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Is texting while driving illegal in Florida?

A driver holds a smartphone showing a text message screen above the steering wheel while traffic moves ahead.

Which action is prohibited by Florida's texting law while you are driving?

Answer choices

The answer

Florida makes it unlawful to operate a vehicle while manually entering multiple characters into a wireless device, or sending or reading data on one for nonvoice messaging such as texting or email.

The law covers handheld-capable devices that can send text or access data or the internet. A vehicle that is stationary is not considered to be operated for this rule.

A first violation is a nonmoving violation under chapter 318. A second or later violation within 5 years of a prior conviction is a moving violation.

Exceptions

  • Allowed uses include official duties of emergency, law enforcement, fire or EMS personnel; reporting an emergency, crime or suspicious activity; receiving safety alerts, vehicle data or radio broadcasts; using navigation; and messaging that does not need manual entry of multiple characters or reading text, except to start a feature.

Penalty

First violation: nonmoving violation. Second or later within 5 years of a prior conviction: moving violation. Fine amounts and points are set in chapter 318 and are not stated on this statute page.

Why this rule matters for safety

Reading or typing pulls your eyes and hands off the road, so the car travels a long distance with no one watching the traffic ahead.

Official sources

Rules checked against these sources on . Laws change. Confirm with the Florida agency before you rely on this for a legal matter.

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