6 new Florida traffic laws that go into effect July 1, 2023

More than 200 new Florida law will take effect July 1, 2023. Here are 6 new Florida traffic laws that all Tampa Bay residents need to know about.

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On July 1, 2023, more than 200 new laws went into effect in Florida. While the majority of this legislation will not impact the day-to-day lives of most residents, there are several new state laws that introduce major changes.

As Tampa Bay accident attorneys, we want to spotlight the new law that directly impact our roadways. Here, we identify the new Florida traffic laws that every Tampa Bay resident needs to know about.

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6 new Florida traffic laws that impact Tampa Bay roadways

1. You need a permit or driver’s license to drive a golf cart

Before the passing of this law, Florida law allowed a 14-year-old to drive a golf cart. But this didn’t stop children younger than 14 from cruising, and state law made it difficult for local governments to enact their own laws that would raise the age. Now, if you’re under 18, you have to be at least 15 with a learner’s permit or 16 with a driver’s license. If you’re 18 and older, you have to have valid government-issued identification to drive a golf cart.

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2. Cities and counties can now use speed cameras in school zones

Under the new law, drivers who are going more than 10 mph in school zones will receive a ticket. However, the speed cameras are only allowed to operate during the 45 minutes that school zones are in effect. The cameras will be turned off all other times and during holidays and the summer.

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3. Enforcement of school bus passing infractions

Tampa Bay school districts now have the authorization to place and control cameras on the exteriors of buses to document drivers who illegally drive past the bus while it’s displaying a stop sign.

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4. New law sets mandated later start times for schools

Under a new law, Florida middle schools are prevented from beginning the “instructional day” earlier than 8 a.m. Florida high schools are barred from starting the school day before 8:30 a.m. While Florida school districts have until 2026 to implement these changes, the new law will impact daily traffic patterns.

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5. Direct-to-consumer vehicle sales are banned

Direct-to-consumer vehicle sales in the state of Florida are effectively banned under new legislation. The new law prohibits auto manufacturers from selling cars to buyers without working through a licensed dealer. According to Florida Politics, the legislation is considered a direct threat to Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer that sells cars online and through retail locations.

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6. Property insurance companies under tighter regulations

Under a new law, property insurance companies will be held more accountable for mishandling claims. Insurance providers will face more oversight and regulations as well as larger fines for any wrongdoing.

Did you know Darrigo & Diaz handles denied or delayed property damage claims? If you suspect your insurance company is not holding up its end of the bargain under your homeowner’s insurance policy, contact our Tampa property damage attorneys right away.

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Injured in an accident in Tampa Bay?

Call us immediately at 866-930-6435

Car accidents can be devastating, stressful, and tremendous burdens for you and your family. But help, support, and guidance is one phone call away.

The personal injury team at Darrigo & Diaz has over 20 years of experience helping thousands of injury victims and their families recover from serious accidents in Tampa Bay. From the moment you contact us, we will give you straightforward, honest answers to all of your questions. We will inform you of your options and legal rights and help you find local medical specialists. Our firm will even handle the insurance companies on your behalf.

We offer free consultations and you do not have to pay anything, unless we win your case.

Call 866-930-6435 now to schedule your complimentary meeting with our experienced Tampa Bay car accident attorneys.