DMVZoneBlogTexting while driving is a $30 base fine in Florida the first time and $60 with 3 points the second. In school zones and active work zones, any handheld phone use is a $60 ticket with 3 points.
Florida police can stop you just for texting while driving. A first offense is a $30 base fine with no points. A second offense within five years is $60 with 3 points. In school zones and active work zones you cannot hold the phone at all, and that ticket is $60 with 3 points.
Florida has two phone laws. One bans texting, emailing and instant messaging while the car is moving anywhere in the state. The other bans holding the phone at all in school zones and active work zones. Hands-free use, like Bluetooth calls, is allowed in both.
| Texting ban (§ 316.305) | Handheld ban (§ 316.306) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Everywhere, while moving | School zones and active work zones |
| What is banned | Typing or reading texts, email, messages | Any use of a phone held in your hand |
| Fine | $30 first, $60 second | $60 |
| Points | 0 first, 3 second | 3 |
A phone ticket that comes with a crash is much worse. Phone use that causes a crash is 6 points, and using a phone in a school zone adds 2 extra points to any moving violation.
What is the base fine for a first Florida texting ticket?
Answer: A. A first offense is a $30 base fine plus court costs, with no points.
Can you make a hands-free Bluetooth call in a Florida school zone?
Answer: A. Hands-free voice use is allowed in school and work zones.
How many points does a handheld phone ticket in an active work zone carry?
Answer: C. It is a moving violation with a $60 base fine and 3 points.
The texting law applies to a vehicle in motion, and FLHSMV says stationary vehicles are not covered. In a school or work zone, holding the phone is still a problem, so wait until you are parked.
Yes. Navigation is allowed, though holding the phone in a school or work zone is not.
Yes. Since July 1, 2019, officers can stop and cite drivers for texting alone.
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.
Since a 2023 law, Florida cities can use speed cameras in school zones. Drivers more than 10 mph over get a $100 notice by mail, with no points. Orlando's cameras start ticketing November 30, 2026.
Failing to stop for a Florida school bus is a $200 fine and 4 points, and passing on the side where children load is $400. Since January 1, 2025, you must also move over for any car stopped with hazard lights on.
Speeding up to 15 mph over is 3 points in Florida, a red light is 4, and leaving the scene is 6. Hit 12 points in 12 months and your license is suspended. The full chart and the suspension ladder.