Dangerous Excessive Speeding

Effective July 1, 2025, Florida law underwent a massive shift in how it treats high-speed traffic violations. Under HB 351, driving at extreme speeds is no longer treated as a simple “pay-and-go” traffic ticket.

The legislature has created a new criminal category for “Dangerous Excessive Speeding,” turning what was once a civil infraction into a criminal misdemeanor.In the Tampa Bay area—particularly on high-speed corridors like I-75, the Gandy Bridge, and the Courtney Campbell Causeway—law enforcement agencies are strictly enforcing these new criminal provisions.

Florida Statute 316.1922 prohibits the offense of dangerous excessive speeding. A person commits dangerous excessive speeding if he or she operates a motor vehicle in the following manner:

• Exceeds the posted speed limit by 50 miles per hour (mph) or more;
• Operates a motor vehicle in excess of 100 mph or more while passing another vehicle or
  changing lanes; or
• Operates a motor vehicle on any street or roadway other than a limited access highway while
  exceeding the posted speed limit by 35 mph or more.

The offense of dangerous excessive speeding is punishable as follows:

• upon a first conviction, by up to 90 days in jail or by a fine of $500, or by both a fine and jail sentence;
• upon a second or subsequent conviction, by up to six months in jail or by a fine of $1,000, or by both a fine and
  jail sentence.

A person convicted of a second or subsequent violation of dangerous excessive speeding within five years after the date of a prior conviction for such an offense must have his or her driving privilege revoked for at least 180 days but no more than one year.

Any driver who is convicted of exceeding the speed limit in excess of 50 mph must appear before a designated official at a mandatory hearing.

Attorney for Dangerous Excessive Speeding Crimes

The attorneys at Sammis Law Firm represent clients charged with Dangerous Excessive Speeding under Florida’s newly enacted Florida Statute Section 316.1922. We represent drivers caught in “Super Speeder” stings across Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties.

Unlike a standard speeding ticket, these charges require a strategic criminal defense to avoid jail time and mandatory license revocations. We provide defense for:

• First-time “Super Speeder” offenses (50+ mph over the limit);
• Reckless Driving combined with excessive speed;
• Repeat offenders facing mandatory jail sentences;
• CDL holders whose livelihoods are threatened by a criminal traffic conviction.

If you were cited for traveling more than 50 mph over the limit, you are now facing a criminal record. Contact the experienced traffic defense attorneys at Sammis Law Firm to protect your driving privilege.

We have offices in Tampa, Clearwater and New Port Richey. We represent clients through the greater Tampa Bay area and surrounding areas in Central Florida including the following counties: Hernando County, Pinellas County, Manatee County, Sarasota County, Hillsborough County, Polk County, and Orange County, FL.

Call 813-250-0500.

What Constitutes “Dangerous Excessive Speeding”?

Under the new 2025 statutes, “Dangerous Excessive Speeding” is defined by two primary thresholds:

• The 50 MPH Threshold: Driving 50 mph or more above the posted speed limit on any dynamic or fixed-limit roadway.
• The 100 MPH Threshold: Driving 100 mph or faster in a manner that demonstrates a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property (often charged in conjunction with Reckless Driving).

Previously, these speeds might have resulted in a civil traffic infraction. As of July 1, 2025, however, these same acts might be charged as a Second-Degree Misdemeanors.

While some officers may still issue a “Notice to Appear,” they now have the statutory authority to physically arrest the driver and impound the vehicle at the scene.

Penalties for First and Subsequent Offenses of Super Speeding

The penalties under the new law are designed to be progressively harsher to deter repeat “stunt” driving and street racing behaviors.

• First Offense: If you are caught traveling 50 mph or more over the limit for the first time, the state no longer views you as a mere traffic offender, but as a criminal defendant. A first conviction is classified as a second-degree misdemeanor. While you may have hoped for a simple points assessment, you are now facing a judge who has the authority to sentence you to up to 60 days in jail. Even if you avoid a jail cell, the “High Points” assessment on your driving record often triggers a discretionary license suspension by the DHSMV, and your insurance premiums will likely skyrocket.
• Second Offense: The leniency of the court evaporates quickly for those who don’t slow down. If you receive a second conviction within a five-year period, the charge remains a second-degree misdemeanor, but the penalties become far more rigid. The potential jail time increases to 90 days, and the “choice” of keeping your license is taken away from the judge. Florida law now requires a mandatory one-year license suspension, meaning no “business purposes only” or “hardship” permits for the duration of that year.
• Third Offense: By the time a driver reaches a third conviction, the state shifts its focus from deterrence to permanent removal from the road. The offense is reclassified as a first-degree misdemeanor, significantly increasing the stakes to a maximum of one year in the county jail. Most critically, the state issues a permanent revocation of your driving privilege. At this stage, the “Super Speeder” designation effectively ends your legal right to operate a motor vehicle in the State of Florida.

Jury Instructions for Dangerous Excessive Speeding – Section 316.1922

Adopted on September 5, 2025, the standard jury instructions for DANGEROUS EXCESSIVE SPEEDING in Chapter 28.5(b) provide:

To prove the crime of Dangerous, Excessive Speeding, the State must prove the following element beyond a reasonable doubt:

(Defendant) operated a motor vehicle [in excess of the speed limit by 50 miles per hour or more] [or] [at 100 miles per hour or more in a manner that threatened the safety of other persons or property or interferes with the operation of any vehicle].

316.003, Fla. Stat. Some of these terms have their own statutory definitions, which should be given if necessary.

“Motor vehicle” means a self-propelled vehicle not operated upon rails or guideway, but not including any bicycle, electric bicycle, motorized scooter, electric personal assistive mobility device, mobile carrier, personal delivery device, swamp buggy, or moped.

“Vehicle” means every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except personal delivery devices, mobile carriers, and devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.

This article was last updated on Friday, March 20, 2026.