The road to driving independence has just gotten a little bit longer for Florida’s teen drivers! A new law will go into force on August 1st. Now, before they can even consider driving alone, 15-year-olds must complete 50 hours of supervised driving practice. This requirement was passed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis as part of Senate Bill 994.
The objective is to assist in reducing the rising number of teen-related auto accidents throughout the state.
In 2020 alone, thousands of minors were involved in accidents, prompting the state’s lawmakers to crack down on being overly forgiving. In addition to the already mandated traffic law and drug addiction courses, the new regulations are adding even more requirements.
Teens must now obtain parental consent, undergo eye and hearing examinations, and be limited to driving during the day during the first ninety days of their learner’s permit. Additionally, while they are behind the wheel, they must be accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old.
It’s a safety measure backed by reliable facts, not just being overly careful. Adolescent drivers have always been more common than other drivers in accident records, especially those who are just beginning out. Florida’s roadways have suffered as a result of their inexperience, tendency to become quickly sidetracked, or belief that they are impervious to harm.
To prevent unsafe or inexperienced driving before it begins, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) supports this law.
The former approach was judged useless by lawmakers after more than a million crashes involving teenagers occurred just five years ago. The four-hour seminar on drug use and driving laws wasn’t very effective. The goal is now to replace trial-and-error with real training through 50 hours of required practice, 10 of which must be at night.
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July 30, 2025, Schwed Law Firm (@schwedlawfirm)
This is not an unexpected change.
Similar regulations for drivers under 21 are now being prepared for implementation in Ohio. Mandatory training has been connected to fewer accidents, according to Governor Mike DeWine. This is true not only for teens but also for people who may eventually receive their first license.
Given that Florida is become more aggressive with teen licensing, we might see other states follow suit. The message is very clear: if you don’t receive the necessary training, you won’t be permitted to drive.
Parents are naturally concerned about the impact this will have on their finances. Private driving lessons can cost hundreds of dollars, so they can get really expensive. State representatives, however, wish to make it clear that money shouldn’t be an obstacle.
Free or inexpensive in-person classes are offered by a number of Florida-based recognized driving schools.
No seat belt. No justifications!Get a ticket or fasten your seat belt.
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PD Miami (@MiamiPD) July 30, 2025
In order to ensure that teens from less affluent homes are not excluded from these initiatives, the state is also looking into methods to collaborate with local communities. Therefore, the long-term advantages of safer roads (and fewer trips to the emergency room) make the initial hours of instruction worthwhile, even if they seem like a bit of a hassle.
This is a real life-saving precaution, not only a bureaucratic burden.
Teenage auto accidents have increased too much to ignore, and Florida’s response is both sane and revolutionary. The 50-hour requirement is a deliberate strategy to develop better, more responsible drivers, even if it may seem like a chore to teenagers who are ready to get behind the wheel. And it might very well raise the standard for the whole nation.
For those who are just getting started behind the wheel, exercise patience, practice hard, and get lots of parental assistance!
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