Since October 1, 2026, Florida police no longer have to write a report for most fender-benders under $2,000. Dangerous excessive speeding became a crime in 2025, move over now covers hazard lights, and HOV decals ended.
DZ DMVZone editorial · November 12, 2026 · 6 min read
Quick answer
The newest Florida change is SB 488, in effect since October 1, 2026: a crash with no injuries and less than about $2,000 in damage no longer needs a police report, up from $500. In 2025, Florida made going 50 mph over the limit a crime, expanded move over to cars with hazard lights, and stopped issuing HOV decals.
Police crash report threshold
About $2,000 (was $500)
In effect
Oct 1, 2026 (SB 488)
Dangerous excessive speeding
Crime since July 1, 2025
Move over for hazard lights
Since Jan 1, 2025
Florida's new laws usually start on July 1 or October 1. Here is what changed for everyday drivers over the last two years, newest first.
October 1, 2026
Minor crashes (SB 488): if nobody is hurt and damage looks under about $2,000, drivers can handle it without police. You still call police for any injury or complaint of pain, a suspected drunk or hit-and-run driver, a car blocking traffic, or a crash with a commercial vehicle or government property.
License plate frames (SB 488): decorative frames are allowed as long as they do not cover the plate number or the registration sticker.
October 1, 2025
License plate covers (HB 253): buying or owning a device to hide a plate is now a misdemeanor, and using one to commit a crime or flee police is a felony.
Trenton's Law (HB 687): a first refusal to take a breath or urine test after a DUI arrest is now a misdemeanor.
Leaving the scene (HB 479): courts can order a driver who hit property and left to pay the owner back.
July 1, 2025
Dangerous excessive speeding (HB 351): 50 mph or more over the limit, or 100 mph or more in a way that endangers people or property, is a crime. A second conviction in five years means losing your license for 180 days to a year.
HOV decals (SB 1662): Florida stopped issuing HOV decals, and decal holders no longer ride toll express lanes for free.
Kill switches (HB 1371): remotely disabling someone's car is banned, with exceptions for the owner, police and lease or payment programs.
January 1, 2025
The move over law began covering any vehicle stopped on the roadside with hazard lights, flares or emergency signs. Move over a lane, or slow to 20 mph below the limit.
Good to know
Even when police do not come to a minor crash, take photos, swap insurance information, and file a Driver Report of Traffic Crash with FLHSMV within 10 days if no officer wrote a report.
Check yourself3 questions
Since October 1, 2026, which minor crash still needs police?
Answer: B. Any injury or complaint of pain still requires calling police.
What speed makes Florida speeding a crime under HB 351?
Answer: C. 50 mph or more over the limit, or 100 mph or more in a dangerous way.
Are license plate frames legal in Florida now?
Answer: B. SB 488 allows frames that leave the plate number and registration sticker visible.
Your questions
Does my insurance still need a report after a minor crash?
Your insurer may want one. If police did not write a report, you can file the Driver Report of Traffic Crash with FLHSMV, and check what your insurer needs.
Can I still use my HOV decal?
No new or renewal decals are issued after June 30, 2025, and decals no longer give free toll express lane trips.
Where can I read the bills?
Every Florida bill, with its final text, is on the Florida Senate website at flsenate.gov.
Sources
Checked against these pages on November 12, 2026. Laws change, so open the source before you rely on a number.
Rules and fees change. Always confirm the details with the official Florida DMV or motor vehicle agency before you act. DMVZone practice questions are written to teach the rules and are not copies of the real test.
