dismissed, depending on the case specifics.
- Attending a Driver Improvement Course: With prior approval many courts will give you the option to take an approved course like ours to keep the ticket and the associated points off your record, which in turn helps to avoid insurance premium increases, and even educate you on safer driving practices.
Invest in Your Driving Future
The cost of a speeding ticket in Florida highlights the importance of driving responsibly. It’s not just about the immediate financial burden—it’s also about the long-term impact on your driving record.
To become a better driver, reduce penalties, and learn how to avoid future speeding tickets, sign up today for a Florida Basic Driver Improvement or Intermediate Driver Improvement course.
Sources:
- http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0318/Sections/0318.18.html