HB0543 • 2026

Transportation

Budget Education

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: State Affairs Committee ; Budget Committee ; Commerce Committee ; McFarland ; Basabe ; (CO-INTRODUCERS) Boyles ; Conerly
Last action: 2026-03-13
Official status: House - Died in returning Messages
Effective date: Except as

Plain English Breakdown

The official text provided ends abruptly on page 6, so details regarding 'takeover agreements,' 'metropolitan planning organizations,' and full penalty structures are not visible in the source material.

Transportation Rules Update

This law changes rules about yellow traffic light timers at intersections with cameras, reporting requirements for seaports supporting space launches, school zone speed detection systems, automated license plate readers, private school bus contractors, lowering maximum speed limits, vehicle noise restrictions, and digital driver licenses.

What This Bill Does

Requires the Department of Transportation and impacted local governments to increase the minimum perception-reaction time for steady yellow signals by 0.4 seconds at intersections equipped with traffic infraction detectors.
Defines 'cargo purposes' and 'commercial space launch industry' and requires certain seaports in designated spaceport territory counties to submit annual reports on measures supporting the commercial space launch industry.
Prohibits certain seaports from converting land or facilities used for cargo purposes unless specified conditions are met.
Authorizes private entities to install automated license plate recognition systems on certain property for a specified purpose and sets requirements for doing so.
Revises rules regarding speed detection systems in school zones, including requiring flashing beacons to be activated during specific times to enforce restricted speeds.
Prohibits private school bus contractors from charging certain fees and updates procedures for reviewing infraction detection system information.
Authorizes counties or municipalities to set lower maximum speed limits under certain conditions.
Repeals previous laws on vehicle noise and requires motor vehicles to be equipped with exhaust systems that prevent excessive or unusual noises.
Establishes requirements for digital driver licenses, electronic credentialing systems, and authorizes identity verification service providers to use Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles data under specific conditions while prohibiting them from selling or sharing certain information.
Authorizes the operation of golf carts on certain streets and highways under specified conditions.

Who It Names or Affects

The Florida Department of Transportation
Local governments such as counties, municipalities, and school districts
Seaports located in counties with designated spaceport territory
Private entities installing license plate readers or operating school bus services
Drivers, vehicle owners, and identity verification service providers

Terms To Know

Perception-reaction time: The minimum amount of time a steady yellow traffic signal must stay on to allow drivers enough time to see the light and stop safely.
Cargo purposes: Facilities, activities, or infrastructure not intended for transporting passengers, including those that support spaceport operations.
Commercial space launch industry: Companies substantially engaged in the transport, operation, and recovery of space launch or landing services with active maritime operations.

Limits and Unknowns

The provided text is an excerpt; specific dates for some reports beyond February 1, 2027, and exact conditions for speed limit changes are not fully detailed in this summary.
While the bill provides penalties for violations, the specific fine amounts or jail terms are listed as 'providing various penalties' without listing every amount in this excerpt.

Amendments

These notes stay tied to the official amendment files and metadata from the legislature.

118977

Committee amendment H 543 Filed • McFarland

Adopted without Objection 1/21/2026

Plain English: This amendment changes traffic light timing rules for safety cameras and creates new reporting requirements for seaports that support space launch activities.

The Department of Transportation must add 0.4 seconds to the yellow light duration at intersections with traffic violation cameras.
Seaports in counties designated as spaceport territory must submit annual reports on how they support commercial space launches and post these reports online.
These seaports cannot change land or facilities used for cargo purposes (including space activities) without a public meeting, an impact report, a two-thirds board vote, and approval from the Legislature to use state funds.

The provided text is incomplete because it cuts off in the middle of Section 4 regarding automated license plate recognition systems.
Some sentences in the amendment contain grammatical errors or repeated words (such as 'conversion must be is approved'), which makes those specific rules slightly unclear.

114341

Committee amendment H 543 Filed • Plakon

Adopted without Objection 1/21/2026

Plain English: This amendment allows vehicles with valid disabled permits and permanent mobility equipment to use more than one parking space when needed for safety.

Vehicles with a valid disabled permit or plate that have permanently installed ramps or lifts can take up extra space if no single accessible spot fits them safely.
These vehicles cannot be fined, penalized, or towed just because they occupy more than one parking space as long as they do not block traffic lanes or create safety hazards.
Property owners and towing companies must try to check if a vehicle qualifies for these protections before deciding to tow it.

The amendment does not allow this extra-space rule in fire lanes, emergency access areas, clearly posted no-parking zones, or anywhere that poses an immediate risk.
The text defines the rules but does not specify exactly how property owners must make 'reasonable efforts' to check a vehicle's status before towing.

484885

Committee amendment H 543 Filed • Jacques

Adopted without Objection 1/21/2026

Plain English: This amendment clarifies that using license plate frames or decorative borders is allowed as long as they do not block important information on the plate.

Adds a new rule stating that license plate frames and decorative borders are not illegal if used correctly.
Requires that these devices must not cover the letters and numbers of the license plate number.
Requires that these devices must not hide the registration sticker located in the upper right corner.

The text does not explain what happens if a frame blocks part of the information, only when it is allowed.
The amendment title mentions defining a term but cuts off before showing which word or definition is being changed.

693235

Committee amendment H 543 c1 • McFarland

Adopted without Objection 2/16/2026

Plain English: This amendment removes specific sections of the bill that deal with requirements for a takeover agreement.

Deletes lines 516 through 588 from the main text of the bill.

The provided text does not include the actual content of the removed lines, so it is unclear what specific rules or details about takeover agreements are being deleted.
The amendment also mentions changing the title by removing and inserting new words (lines 61-75), but the full original and replacement title text is missing from this document.

557819

Committee amendment H 543 c2 • Yeager

Withdrawn 2/26/2026

Plain English: This amendment allows golf carts to cross streets at signalized intersections and use sidewalks if local governments set specific safety rules.

Golf carts can now legally drive across a street or highway at an intersection with traffic lights, but only in areas where the local government has approved it and posted signs.
Local governments may create rules allowing golf carts to ride on sidewalks next to streets if they decide it is safe for pedestrians and cyclists to share that space.
If allowed on sidewalks near state highways, the sidewalk must be at least 8 feet wide, and golf carts cannot go faster than 15 miles per hour.
The amendment updates other laws about retirement communities and city vehicles so they match these new rules for crossing streets and using sidewalks.

This amendment was officially withdrawn on February 26, 2026, meaning it did not become part of the final bill.
The official text provided ends abruptly in Section 13 regarding micromobility devices and businesses, so any changes to those specific rules are unknown.

286453

Committee amendment H 543 c2 • McFarland

Adopted as Amended 2/26/2026

Plain English: This amendment requires yellow traffic lights at intersections with speed cameras to stay on longer and creates new rules for seaports in spaceport areas regarding reporting, funding, and land use.

Yellow traffic signals at intersections equipped with infraction detectors must be extended by 0.4 seconds to give drivers more time to react safely.
Seaports located in counties designated as spaceport territory that support spacecraft launches must submit annual reports on their activities and post them online starting February 1, 2027.
These seaports cannot change land or facilities used for cargo purposes (including spaceport activities) to other uses without a public meeting, an impact report, a two-thirds vote by the governing board, and specific approval from the Legislature.

The provided text is incomplete because it cuts off in Section 4 while describing speed limit enforcement rules for school zones.
Some sentences in the amendment contain grammatical errors or repeated words (such as 'must be is approved' and 'approves approves'), which makes those specific parts difficult to read clearly.

475337

Committee amendment H 543 c2 • McFarland

Adopted 2/26/2026

Plain English: This amendment updates Florida laws to allow local governments and school districts to use automated cameras for speeding tickets in school zones, while defining who can act as a hearing officer if someone contests the ticket.

It defines 'local hearing officers' as people appointed by counties or schools to hold hearings when drivers contest traffic citations issued by these new systems.
It allows speed cameras to issue tickets for driving more than 10 miles per hour over the limit in school zones during specific times, such as before and after classes start or end.
It permits placing the physical camera equipment outside the official boundaries of a school zone, as long as it only records speeding that happens inside the zone.
It gives older cameras until January 1, 2028, to prove they captured an image of flashing warning lights before issuing tickets.

The provided text cuts off at line 103, so details about how counties install these systems or any other rules mentioned after that point are unknown.
Some specific legal references and technical definitions in the original bill may be too complex to fully explain without seeing the complete context of Florida Statutes.

549565

Committee amendment H 543 c2 • Botana

Adopted 2/26/2026

Plain English: This amendment requires three specific counties in Florida to study whether they should combine their transportation planning groups into one.

Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) for Charlotte, Collier, and Lee Counties must create a report by December 31, 2026.
The report will explore the costs, benefits, and steps needed to merge these three groups into a single MPO covering their shared area.
This new combined group would aim to better coordinate major transportation projects across the region.
A copy of this feasibility study must be sent to the Governor and state lawmakers.

The amendment only requires a report on merging; it does not force the counties to actually combine their organizations yet.
The text cuts off at the end, so some details about other parts of the bill title are missing from this document.

304287

Floor amendment H 543 c3 • McFarland

House: Adopted 3/4/2026

Plain English: This amendment sets new rules for using automated speed cameras in school zones, requiring flashing lights to be on before tickets can be given and mandating public warnings before enforcement begins.

Speed detection systems can only issue a ticket if the flashing beacon warning drivers of the lower speed limit is turned on at that moment.
Local governments must give a 30-day public notice campaign where they send only warnings instead of fines when starting a new school zone camera program.
Cities and counties must hold special meetings to approve contracts for these cameras and share yearly reports showing how many tickets were issued, contested, or dismissed.
The physical speed detection equipment can be placed outside the official school zone boundaries as long as it only catches speeding cars inside those zones.

The provided text is incomplete and cuts off while listing specific details required in the annual report summary, so some reporting requirements are unknown.
The amendment mentions a deadline of December 31, 2023, for setting installation rules, which has already passed relative to the bill's filing date.

389764

Floor amendment H 543 e1 • DiCeglie

House: Refuse to Concur 3/12/2026

Plain English: This amendment requires traffic lights with cameras to give drivers more time before turning red, clarifies who can act as hearing officers for camera tickets, and sets specific rules for using speed cameras in school zones.

Traffic signals equipped with infraction detectors must increase the yellow light duration by 0.4 seconds at intersections managed by the Department of Transportation or local governments.
The law is updated to define who can serve as a 'local hearing officer' for traffic camera violations, allowing code enforcement boards, special magistrates, and certain attorneys to handle these cases.
Speed cameras in school zones are authorized to issue tickets only when drivers exceed the speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour during specific times around breakfast programs or school sessions.
Schools must have flashing beacons activated for speed camera enforcement, with a deadline of January 1, 2028, for older systems and new zones to meet this requirement.

The provided text is cut off at the end while describing rules about right-hand turns on red lights, so those specific changes cannot be fully explained.
Some technical legal references are included in the original text that may require further context to understand completely.

Bill History

2026-03-13 House
• Died in returning Messages
2026-03-12 House
• Added to Senate Message List • Amendment 389764 Refuse to Concur • Refused to concur, requested Senate to recede
2026-03-12 Senate
• In returning messages • Refused to recede, requests House to concur -SJ 855
2026-03-12 House
• In Messages
2026-03-06 Senate
• Withdrawn from Rules -SJ 658 • Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading • Substituted for CS/CS/SB 1080 -SJ 658 • Read 2nd time -SJ 658 • Amendment(s) adopted (389764) -SJ 658 • Read 3rd time -SJ 672 • CS passed as amended; YEAS 33 NAYS 0 -SJ 672
2026-03-06 House
• In Messages
2026-03-04 House
• Read 2nd time • Amendment 304287 adopted • Added to Third Reading Calendar • Read 3rd time • CS passed as amended; YEAS 107, NAYS 1
2026-03-04 Senate
• In Messages • Referred to Rules • Received
2026-02-26 House
• Favorable with CS by State Affairs Committee • Reported out of State Affairs Committee • Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a) • CS Filed • Bill referred to House Calendar • Bill added to Special Order Calendar (3/4/2026) • 1st Reading (Committee Substitute 3)
2026-02-24 House
• Added to State Affairs Committee agenda
2026-02-18 House
• Referred to State Affairs Committee • Now in State Affairs Committee
2026-02-17 House
• Reported out of Budget Committee • Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a) • CS Filed • 1st Reading (Committee Substitute 2)
2026-02-16 House
• Favorable with CS by Budget Committee
2026-02-12 House
• Added to Budget Committee agenda
2026-01-23 House
• Referred to Budget Committee • Referred to State Affairs Committee • Now in Budget Committee • 1st Reading (Committee Substitute 1)
2026-01-22 House
• Reported out of Commerce Committee • Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a) • CS Filed
2026-01-21 House
• Favorable with CS by Commerce Committee
2026-01-16 House
• Added to Commerce Committee agenda
2026-01-13 House
• 1st Reading (Original Filed Version)
2025-12-03 House
• Referred to Commerce Committee • Referred to Ways & Means Committee • Referred to Budget Committee • Referred to State Affairs Committee • Now in Commerce Committee
2025-11-25 House
• Filed

Official Summary Text

Transportation; Revises & provides provisions relating to increasing minimum perception-reaction time for steady yellow signals, seaports, speed detection systems in school zones, automated license plate recognition systems, private school bus contractors, school bus infraction detection systems, lowering maximum speed limits, flashing beacons, school zones, radar & LiDAR units, disabled parking permits, golf carts, prevention of excessive or unusual noise, motor vehicle registration, license plate frames or decorative border devices, digital driver licenses & electronic credentialing system, digital imaged licenses, use of data by identity verification service providers, direct payments to subcontractors, metropolitan planning organizations, & takeover agreements; provides various penalties.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 1 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

A bill to be entitled 1
An act relating to transportation; requiring the 2
Department of Transportation and any impacted local 3
government to increase the minimum perception-reaction 4
time for steady yellow signals at certain 5
intersections by a specified amount of time; 6
transferring, renumbering, and amending s. 311.10(4), 7
F.S.; defining the terms "cargo purposes" and 8
"commercial space launch industry"; requiring certain 9
seaports to submit an annual report describing 10
measures taken to support the commercial space launch 11
industry to the chair of the Space Florida board of 12
directors beginning on a specified date; requiring the 13
seaport to post such report on its website; 14
prohibiting certain seaports from converting planned 15
or existing land, facilities, or infrastructure that 16
supports cargo purposes unless specified conditions 17
are met; requiring legislative approval for the use of 18
state funds for specified projects; amending s. 19
316.003, F.S.; revising the definition of the term 20
"local hearing officer"; amending s. 316.008, F.S.; 21
revising powers of local authorities; amending s. 22
316.0776, F.S.; revising provisions relating to speed 23
detection systems in school zones; amending s. 24
316.0777, F.S.; authorizing a private entity to 25

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 2 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

install an automated license plate recognition system 26
for use on certain property for a specified purpose 27
and providing requirements therefor; providing a 28
penalty; amending s. 316.173, F.S.; defining the term 29
"school district"; prohibiting a private school bus 30
contractor from charging a certain fee; authorizing 31
review of school bus infraction detection system 32
information by certain persons; providing and revising 33
procedures for an administrative hearing; requiring a 34
certain report to be due annually instead of 35
quarterly; providing a rebuttable presumption 36
regarding certain specifications; requiring the 37
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to 38
publish certain reports on its website; authorizing 39
charter schools and private schools to enter into 40
contracts under specified circumstances; amending s. 41
316.183, F.S.; authorizing a county or municipality to 42
set a lower maximum speed limit under certain 43
conditions; amending s. 316.189, F.S.; authorizing a 44
county to set a lower maximum speed limit under 45
certain conditions; amending s. 316.1895, F.S.; 46
requiring the use of flashing beacons in certain 47
circumstances; amending s. 316.1896, F.S.; requiring 48
flashing beacons to be activated during specified 49
times to enforce the restricted school zone speed 50

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 3 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

limit through a school zone speed detection system; 51
providing applicability; revising provisions relating 52
to roadways maintained as school zones; amending s. 53
316.1906, F.S.; specifying that certain radar and 54
LiDAR units are not required to be on certain lists; 55
amending s. 316.1955, F.S.; authorizing vehicles 56
displaying disabled parking permits to occupy more 57
than one parking space under specified conditions; 58
prohibiting such vehicles from being cited, penalized, 59
or towed under specified circumstances; providing 60
requirements for property owners and towing operators; 61
providing construction; amending s. 316.20655, F.S.; 62
clarifying a provision; amending s. 316.212, F.S.; 63
authorizing operation of a golf cart for the purpose 64
of crossing certain streets and highways under certain 65
conditions; providing penalties; repealing ss. 316.272 66
and 316.293, F.S., relating to the prevention of noise 67
from exhaust systems and motor vehicle noise, 68
respectively; amending s. 316.3045, F.S.; requiring 69
certain motor vehicles to be equipped with and 70
maintain an exhaust system to prevent excessive or 71
unusual noise; prohibiting certain excessive or 72
unusual noises; providing applicability; amending s. 73
316.650, F.S.; revising provisions relating to traffic 74
citations; amending s. 318.15, F.S.; revising 75

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 4 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

provisions relating to penalties for certain failures 76
to comply; amending s. 318.18, F.S.; revising 77
provisions relating to penalties; amending s. 78
319.1401, F.S.; authorizing certain golf carts to be 79
titled and registered for operation on certain roads 80
without an inspection by the Department of 81
Transportation and providing requirements therefor; 82
amending s. 320.02, F.S.; revising provisions relating 83
to withholding motor vehicle registration; amending s. 84
320.262, F.S.; providing that the use of a license 85
plate frame or decorative border device is not 86
prohibited under specified conditions; amending s. 87
322.032, F.S.; providing and revising definitions; 88
providing requirements for digital driver licenses and 89
an electronic credentialing system; providing 90
exceptions to certain prohibitions; providing for 91
enforcement and penalties; amending s. 322.142, F.S.; 92
authorizing digital imaged licenses to be used for a 93
specified purpose with the licensee's consent; 94
authorizing identity verification service providers to 95
use Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles 96
data under certain conditions; prohibiting such 97
providers from selling, sharing, or retaining certain 98
information; prohibiting the department from allowing 99
the use of digital imaged licenses for a private 100

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 5 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

entity's business purposes; amending s. 337.11, F.S.; 101
authorizing the Department of Transportation to make 102
direct payments to certain subcontractors under 103
specified conditions; requiring the department to 104
adopt rules; amending s. 337.18, F.S.; providing 105
requirements for a takeover agreement; amending s. 106
339.175, F.S.; requiring metropolitan planning 107
organizations serving specified counties to submit a 108
certain feasibility report to the Governor and 109
Legislature by a specified date, with certain goals; 110
amending s. 775.15, F.S.; providing time limits for 111
certain traffic violations; amending ss. 316.1995, 112
316.2125, 316.2126, 316.2128, 316.455, 322.059, 113
322.15, 403.061, and 403.415, F.S.; conforming 114
provisions to changes made by the act; reenacting s. 115
318.121, F.S., relating to preemption of additional 116
fees, fines, surcharges, and costs, to incorporate the 117
amendments made to s. 318.18, F.S., in a reference 118
thereto; providing effective dates. 119
120
Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: 121
122
Section 1. The Department of Transportation and any 123
impacted local government shall increase the minimum perception-124
reaction time for each steady yellow signal located at an 125

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 6 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

intersection equipped with a traffic infraction detector by 0.4 126
seconds. 127
Section 2. Subsection (4) of section 311.10, Florida 128
Statutes, is transferred, renumbered as section 311.15, Florida 129
Statutes, and amended to read: 130
311.15 Seaports; cargo facilities; reporting requirements 131
311.10 Strategic Port Investment Initiative.— 132
(1) As used in this section, the term: 133
(a) "Cargo purposes" means any facility, activity, 134
property, energy source, or infrastructure asset that is not 135
intended to facilitate the transport of passengers and includes, 136
but is not limited to, such facilities, activities, properties, 137
energy sources, or infrastructure assets that support spaceport 138
activities. 139
(b) "Commercial space launch industry" means any company 140
substantially engaged in the transport, operation, and recovery 141
of space launch or landing services with active maritime 142
operations. 143
(2) Beginning February 1, 2027, and each February 1 144
thereafter, each seaport located in a county in which real 145
property is designated as spaceport territory under s. 331.304 146
and that uses land, facilities, or infrastructure for the 147
purpose of supporting spacecraft launch and recovery operations 148
must submit a report to the chair of the Space Florida board of 149
directors which describes all measures the seaport has taken to 150

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 7 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

support the commercial space launch industry. The seaport must 151
post a copy of the report on its website once it has been 152
submitted to the chair of the board. 153
(3)(4) As a condition of receiving a project grant under 154
any program established in this chapter and as a condition of 155
receiving state funds as described in s. 215.31, A seaport that 156
is located in a county in which real property is designated as 157
spaceport territory under s. 331.304 and that uses land, 158
facilities, or infrastructure for the purpose of supporting 159
spacecraft launch and recovery operations must, in any agreement 160
with the Department of Transportation, agree that the seaport 161
may not convert any planned or existing land, facility, or 162
infrastructure that supports cargo purposes to any alternative 163
purpose unless all of the following conditions are met: 164
(a) The governing board of the seaport must provide public 165
notice as provided in s. 50.011 at least 30 days before holding 166
a public meeting on the proposed conversion. 167
(b) Before approving the proposed conversion, the 168
governing board of the seaport must prepare or cause to be 169
prepared a report estimating the impact of the conversion on the 170
cargo operations of the seaport. The report must be prominently 171
posted on the seaport's website at least 30 days before holding 172
a public meeting on the proposed conversion. 173
(c) The conversion must be is approved by a two-thirds 174
vote of by the seaport's governing board of the seaport at a 175

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 8 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

publicly noticed meeting as a separate line on the agenda and 176
with a reasonable opportunity for public comment., and, if 177
approved, 178
(4) The Legislature must expressly approve approves the 179
use of state funds for any a project that includes the such a 180
conversion of any planned or existing land, facility, or 181
infrastructure that supports cargo purposes to any alternative 182
purpose, whether by a work program amendment or through the 183
General Appropriations Act. As used in this subsection, the term 184
"cargo purposes" includes, but is not limited to, any facility, 185
activity, property, energy source, or infrastructure asset that 186
supports spaceport activities. 187
Section 3. Effective upon this act becoming a law, 188
subsection (38) of section 316.003, Florida Statutes, is amended 189
to read: 190
316.003 Definitions.—The following words and phrases, when 191
used in this chapter, shall have the meanings respectively 192
ascribed to them in this section, except where the context 193
otherwise requires: 194
(38) LOCAL HEARING OFFICER.—The person, designated by a 195
department, county, or municipality that elects to authorize 196
traffic infraction enforcement officers to issue traffic 197
citations under ss. 316.0083(1)(a) and 316.1896(1), who is 198
authorized to conduct hearings related to a notice of violation 199
issued pursuant to s. 316.0083 or s. 316.1896. A The charter 200

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 9 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

county, noncharter county, or municipality may use its currently 201
appointed code enforcement board or special magistrate to serve 202
as the local hearing officer. Pursuant to s. 316.173, a school 203
district may appoint an attorney who is, and has been for the 204
preceding 5 years, a member in good standing of the Florida Bar 205
to serve as a local hearing officer, or the county in which a 206
school district has entered into an interlocal agreement with a 207
law enforcement agency to issue uniform traffic citations may 208
designate by resolution existing staff to serve as the local 209
hearing officer. The department may enter into an interlocal 210
agreement to use the local hearing officer of a county or 211
municipality. The local hearing officer need not reside in the 212
county or municipality where a violation occurred. 213
Section 4. Paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (9) of 214
section 316.008, Florida Statutes, are amended to read: 215
316.008 Powers of local authorities.— 216
(9)(a) A county or municipality may enforce the applicable 217
speed limit on a roadway properly maintained as a school zone 218
pursuant to s. 316.1895: 219
1. Within 30 minutes before through 30 minutes after the 220
start of a regularly scheduled breakfast program; 221
2. Within 30 minutes before through 30 minutes after the 222
start of a regularly scheduled school session; 223
3. During the entirety of a regularly scheduled school 224
session; and 225

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 10 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

4. Within 30 minutes before through 30 minutes after the 226
end of a regularly scheduled school session 227
228
through the use of a speed detection system for the detection of 229
speed and capturing of photographs or videos for violations in 230
excess of 10 miles per hour over the speed limit in force in the 231
school zone at the time of the violation. A school zone's 232
compliance with s. 316.1895 creates a rebuttable presumption 233
that the school zone is properly maintained. The restricted 234
school zone speed limit may only be enforced through the use of 235
a speed detection system when any flashing beacon used to 236
provide the notice of the restricted school zone speed limit is 237
activated. For speed detection systems installed before July 1, 238
2026, capturing the beacon status photographically, on video, or 239
by other evidence is not required for proof of the beacon status 240
until January 1, 2028. An area maintained as a school zone that 241
has no beacon installed before July 1, 2026, has until January 242
1, 2028, to place and install a beacon and, until a beacon is 243
installed, the county or municipality may provide proof of the 244
restricted school zone speed limit in force at the time of 245
violation without evidence of the beacon status. 246
(b) A county or municipality may place or install, or 247
contract with a vendor to place or install, a speed detection 248
system within a roadway maintained as a school zone as provided 249
in s. 316.1895 to enforce unlawful speed limit violations in the 250

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 11 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

school zone, as specified in s. 316.1895 s. 316.1895(10) or s. 251
316.183 which are in excess of 10 miles per hour over the school 252
zone speed limit in force at the time of violation, on that 253
roadway. The physical placement of a speed detection system may 254
be outside the boundaries of the school zone but within the 255
roadway maintained as a school zone. Any notice of violation or 256
uniform traffic citation issued using a speed detection system 257
must be based solely on a violation occurring within the 258
boundaries of the school zone and during the times authorized 259
under this subsection. 260
Section 5. Subsection (3) of section 316.0776, Florida 261
Statutes, is amended to read: 262
316.0776 Traffic infraction detectors; speed detection 263
systems; placement and installation.— 264
(3) A speed detection system authorized by s. 316.008(9) 265
may be placed or installed anywhere in an area maintained, as 266
defined in s. 316.1895(3)(d), as a school zone on a state road 267
when permitted by the Department of Transportation and in 268
accordance with placement and installation specifications 269
developed by the Department of Transportation. The speed 270
detection system may be placed or installed anywhere in an area 271
maintained, as defined in s. 316.1895(3)(d), as a school zone on 272
a street or highway under the jurisdiction of a county or a 273
municipality in accordance with placement and installation 274
specifications established by the Department of Transportation. 275

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 12 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

The placement and installation specifications must allow the 276
placement of a speed detection system or components thereof 277
outside the boundaries of the school zone but within the area 278
maintained as a school zone. The speed detection system may only 279
capture violations occurring within the school zone and during 280
the times authorized under s. 316.008(9), regardless of the 281
placement of the speed detection system or its components The 282
Department of Transportation must establish such placement and 283
installation specifications by December 31, 2023. 284
(a) If a county or municipality places or installs a speed 285
detection system as authorized by s. 316.008(9), the county or 286
municipality must notify the public that a speed detection 287
system may be in use by posting signage indicating photographic 288
or video enforcement of the school zone speed limits. Such 289
signage shall clearly designate the time period during which the 290
school zone speed limits are enforced using a speed detection 291
system and must meet the placement and installation 292
specifications established by the Department of Transportation. 293
For a speed detection system enforcing violations of s. 316.1895 294
or s. 316.183 on a roadway maintained as a school zone, this 295
paragraph governs the signage notifying the public of the use of 296
a speed detection system. 297
(b) If a county or municipality begins a school zone speed 298
detection system program in a county or municipality that has 299
never conducted such a program, the respective county or 300

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 13 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

municipality must make a public announcement and conduct a 301
public awareness campaign of the proposed use of speed detection 302
systems at least 30 days before commencing enforcement under the 303
speed detection system program and must notify the public of the 304
specific date on which the program will commence. During the 30-305
day public awareness campaign, only a warning may be issued to 306
the registered owner of a motor vehicle for a violation of s. 307
316.1895 or s. 316.183 enforced by a speed detection system, and 308
liability may not be imposed for the civil penalty under s. 309
318.18(3)(d). 310
(c) A county or municipality that operates one or more 311
school zone speed detection systems must annually report the 312
results of all systems within the county's or municipality's 313
jurisdiction by placing the report required under s. 314
316.1896(16)(a) as a single reporting item on the agenda of a 315
regular or special meeting of the county's or municipality's 316
governing body. Before a county or municipality contracts or 317
renews a contract to place or install a speed detection system 318
in a school zone pursuant to s. 316.008(9), the county or 319
municipality must approve the contract or contract renewal at a 320
regular or special meeting of the county's or municipality's 321
governing body. 322
1. Interested members of the public must be allowed to 323
comment regarding the report, contract, or contract renewal 324
under the county's or municipality's public comment policies or 325

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 14 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

formats, and the report, contract, or contract renewal may not 326
be considered as part of a consent agenda. 327
2. The report required under this paragraph must include a 328
written summary, which must be read aloud at the regular or 329
special meeting, and the summary must contain, for the same time 330
period pertaining to the annual report to the department under 331
s. 316.1896(16)(a), the number of notices of violation issued, 332
the number that were contested, the number that were upheld, the 333
number that were dismissed, the number that were issued as 334
uniform traffic citations, and the number that were paid and how 335
collected funds were distributed and in what amounts. The county 336
or municipality must report to the department that the county's 337
or municipality's annual report was considered in accordance 338
with this paragraph, including the date of the regular or 339
special meeting at which the annual report was considered. 340
3. The compliance or sufficiency of compliance with this 341
paragraph may not be raised in a proceeding challenging a 342
violation of s. 316.1895 or s. 316.183 enforced by a speed 343
detection system in a school zone. 344
Section 6. Effective October 1, 2026, subsections (3), 345
(4), and (5) of section 316.0777, Florida Statutes, are 346
renumbered as subsections (4), (5), and (6), respectively, and a 347
new subsection (3) and subsection (7) are added to that section 348
to read: 349
316.0777 Automated license plate recognition systems; 350

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 15 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

installation within rights-of-way of State Highway System and on 351
and within property owned or controlled by private entity; 352
public records exemption.— 353
(3) A private property owner may install an automated 354
license plate recognition system solely for use on and within 355
the property owned or controlled by the property owner. A 356
private property owner that installs or directs the installation 357
of such a system: 358
(a) May not access vehicle registration or title data for 359
vehicles identified by the system, unless the private property 360
owner is acting to the extent permitted by the Driver's Privacy 361
Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. ss. 2721-2725, or for the limited 362
purpose of providing notice to a vehicle owner that he or she 363
failed to pay for parking and that such failure has resulted in 364
a parking charge pursuant to s. 715.075. 365
(b) May not share or sell images, personal identifying 366
information, vehicle identification numbers or license plate 367
numbers, or any data that could be reasonably connected to an 368
individual which is collected or generated by the system, 369
except: 370
1. To the extent required to respond to a lawful request 371
from a criminal justice agency; 372
2. To the extent required to control or enforce access to 373
the property or for parking enforcement; or 374
3. To the extent sharing such information is necessary to 375

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 16 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

report suspicious activity or suspected criminal activity to a 376
criminal justice agency. 377
4. To the extent permitted by the Driver's Privacy 378
Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. ss. 2721-2725. 379
(c) Must contractually obligate any third party that 380
installs, maintains, or operates the system or receives 381
information pursuant to subparagraph (b)2. to protect the images 382
or data collected or generated by the system from disclosure, 383
including a prohibition on sharing or selling such images or 384
data, except to the extent authorized under paragraph (b). 385
(d) Must implement, and must contractually obligate any 386
third party that installs, maintains, or operates the system or 387
receives information pursuant to subparagraph (b)2. to 388
implement: 389
1. Industry-recognized encryption protocols to ensure that 390
images and associated data collected or generated by the system 391
are encrypted in transmission and at rest. 392
2. An auditable access control system that records access 393
to images and associated data. 394
3. A data retention schedule that provides for deletion of 395
images and data no later than 30 days after the images or data 396
is collected or generated by the system, except to the extent 397
needed to comply with a court order, subpoena, or the appeal 398
process detailed in s. 715.075(1)(c) and (d) or to collect an 399
unpaid invoice for parking enforcement. Records detailing 400

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 17 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

disclosure logs or transaction information may be retained 401
longer in accordance with federal law. 402
(e) May not offer or provide as payment or other 403
consideration any portion of the proceeds derived from a fine or 404
charge imposed based on images or data collected or generated by 405
the system to any third party that installs, maintains, or 406
operates the system, except to the extent the fine or violation 407
is issued in connection with controlling or enforcing access to 408
such property or for parking enforcement. 409
(7) A person who uses or releases information in violation 410
of this section commits a noncriminal infraction, punishable by 411
a fine not exceeding $2,000. 412
Section 7. Effective upon this act becoming a law, 413
subsection (20) of section 316.173, Florida Statutes, is 414
renumbered as subsection (21), subsections (1) and (4), 415
paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection (6), paragraph (a) of 416
subsection (17), paragraph (a) of subsection (18), and 417
subsection (19) are amended, and a new subsection (20) is added 418
to that section, to read: 419
316.173 School bus infraction detection systems.— 420
(1)(a) As used in this section, the term "school district" 421
includes only educational institutions governed by: 422
1. Section 4, Art. IX of the State Constitution. 423
2. Section 1002.01(3). 424
3. Section 1002.33. 425

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 18 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

4. Federally funded Head Start programs. 426
(b) A school district may install and operate a school bus 427
infraction detection system on a school bus for the purpose of 428
enforcing s. 316.172(1)(a) and (b) as provided in and consistent 429
with this section. 430
(c)(b) The school district may contract with a private 431
vendor or manufacturer to install a school bus infraction 432
detection system on any school bus within its fleet, whether 433
owned, contracted, or leased, and for services including, but 434
not limited to, the installation, operation, and maintenance of 435
the system. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a 436
private school bus contractor that provides busing services for 437
a school district may not charge a fee or receive remuneration 438
from a district, or a private vendor or manufacturer of a school 439
bus infraction detection system with respect to installation, 440
operation, or maintenance of a system, and may not unreasonably 441
impede installation, operation, or maintenance of a system if 442
selected by the school district. The school district's decision 443
to install school bus infraction detection systems must be based 444
solely on the need to increase public safety. An individual may 445
not receive a commission from any revenue collected from 446
violations detected through the use of a school bus infraction 447
detection system. A private vendor or manufacturer may not 448
receive a fee or remuneration based upon the number of 449
violations detected through the use of a school bus infraction 450

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 19 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

detection system. This paragraph may not be construed to 451
prohibit a private vendor or manufacturer from receiving a fixed 452
amount of collected proceeds for service rendered in relation to 453
the installation, operation, or maintenance of school bus 454
infraction detection systems. 455
(d)(c) The school district must ensure that each school 456
bus infraction detection system meets the requirements of 457
subsection (19). 458
(e)(d) The school district must enter into an interlocal 459
agreement with one or more law enforcement agencies authorized 460
to enforce violations of s. 316.172(1)(a) and (b) within the 461
school district which jointly establishes the responsibilities 462
of enforcement and the reimbursement of costs associated with 463
school bus infraction detection systems consistent with this 464
section. 465
(f) Review of information from a school bus infraction 466
detection system by an authorized employee or a designee of the 467
school district or law enforcement agency is not prohibited 468
before issuance of a notice of violation or uniform traffic 469
citation. 470
(4) Within 30 days after an alleged violation of s. 471
316.172(1)(a) or (b) is recorded by a school bus infraction 472
detection system, the school district or the private vendor or 473
manufacturer under paragraph (1)(c) paragraph (1)(b) must submit 474
the following information to a law enforcement agency that has 475

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 20 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

entered into an interlocal agreement with the school district 476
pursuant to paragraph (1)(e) paragraph (1)(d) and has traffic 477
infraction enforcement jurisdiction at the location where the 478
alleged violation occurred: 479
(a) A copy of the recorded video and images showing the 480
motor vehicle allegedly violating s. 316.172(1)(a) or (b). 481
(b) The motor vehicle's license plate number and the state 482
of issuance of the motor vehicle's license plate. 483
(c) The date, time, and location of the alleged violation. 484
(6) 485
(b) Procedures for an administrative hearing conducted 486
under this subsection are as follows: 487
1. The department shall make available electronically to 488
the school district or its designee or the county a Request for 489
Hearing form to assist each district or county with 490
administering this subsection. 491
2. The school district shall assign existing staff or a 492
designee to serve as the clerk to the local hearing officer. A 493
person, referred to in this paragraph as the petitioner, who 494
elects to request a hearing under this subsection shall be 495
scheduled for a hearing by the clerk to the local hearing 496
officer. The hearing may be conducted either virtually via live 497
video conferencing or in person. 498
3. Within 120 days after receipt of a timely request for a 499
hearing, the law enforcement agency or its designee shall 500

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 21 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

provide a replica of the notice of violation data to the school 501
district or county by manual or electronic transmission, and 502
thereafter the school district or its designee or the county 503
shall mail a notice of hearing, which shall include a hearing 504
date and may at the discretion of the district or county include 505
virtual and in-person hearing options, to the petitioner by 506
first-class mail. Mailing of the notice of hearing constitutes 507
notification. Upon receipt of the notice of hearing, the 508
petitioner may reschedule the hearing twice once by submitting a 509
written request to the local hearing officer at least 5 calendar 510
days before the day of the originally scheduled hearing. The 511
petitioner may cancel his or her hearing by paying the penalty 512
assessed in the notice of violation. 513
4. All testimony at the hearing shall be under oath. The 514
local hearing officer shall take testimony from a representative 515
of the law enforcement agency and the petitioner, and may take 516
testimony from others. The local hearing officer shall review 517
the video and images recorded by a school bus infraction 518
detection system. Formal rules of evidence do not apply, but due 519
process shall be observed and govern the proceedings. 520
5. At the conclusion of the hearing, the local hearing 521
officer shall determine by a preponderance of the evidence 522
whether a violation has occurred and shall uphold or dismiss the 523
violation. The local hearing officer shall issue a final 524
administrative order including the determination and, if the 525

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 22 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

notice of violation is upheld, require the petitioner to pay the 526
civil penalty previously assessed in the notice of violation, 527
and shall also require the petitioner to pay costs, not to 528
exceed $250 those established in s. 316.0083(5)(e), to be used 529
by the county for operational costs relating to the hearing 530
process or by the school district for technology and operational 531
costs relating to the hearing process as well as school 532
transportation safety-related initiatives. The final 533
administrative order shall be mailed to the petitioner by first-534
class mail. Mailing of the final administrative order 535
constitutes notification. 536
6. An aggrieved party may appeal a final administrative 537
order consistent with the process provided in s. 162.11. 538
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any 539
hearing for a contested notice of violation, or uniform traffic 540
citation that is pending issuance, that has not occurred been 541
conducted before July 1, 2025, may be conducted or issued 542
pursuant to the procedures in this section subsection within 2 543
years 1 year after such date. 544
(17)(a)1. A school bus infraction detection system may not 545
be used for remote surveillance. The collection of evidence by a 546
school bus infraction detection system to enforce violations of 547
s. 316.172 does not constitute remote surveillance. 548
2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, video and 549
images recorded as part of a school bus infraction detection 550

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 23 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

system may only be used for traffic enforcement and for purposes 551
of determining criminal or civil liability for incidents 552
captured by the school bus infraction detection system 553
incidental to the permissible use of the school bus infraction 554
detection system. 555
3. To the extent practicable, a school bus infraction 556
detection system must use necessary technology to ensure that 557
personal identifying information contained in the video or still 558
images recorded by the system which is not relevant to the 559
alleged violation, including, but not limited to, the identity 560
of the driver and any passenger of a motor vehicle, the interior 561
or contents of a motor vehicle, the identity of an uninvolved 562
person, a number identifying the address of a private residence, 563
and the contents or interior of a private residence, is 564
sufficiently obscured so as not to reveal such personal 565
identifying information. 566
4. A notice of a violation or uniform traffic citation 567
issued under this section may not be dismissed solely because a 568
recorded video or still images reveal personal identifying 569
information as provided in subparagraph 3. as long as a 570
reasonable effort has been made to comply with this subsection. 571
(18)(a) By October 1, 2023, and annually quarterly 572
thereafter, each school district operating a school bus 573
infraction detection system must submit, in consultation with 574
the law enforcement agencies with which it has interlocal 575

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 24 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

agreements pursuant to this section, a report to the department 576
which details the results of the school bus infraction detection 577
systems in the school district in the preceding state fiscal 578
year quarter. The department shall publish each report on its 579
website. The information from the school districts must be 580
submitted in a form and manner determined by the department, 581
which the department must make available to the school districts 582
by August 1, 2023, and must include at least the following: 583
1. The number of school buses that have a school bus 584
infraction detection system installed, including the date of 585
installation and, if applicable, the date the systems were 586
removed. 587
2. The number of notices of violations issued, the number 588
that were contested, the number that were upheld, the number 589
that were dismissed, the number that were issued as uniform 590
traffic citations, and the number that were paid. 591
3. Data for each infraction to determine locations in need 592
of safety improvements. Such data may include, but is not 593
limited to, global positioning system coordinates of the 594
infraction, the date and time of the infraction, and the name of 595
the school that the school bus was transporting students to or 596
from. 597
4. Any other statistical data and information required by 598
the department to complete the report required by paragraph (c). 599
(19) A school bus infraction detection system must meet 600

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 25 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

specifications established by the State Board of Education and 601
must be tested at regular intervals according to specifications 602
prescribed by state board rule. The state board must establish 603
such specifications by rule on or before December 31, 2023. 604
However, any such equipment acquired by purchase, lease, or 605
other arrangement under an agreement entered into by a school 606
district on or before December 31, 2023, is not required to meet 607
the specifications established by the state board until July 1, 608
2024. In any proceeding challenging a violation of s. 609
316.172(1)(a) or (b), there is a rebuttable presumption that a 610
school bus infraction detection system complies with and meets 611
all required specifications. 612
(20) If a school district, as established in s. 4, Art. IX 613
of the State Constitution, has contracted with a private vendor 614
or manufacturer to install school bus infraction detection 615
systems for school buses for public schools pursuant to this 616
section, then charter schools and private schools within the 617
geographic area of that school district may enter into separate 618
contracts for the installation of school bus infraction 619
detection systems with the same vendor or manufacturer. However, 620
if the school district terminates all contracts for school bus 621
infraction detection systems with a vendor or manufacturer, any 622
contracts entered into by such charter schools or private 623
schools are immediately terminated. Only school buses that meet 624
the Florida School Bus Specifications adopted by the State Board 625

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 26 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

of Education may use school infraction detection systems as 626
provided in this subsection. 627
Section 8. Subsection (2) of section 316.183, Florida 628
Statutes, is amended to read: 629
316.183 Unlawful speed.— 630
(2) On all streets or highways, the maximum speed limits 631
for all vehicles must be 30 miles per hour in business or 632
residence districts, and 55 miles per hour at any time at all 633
other locations. However, with respect to a residence district, 634
a county or municipality may set a lower maximum speed limit of 635
20 or 25 miles per hour on local streets and highways after an 636
investigation determines that such a limit is reasonable. It is 637
not necessary to conduct a separate investigation for each 638
residence district. The minimum speed limit on all highways that 639
comprise a part of the National System of Interstate and Defense 640
Highways and have not fewer than four lanes is 40 miles per 641
hour, except that when the posted speed limit is 70 miles per 642
hour, the minimum speed limit is 50 miles per hour. 643
Section 9. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section 644
316.189, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 645
316.189 Establishment of municipal and county speed 646
zones.— 647
(2) SPEED ON COUNTY ROADS.—The maximum speed on any 648
county-maintained road is: 649
(a) In any business or residence district, 30 miles per 650

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 27 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

hour in the daytime or nighttime; provided that with respect to 651
residence districts a county may set a lower maximum speed limit 652
of 25 miles per hour after an investigation determines that such 653
a limit is reasonable; and it shall not be necessary to conduct 654
a separate investigation in each residence district. 655
656
However, the board of county commissioners may set speed zones 657
altering such speeds, both as to maximum and minimum, after 658
investigation determines such a change is reasonable and in 659
conformity to criteria promulgated by the Department of 660
Transportation, except that no such speed zone shall permit a 661
speed of more than 60 miles per hour. 662
Section 10. Subsection (6) of section 316.1895, Florida 663
Statutes, is amended to read: 664
316.1895 Establishment of school speed zones, enforcement; 665
designation.— 666
(6) Permanent signs designating school zones and school 667
zone speed limits shall be uniform in size and color, and shall 668
have the times during which the restrictive speed limit is 669
enforced clearly designated thereon. Flashing beacons activated 670
by a time clock, or other automatic device, or manually 671
activated may be used as an alternative to posting the times 672
during which the restrictive school speed limit is enforced. 673
However, if a restricted school zone speed limit is enforced 674
through a speed detection system as provided in s. 316.1896, 675

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 28 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

then the school zone and restricted school zone speed limit must 676
be designated using flashing beacons. Beginning July 1, 2008, 677
for any newly established school zone or any school zone in 678
which the signing has been replaced, a sign stating "Speeding 679
Fines Doubled" shall be installed within the school zone. The 680
Department of Transportation shall establish adequate standards 681
for the signs and flashing beacons. 682
Section 11. Subsections (1), (2), (3), (6), and (8), 683
paragraph (a) of subsection (15), and paragraph (a) of 684
subsection (16) of section 316.1896, Florida Statutes, are 685
amended to read: 686
316.1896 Roadways maintained as school zones; speed 687
detection system enforcement; penalties; appeal procedure; 688
privacy; reports.— 689
(1) For purposes of administering this section, a county 690
or municipality may authorize a traffic infraction enforcement 691
officer under s. 316.640 to issue uniform traffic citations for 692
violations of ss. 316.1895 and 316.183 as authorized by s. 693
316.008(9), as follows: 694
(a) For a violation of s. 316.1895 in excess of 10 miles 695
per hour over the school zone speed limit which occurs within 30 696
minutes before through 30 minutes after the start of a regularly 697
scheduled breakfast program. 698
(b) For a violation of s. 316.1895 in excess of 10 miles 699
per hour over the school zone speed limit which occurs within 30 700

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 29 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

minutes before through 30 minutes after the start of a regularly 701
scheduled school session. 702
(c) For a violation of s. 316.183 in excess of 10 miles 703
per hour over the posted speed limit during the entirety of a 704
regularly scheduled school session. 705
(d) For a violation of s. 316.1895 in excess of 10 miles 706
per hour over the school zone speed limit which occurs within 30 707
minutes before through 30 minutes after the end of a regularly 708
scheduled school session. 709
710
Such violation must be evidenced by a speed detection system 711
described in ss. 316.008(9) and 316.0776(3). This subsection 712
does not prohibit a review of information from a speed detection 713
system by an authorized employee or agent of a county or 714
municipality before issuance of the uniform traffic citation by 715
the traffic infraction enforcement officer. This subsection does 716
not prohibit a county or municipality from issuing notices as 717
provided in subsection (2) to the registered owner of the motor 718
vehicle for a violation of s. 316.1895 or s. 316.183. The 719
restricted school zone speed limit may only be enforced through 720
the use of a speed detection system when any flashing beacon 721
used to provide notice of the restricted school zone speed limit 722
is activated. For speed detection systems installed before July 723
1, 2026, capturing the beacon status photographically, on video, 724
or by other evidence is not required for proof of the beacon 725

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 30 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

status until January 1, 2028. An area maintained as a school 726
zone that has no beacon installed before July 1, 2026, has until 727
January 1, 2028, to place and install a beacon and, until the 728
beacon is installed, the county or municipality may provide 729
proof of the restricted school zone speed limit in force at the 730
time of violation without evidence of the beacon status. 731
(2) Within 30 days after a violation, notice must be sent 732
to the registered owner of the motor vehicle involved in the 733
violation specifying the remedies available under s. 318.14 and 734
that the violator must pay the penalty under s. 318.18(3)(d) to 735
the county or municipality, or furnish an affidavit in 736
accordance with subsection (8), within 60 30 days after the date 737
of the notice of violation in order to avoid court fees, costs, 738
and the issuance of a uniform traffic citation. The notice of 739
violation must: 740
(a) Be sent by first-class mail. 741
(b) Include a photograph or other recorded image showing 742
the license plate of the motor vehicle; the date, time, and 743
location of the violation; the maximum speed at which the motor 744
vehicle was traveling within the school zone; and the speed 745
limit within the school zone at the time of the violation. 746
(c) Include a notice that the owner has the right to 747
review, in person or remotely, the photograph or video captured 748
by the speed detection system and the evidence of the speed of 749
the motor vehicle detected by the speed detection system which 750

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 31 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

constitute a rebuttable presumption that the motor vehicle was 751
used in violation of s. 316.1895 or s. 316.183. 752
(d) State the time when, and the place or website at 753
which, the photograph or video captured and evidence of speed 754
detected may be examined and observed. 755
(3) Notwithstanding any other law, a person who receives a 756
notice of violation under this section may request a hearing 757
within 60 30 days after the notice of violation or may pay the 758
penalty pursuant to the notice of violation, but a payment or 759
fee may not be required before the hearing requested by the 760
person. The notice of violation must be accompanied by, or 761
direct the person to a website that provides, information on the 762
person's right to request a hearing and on all costs related 763
thereto and a form used for requesting a hearing. As used in 764
this subsection, the term "person" includes a natural person, 765
the registered owner or co-owner of a motor vehicle, or the 766
person identified in an affidavit as having actual care, 767
custody, or control of the motor vehicle at the time of the 768
violation. 769
(6) A uniform traffic citation must be issued by mailing 770
the uniform traffic citation by certified mail to the address of 771
the registered owner of the motor vehicle involved in the 772
violation if payment has not been made within 60 30 days after 773
notification under subsection (2), if the registered owner has 774
not requested a hearing as authorized under subsection (3), and 775

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 32 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

if the registered owner has not submitted an affidavit in 776
accordance with subsection (8). 777
(a) Delivery of the uniform traffic citation constitutes 778
notification of a violation under this subsection. If the 779
registered owner or co-owner of the motor vehicle; the person 780
identified as having care, custody, or control of the motor 781
vehicle at the time of the violation; or a duly authorized 782
representative of the owner, co-owner, or identified person 783
initiates a proceeding to challenge the citation pursuant to 784
this section, such person waives any challenge or dispute as to 785
the delivery of the uniform traffic citation. 786
(b) In the case of joint ownership of a motor vehicle, the 787
uniform traffic citation must be mailed to the first name 788
appearing on the motor vehicle registration, unless the first 789
name appearing on the registration is a business organization, 790
in which case the second name appearing on the registration may 791
be used. 792
(c) The uniform traffic citation mailed to the registered 793
owner of the motor vehicle involved in the infraction must be 794
accompanied by the information described in paragraphs (2)(b)-795
(d). 796
(8) To establish such facts under subsection (7), the 797
registered owner of the motor vehicle must, within 60 30 days 798
after the date of issuance of the notice of violation or the 799
uniform traffic citation, furnish to the appropriate 800

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 33 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

governmental entity an affidavit setting forth information 801
supporting an exception under subsection (7). 802
(a) An affidavit supporting the exception under paragraph 803
(7)(a) must include the name, address, date of birth, and, if 804
known, the driver license number of the person who leased, 805
rented, or otherwise had care, custody, or control of the motor 806
vehicle at the time of the alleged violation. If the motor 807
vehicle was stolen at the time of the alleged violation, the 808
affidavit must include the police report indicating that the 809
motor vehicle was stolen. 810
(b) If a uniform traffic citation for a violation of s. 811
316.1895 or s. 316.183 was issued at the location of the 812
violation by a law enforcement officer, the affidavit must 813
include the serial number of the uniform traffic citation. 814
(c) If the motor vehicle's owner to whom a notice of 815
violation or a uniform traffic citation has been issued is 816
deceased, the affidavit must include a certified copy of the 817
owner's death certificate showing that the date of death 818
occurred on or before the date of the alleged violation and one 819
of the following: 820
1. A bill of sale or other document showing that the 821
deceased owner's motor vehicle was sold or transferred after his 822
or her death but on or before the date of the alleged violation. 823
2. Documented proof that the registered license plate 824
belonging to the deceased owner's motor vehicle was returned to 825

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 34 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

the department or any branch office or authorized agent of the 826
department after his or her death but on or before the date of 827
the alleged violation. 828
3. A copy of the police report showing that the deceased 829
owner's registered license plate or motor vehicle was stolen 830
after his or her death but on or before the date of the alleged 831
violation. 832
833
Upon receipt of the affidavit and documentation required under 834
paragraphs (b) and (c), or 60 30 days after the date of issuance 835
of a notice of violation sent to a person identified as having 836
care, custody, or control of the motor vehicle at the time of 837
the violation under paragraph (a), the county or municipality 838
must dismiss the notice or citation and provide proof of such 839
dismissal to the person who submitted the affidavit. If, within 840
30 days after the date of a notice of violation sent to a person 841
under subsection (9), the county or municipality receives an 842
affidavit under subsection (10) from the person sent a notice of 843
violation affirming that the person did not have care, custody, 844
or control of the motor vehicle at the time of the violation, 845
the county or municipality must notify the registered owner that 846
the notice or citation will not be dismissed due to failure to 847
establish that another person had care, custody, or control of 848
the motor vehicle at the time of the violation. 849

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 35 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

(15)(a) A speed detection system in a school zone may not 850
be used for remote surveillance. The collection of evidence by a 851
speed detection system to enforce violations of ss. 316.1895 and 852
316.183, or user-controlled pan or tilt adjustments of speed 853
detection system components, do not constitute remote 854
surveillance. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 855
recorded video or photographs collected as part of a speed 856
detection system in a school zone may only be used to document 857
violations of ss. 316.1895 and 316.183 and for purposes of 858
determining criminal or civil liability for incidents captured 859
by the speed detection system incidental to the permissible use 860
of the speed detection system. 861
(16)(a) Each county or municipality that operates one or 862
more speed detection systems shall must submit a report by 863
October 1, 2024, and annually thereafter, to the department 864
which identifies the public safety objectives used to identify a 865
school zone for enforcement under this section, reports 866
compliance with s. 316.0776(3)(c), and details the results of 867
the speed detection system in the school zone during the 868
preceding state fiscal year and the procedures for enforcement. 869
The information from counties and municipalities must be 870
submitted in a form and manner determined by the department, 871
which the department must make available to the counties and 872
municipalities by August 1, 2023, and the department may require 873
data components to be submitted quarterly. The report must 874

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 36 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

include at least the following: 875
1. Information related to the location of each speed 876
detection system, including the geocoordinates of the school 877
zone, the directional approach of the speed detection system, 878
the school name, the school level, the times the speed detection 879
system was active, the restricted school zone speed limit 880
enforced pursuant to s. 316.1895(5), the posted speed limit 881
enforced at times other than those authorized by s. 316.1895(5), 882
the date the systems were activated to enforce violations of ss. 883
316.1895 and 316.183, and, if applicable, the date the systems 884
were deactivated. 885
2. The number of notices of violation issued, the number, 886
if any, that were issued outside of the enforcement periods 887
authorized in subsection (1), the number that were contested, 888
the number that were upheld, the number that were dismissed, the 889
number that were issued as uniform traffic citations, and the 890
number that were paid. 891
3. Any other statistical data and information related to 892
the procedures for enforcement which is required by the 893
department to complete the report required under paragraph (c). 894
Section 12. Subsection (3) of section 316.1906, Florida 895
Statutes, is amended to read: 896
316.1906 Radar speed-measuring devices; speed detection 897
systems; evidence, admissibility.— 898

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 37 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

(3) A speed detection system is exempt from the design 899
requirements for radar or LiDAR units established by the 900
department, and the radar or LiDAR units used in the speed 901
detection system are not required to be on any approved list of 902
the department. A speed detection system must have the ability 903
to perform self-tests as to its detection accuracy. The system 904
must perform a self-test at least once every 30 days. The law 905
enforcement agency, or an agent acting on behalf of the law 906
enforcement agency, operating a speed detection system must 907
maintain a log of the results of the system's self-tests. The 908
law enforcement agency, or an agent acting on behalf of the law 909
enforcement agency, operating a speed detection system must also 910
perform an independent calibration test on the speed detection 911
system at least once every 12 months. The self-test logs, as 912
well as the results of the annual calibration test, are 913
admissible in any court proceeding for a uniform traffic 914
citation issued for a violation of s. 316.1895 or s. 316.183 915
enforced pursuant to s. 316.1896. Notwithstanding subsection 916
(2), evidence of the speed of a motor vehicle detected by a 917
speed detection system compliant with this subsection and the 918
determination by a traffic enforcement officer that a motor 919
vehicle is operating in excess of the applicable speed limit is 920
admissible in any proceeding with respect to an alleged 921
violation of law regulating the speed of motor vehicles in 922
school zones. 923

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 38 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

Section 13. Subsection (5) is added to section 316.1955, 924
Florida Statutes, to read: 925
316.1955 Enforcement of parking requirements for persons 926
who have disabilities.— 927
(5)(a) A vehicle that displays a valid disabled parking 928
permit or a license plate issued under s. 316.1958 or s. 929
320.0848 and that is equipped with permanently installed 930
mobility access equipment, including, but not limited to, 931
wheelchair ramps or lifts, may occupy more than one parking 932
space when reasonably necessary to deploy such equipment safely, 933
provided that no designated accessible parking spaces are 934
available or sufficient to accommodate the vehicle's equipment. 935
(b) A vehicle described in paragraph (a) may not be cited, 936
penalized, or towed solely because the vehicle occupies more 937
than one parking space or exceeds standard parking dimensions, 938
if: 939
1. The vehicle displays a valid disabled parking permit or 940
plate. 941
2. The vehicle does not block vehicular traffic lanes, 942
emergency access routes, fire lanes, or pedestrian access paths. 943
3. The vehicle does not create a clear and immediate 944
safety hazard. 945
(c) Before towing a vehicle displaying a valid disabled 946
parking permit or plate, a public or private property owner or 947
towing operator must make reasonable efforts to determine 948

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 39 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

whether the vehicle qualifies for the protections of this 949
subsection, unless the vehicle presents an immediate threat to 950
public safety. 951
(d) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to 952
permit parking in: 953
1. Fire lanes; 954
2. Emergency vehicle access areas; 955
3. Clearly posted no-parking zones; or 956
4. Any location where the vehicle poses an immediate risk 957
to public safety. 958
Section 14. Subsection (2) of section 316.20655, Florida 959
Statutes, is amended to read: 960
316.20655 Electric bicycle regulations.— 961
(2) An electric bicycle as defined in s. 316.003 or an 962
operator of an electric bicycle is not subject to the provisions 963
of law relating to financial responsibility, driver or motor 964
vehicle licenses, vehicle registration, title certificates, off-965
highway motorcycles, or off-highway vehicles. 966
Section 15. Subsections (5) through (9) of section 967
316.212, Florida Statutes, are renumbered as subsections (6) 968
through (10), respectively, paragraph (b) of present subsection 969
(8) and present subsection (9) are amended, and a new subsection 970
(5) is added to that section, to read: 971

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 40 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

316.212 Operation of golf carts on certain roadways.—The 972
operation of a golf cart upon the public roads or streets of 973
this state is prohibited except as provided herein: 974
(5) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a 975
golf cart may be operated for the purpose of crossing a street 976
or highway at a signalized intersection, provided that: 977
(a) The intersection is located wholly within the 978
boundaries of a single local governmental entity. 979
(b) The local governmental entity has designated, for the 980
operation of golf carts, the street or road located on both 981
sides of the intersection with the street or highway. 982
(c) The local governmental entity has approved the 983
operation of golf carts for the purpose of crossing at the 984
intersection and has posted appropriate signs at the 985
intersection to indicate that such operation is authorized. 986
(9)(8) A local governmental entity may enact an ordinance 987
relating to: 988
(b) Golf cart operation on sidewalks adjacent to specific 989
segments of municipal streets, county roads, or state highways 990
within the jurisdictional territory of the local governmental 991
entity if: 992
1. The local governmental entity determines, after 993
considering the condition and current use of the sidewalks, the 994
character of the surrounding community, and the locations of 995
authorized golf cart crossings, that golf carts, bicycles, and 996

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 41 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

pedestrians may safely share the sidewalk; 997
2. The local governmental entity consults with the 998
Department of Transportation before adopting the ordinance; 999
3. The ordinance restricts golf carts to a maximum speed 1000
of 15 miles per hour and permits such use on sidewalks adjacent 1001
to state highways only if the sidewalks are at least 8 feet 1002
wide; 1003
4. The ordinance requires the golf carts to meet the 1004
equipment requirements in subsection (7) (6). However, the 1005
ordinance may require additional equipment, including horns or 1006
other warning devices required by s. 316.271; and 1007
5. The local governmental entity posts appropriate signs 1008
or otherwise informs residents that the ordinance exists and 1009
applies to such sidewalks. 1010
(10)(9) A violation of this section is a noncriminal 1011
traffic infraction, punishable pursuant to chapter 318 as a 1012
moving violation for infractions of subsections (1)-(6) (1)-(5) 1013
or a local ordinance corresponding thereto and enacted pursuant 1014
to subsection (9) (8), or punishable pursuant to chapter 318 as 1015
a nonmoving violation for infractions of subsection (7) (6), 1016
subsection (8) (7), or a local ordinance corresponding thereto 1017
and enacted pursuant to subsection (9) (8). 1018
Section 16. Sections 316.272 and 316.293, Florida 1019
Statutes, are repealed. 1020
Section 17. Subsections (2) through (5) of section 1021

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 42 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

316.3045, Florida Statutes, are renumbered as subsections (3) 1022
through (6), respectively, and a new subsection (2) is added to 1023
that section to read: 1024
316.3045 Operation of radios or other mechanical or 1025
electronic soundmaking devices or instruments in vehicles; 1026
exhaust systems; prevention of noise; exemptions.— 1027
(2) Every motor vehicle that is required by federal law or 1028
regulation to be equipped with an exhaust system shall at all 1029
times be equipped with and maintain an exhaust system in good 1030
working order including muffler, manifold pipe, and tailpiping 1031
to prevent excessive or unusual noise. It is a violation of this 1032
subsection to intentionally increase the revolutions per minute 1033
or unreasonably accelerate in a manner that would produce 1034
excessive or unusual noise. This subsection does not apply to a 1035
motorcycle or moped that does not exceed United States 1036
Environmental Protection Agency noise emissions standards in 40 1037
C.F.R. s. 205.152. 1038
Section 18. Paragraph (c) of subsection (3) of section 1039
316.650, Florida Statutes, is amended to read: 1040
316.650 Traffic citations.— 1041
(3) 1042
(c) If a traffic citation is issued under s. 316.0083 or 1043
s. 316.1896, the traffic infraction enforcement officer, or if 1044
the citation is issued under s. 316.173 the sworn law 1045
enforcement officer, must shall provide by electronic 1046

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 43 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

transmission a replica of the traffic citation data to the court 1047
having jurisdiction over the alleged offense or its traffic 1048
violations bureau within 5 business days after the date of 1049
issuance of the traffic citation to the violator. If a hearing 1050
is requested, the traffic infraction enforcement officer or 1051
sworn law enforcement officer, as applicable, must shall provide 1052
a replica of the traffic notice of violation data to the clerk 1053
to for the local hearing officer having jurisdiction over the 1054
alleged offense within 14 days. 1055
Section 19. Subsection (3) of section 318.15, Florida 1056
Statutes, is amended to read: 1057
318.15 Failure to comply with civil penalty or to appear; 1058
penalty.— 1059
(3) The clerk of the court or the clerk to the local 1060
hearing officer shall notify the department of persons who were 1061
mailed a notice of violation of s. 316.074(1) or s. 1062
316.075(1)(c)1. pursuant to s. 316.0083, s. 316.172(1)(a) or (b) 1063
pursuant to s. 316.173, or s. 316.183 or s. 316.1895(10) 1064
pursuant to s. 316.1896 and who failed to enter into, or comply 1065
with the terms of, a penalty payment plan, or order with the 1066
clerk to the local hearing officer or failed to appear at a 1067
scheduled hearing within 10 days after such failure, and shall 1068
reference the person's driver license number, or in the case of 1069
a business entity, vehicle registration number. 1070
(a) Upon receipt of such notice, the department, or 1071

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 44 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

authorized agent thereof, may not issue a license plate or 1072
revalidation sticker for any motor vehicle owned or co-owned by 1073
that person pursuant to s. 320.03(8) until the amounts assessed 1074
have been fully paid. 1075
(b) After the issuance of the person's license plate or 1076
revalidation sticker is withheld pursuant to paragraph (a), the 1077
person may challenge the withholding of the license plate or 1078
revalidation sticker only on the basis that the outstanding 1079
fines and civil penalties have been paid pursuant to s. 1080
320.03(8). 1081
Section 20. Paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of subsection (5) 1082
and subsection (23) of section 318.18, Florida Statutes, are 1083
amended to read: 1084
318.18 Amount of penalties.—The penalties required for a 1085
noncriminal disposition pursuant to s. 318.14 or a criminal 1086
offense listed in s. 318.17 are as follows: 1087
(5)(a)1. Except as provided in subparagraph 2., $200 for a 1088
violation of s. 316.172(1)(a), failure to stop for a school bus. 1089
If, at a hearing, the alleged offender is found to have 1090
committed this offense, the court shall impose a minimum civil 1091
penalty of $200. In addition to this penalty, for a second or 1092
subsequent offense within a period of 5 years, the department 1093
shall suspend the driver license of the person for not less than 1094
180 days and not more than 1 year. 1095

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 45 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

2. If a violation of s. 316.172(1)(a) is enforced by a 1096
school bus infraction detection system pursuant to s. 316.173, 1097
the penalty of $200 shall be imposed. If, at an administrative 1098
hearing contesting a notice of violation or uniform traffic 1099
citation, the alleged offender is found to have committed this 1100
offense, a minimum civil penalty of $200 shall be imposed. 1101
Notwithstanding any other provision of law except s. 28.37(6), 1102
the civil penalties assessed under this subparagraph resulting 1103
from a notice of violation or uniform traffic citation shall be 1104
remitted to the school district at least monthly and used 1105
pursuant to s. 316.173(8). 1106
(b)1. Except as provided in subparagraph 2., $400 for a 1107
violation of s. 316.172(1)(b), passing a school bus on the side 1108
that children enter and exit when the school bus displays a stop 1109
signal. If, at a hearing, the alleged offender is found to have 1110
committed this offense, the court shall impose a minimum civil 1111
penalty of $400. 1112
2. If a violation of s. 316.172(1)(b) is enforced by a 1113
school bus infraction detection system pursuant to s. 316.173, 1114
the penalty under this subparagraph is a minimum of $200. If, at 1115
a hearing contesting a notice of violation or uniform traffic 1116
citation, the alleged offender is found to have committed this 1117
offense, the court shall impose a minimum civil penalty of $200. 1118
Notwithstanding any other provision of law except s. 28.37(6), 1119
the civil penalties assessed under this subparagraph resulting 1120

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 46 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

from notice of violation or uniform traffic citation shall be 1121
remitted to the school district at least monthly and used 1122
pursuant to s. 316.173(8). 1123
3. In addition to this penalty, for a second or subsequent 1124
offense within a period of 5 years, the department shall suspend 1125
the driver license of the person for not less than 360 days and 1126
not more than 2 years. 1127
(c)1. In addition to the penalty under subparagraph (a)2. 1128
or subparagraph (b)2., if, at an administrative hearing 1129
contesting a notice of violation, the alleged offender is found 1130
to have committed this offense, costs shall be imposed, not to 1131
exceed those established in s. 316.0083(5)(e), to be paid by the 1132
petitioner and to be used by the county for the operational 1133
costs related to the hearing or the school district for 1134
technology and operational costs relating to the hearing as well 1135
as school transportation safety-related initiatives. 1136
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a county's local 1137
hearing officer administers the administrative hearing process 1138
for a contested notice of violation, the costs imposed under 1139
this subparagraph resulting from notice of violation shall be 1140
remitted to the county at least monthly. 1141
2. In addition to the penalty under paragraph (a) or 1142
paragraph (b), $65 for a violation of s. 316.172(1)(a) or (b). 1143
If the alleged offender is found to have committed the offense, 1144
the court shall impose the civil penalty under paragraph (a) or 1145

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 47 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

paragraph (b) plus an additional $65. The additional $65 1146
collected under this subparagraph shall be remitted to the 1147
Department of Revenue for deposit into the Emergency Medical 1148
Services Trust Fund of the Department of Health to be used as 1149
provided in s. 395.4036. If a violation of s. 316.172(1)(a) or 1150
(b) is enforced by a school bus infraction detection system 1151
pursuant to s. 316.173, an the additional civil penalty amount 1152
imposed on a notice of violation, on a uniform traffic citation, 1153
or by the court under this paragraph must be $25, in lieu of the 1154
additional $65, and, notwithstanding any other provision of law, 1155
the additional civil penalties and additional costs must be 1156
remitted to the participating school district at least monthly 1157
and used pursuant to s. 316.173(8). 1158
(23) In addition to the penalty prescribed under s. 1159
316.0083, s. 316.173, s. 316.183, 316.1895, or s. 316.1896 for 1160
violations enforced under those sections s. 316.0083 which are 1161
upheld by the local hearing officer, the local hearing officer 1162
may also order the payment of county, or municipal, or school 1163
district costs, not to exceed $250. 1164
Section 21. Section 319.1401, Florida Statutes, is created 1165
to read: 1166
319.1401 Titling and registering golf carts converted to 1167
low-speed vehicles.—A golf cart converted to a low-speed vehicle 1168
may be titled and registered for operation on certain roads. A 1169
motor vehicle dealer, a motor vehicle repair shop, or the 1170

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 48 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

department shall affirm in writing that the low-speed vehicle 1171
complies with the requirements of chapter 316, and the vehicle 1172
shall be assigned an identification number by the department. 1173
The identification number shall be unique to the low-speed 1174
vehicle and used for the issuance of a title and registration 1175
for the vehicle. 1176
Section 22. Subsection (12) of section 320.02, Florida 1177
Statutes, is amended to read: 1178
320.02 Registration required; application for 1179
registration; forms.— 1180
(12) The department is authorized to withhold registration 1181
or reregistration of any motor vehicle if the owner, or one of 1182
the co-owners of the vehicle:, 1183
(a) Has a driver license which is under suspension for the 1184
failure to remit payment of any fines levied in this state 1185
pursuant to chapter 318 or chapter 322; or 1186
(b) Received a traffic citation for a violation of s. 1187
316.074(1) or s. 316.075(1)(c)1. as enforced by s. 316.0083, s. 1188
316.172(1)(a) or (b) as enforced by s. 316.173, or s. 316.183 or 1189
s. 316.1895(10) as enforced by s. 316.1896 and did not request a 1190
hearing, submit an affidavit claiming an exception, or pay the 1191
traffic citation. 1192
Section 23. Subsection (5) is added to section 320.262, 1193
Florida Statutes, to read: 1194
320.262 License plate obscuring device prohibited; 1195

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 49 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

penalties.— 1196
(5) The use of a license plate frame or decorative border 1197
device is not an offense under this section, provided that the 1198
device does not obscure the visibility of the following: 1199
(a) The alphanumeric designation or license plate number. 1200
(b) The registration decal or validation sticker located 1201
in the upper right corner. 1202
Section 24. Section 322.032, Florida Statutes, is amended 1203
to read: 1204
322.032 Digital proof of driver license or identification 1205
card.— 1206
(1) As used in this section, the term: 1207
(a) "Credentialholder" means a person who is issued a 1208
digital driver license. 1209
(b)(a) "Digital proof of driver license" means an 1210
electronic credential viewable on an electronic credentialing 1211
system where the credential conveys identity and driving 1212
privilege information and is in compliance with the ISO/IEC 1213
18013-5 and 18013-7 standard. 1214
(b) "Digital proof of identification card" means an 1215
electronic credential viewable on an electronic credentialing 1216
system. 1217
(c) "Electronic credentialing system" means a digital 1218
process that includes a method for provisioning electronic 1219
credentials of a driver license, requesting and transmitting 1220

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 50 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

identity data contained on electronic credentials, and 1221
performing tasks to maintain the system computer system accessed 1222
using a computer, a cellular telephone, or any other personal 1223
device which queries the department's driver license and 1224
identification card records, displays or transmits digital 1225
proofs of driver licenses and identification cards, and verifies 1226
the authenticity of those electronic credentials. 1227
(d) "Verifying" means the process of obtaining and 1228
authenticating data from an electronic credential via secure 1229
encrypted communication. 1230
(d) "Limited profile" means an electronic credential 1231
containing some, but not all, of the information displayed on a 1232
printed driver license or identification card. 1233
(e) "Scanning" means obtaining data from a digital proof 1234
of driver license or identification card in an electronic 1235
format. 1236
(2)(a) The department must: 1237
1. shall Establish a secure and uniform system for issuing 1238
an optional digital proof of driver license or identification 1239
card. 1240
2. Ensure that data is not reused, repurposed, shared, or 1241
transmitted beyond the initial purpose without the explicit 1242
consent of the credentialholder. 1243
3. Securely delete data or render data irreversibly 1244
anonymized immediately upon fulfillment of the stated purpose 1245

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 51 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

unless a longer retention period is required by law and narrowly 1246
tailored to that legal necessity. 1247
(b) The department may not: 1248
1. Track where a credential user uses a digital driver 1249
license. 1250
2. Share, store, or sell information related to a digital 1251
driver license, unless required by law. 1252
3. Retain any data related to a digital driver license, 1253
unless required by law. 1254
(c) The department may: 1255
1. Contract with one or more private entities to develop 1256
an electronic credentialing system. 1257
2. Use a telephone number submitted by a licensee in 1258
connection with a digital driver license only for purposes of 1259
communication regarding the digital driver license or the motor 1260
vehicle records, as defined in s. 119.0712(2)(a), of the 1261
licensee. 1262
3. Enter into contracts with one or more private entities 1263
which authorize data verification through an electronic 1264
credentialing system that queries the department's driver 1265
license records, displays or transmits digital driver licenses, 1266
or verifies the authenticity of such electronic credentials. 1267
4. Adopt rules to securely manage digital driver licenses 1268
(b) The electronic credentialing system may not retain 1269
Internet protocol addresses, geolocation data, or other 1270

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 52 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

information that describes the location, computer, computer 1271
system, or computer network from which a customer accesses the 1272
system. 1273
(3)(a) Digital driver licenses must: 1274
1. Require the explicit consent of the credentialholder 1275
before adding a digital driver license or sharing electronic 1276
credential attributes. 1277
2. Be controlled by the credentialholder, who may choose 1278
to disclose only the minimum information necessary for a 1279
transaction. 1280
3. Be issued as tamper-evident, cryptographically 1281
verifiable statements capable of being selectively disclosed. 1282
4. Contain clear metadata specifying cryptographic 1283
material necessary for independent verification. 1284
5. Provide a credentialholder with the ability to audit 1285
verification requests. 1286
6. Preserve the anonymity and prevent linkability of 1287
transactions. 1288
7. Adhere to data minimization principles, including 1289
disclosing only the minimum electronic credential attributes 1290
strictly necessary to fulfill the stated purpose of verification 1291
that is explicitly communicated to the credentialholder. 1292
8. Implement measures to ensure that the electronic 1293
credentials are updated as changes occur to the 1294
credentialholder's record. 1295

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 53 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

(b) The digital driver license system may not: 1296
1. Retain Internet protocol addresses, geolocation data, 1297
or other information that describes the location, computer, 1298
computer system, or computer network from which a customer 1299
accesses the system. 1300
2. Require communication with the department, other than 1301
updates to the credentialholder's record. 1302
(4) Digital driver license verifiers must: 1303
(a) Perform cryptographic validation of digital driver 1304
license authenticity, integrity, and issuer attribution without 1305
requiring online access to external systems, the department's 1306
systems, or any state system. 1307
(b) Retain only temporary user-authorized verification 1308
data that is strictly necessary for the transaction. 1309
(c) Communicate to the credentialholder the data that was 1310
temporarily retained. 1311
(d) Create written strict data minimization principles 1312
that must be provided to a credentialholder upon request. 1313
(3)(a) The digital proof of driver license or 1314
identification card established by the department or by an 1315
entity contracted by the department must be in such a format as 1316
to allow verification of the authenticity of the digital proof 1317
of driver license or identification card. The department may 1318
adopt rules to ensure valid authentication of digital driver 1319
licenses and identification cards. 1320

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 54 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

(b)1. Notwithstanding ss. 322.14-322.142, and any other 1321
law prescribing the design for, or information required to be 1322
displayed on, a driver license, a digital proof of driver 1323
license may comprise a limited profile that includes only 1324
information necessary to conduct a specific transaction on the 1325
electronic credentialing system. 1326
2. Notwithstanding ss. 322.051 and 322.141, and any other 1327
law prescribing the design for, or information required to be 1328
displayed on, an identification card, a digital proof of 1329
identification card may comprise a limited profile that includes 1330
only information necessary to conduct a specific transaction on 1331
the electronic credentialing system. 1332
(5)(4) A person may not be issued a digital proof of 1333
driver license or identification card until he or she satisfies 1334
all requirements of this chapter for issuance of the respective 1335
driver license or identification card and has been issued a 1336
printed driver license or identification card. The electronic 1337
credentialing system must, upon each presentation of a digital 1338
driver license or identification card, display or transmit 1339
current records for the driver license or identification card. 1340
If a licensee's driving privilege is suspended, revoked, or 1341
disqualified, or if his or her driver license is otherwise 1342
canceled or expired, a digital proof of driver license may not 1343
be issued; however, a digital proof of identification card may 1344

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 55 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

be issued if the licensee is otherwise eligible for an 1345
identification card under s. 322.051. 1346
(5) The department may use a telephone number submitted by 1347
a licensee or cardholder in connection with a digital driver 1348
license or identification card only for purposes of 1349
communication regarding the digital proof of driver license or 1350
identification card or the motor vehicle records, as defined in 1351
s. 119.0712(2)(a), of the licensee or cardholder. 1352
(6) The department may enter into contracts with one or 1353
more private entities which authorize online data calls or 1354
offline data verification through the electronic credentialing 1355
system that queries the department's driver license and 1356
identification card records, displays or transmits digital 1357
proofs of driver licenses or identification cards, or verifies 1358
the authenticity of such electronic credentials. 1359
(6)(7)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a private 1360
entity that verifies scans a digital proof of driver license or 1361
identification card may not store, sell, or share personal 1362
information collected from such verifying scanning of the 1363
digital proof of driver license or identification card. 1364
(b) An individual may consent to allow a private entity to 1365
collect and store personal information obtained by verifying 1366
scanning his or her digital proof of driver license or 1367
identification card. However, the individual must be informed 1368
what information is collected and the purpose or purposes for 1369

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 56 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

which the information will be used. If a credentialholder the 1370
individual does not want the private entity to verify scan his 1371
or her digital proof of the individual's driver license or 1372
identification card, the private entity may manually collect 1373
personal information from the individual. 1374
(c) A private entity that violates this subsection is 1375
subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 per occurrence. 1376
(d) This subsection does not apply to a financial 1377
institution as defined in s. 655.005(1)(i). 1378
(7)(8) A person who: 1379
(a) Manufactures a false digital proof of driver license 1380
or identification card commits a felony of the third degree, 1381
punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. 1382
(b) Possesses a false digital proof of driver license or 1383
identification card commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, 1384
punishable as provided in s. 775.082. 1385
Section 25. Paragraphs (c) through (n) of subsection (4) 1386
of section 322.142, Florida Statutes, are redesignated as 1387
paragraphs (d) through (o), respectively, a new paragraph (c) is 1388
added to that subsection, and subsections (5), (6), and (7) are 1389
added to that section, to read: 1390
322.142 Color photographic or digital imaged licenses.— 1391
(4) The department may maintain a film negative or print 1392
file. The department shall maintain a record of the digital 1393
image and signature of the licensees, together with other data 1394

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 57 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

required by the department for identification and retrieval. 1395
Reproductions from the file or digital record are exempt from 1396
the provisions of s. 119.07(1) and may be made and issued only: 1397
(c) For identity verification by a state agency pursuant 1398
to an interagency agreement, subject to the licensee's consent. 1399
(5) An identify verification service provider may use 1400
department data for the department's or another agency's 1401
internal identity verification purposes in a manner consistent 1402
with this section only if such data remains in the possession of 1403
the department. 1404
(6) An identity verification service provider may not 1405
sell, share, or retain any information outside of the purposes 1406
of this section. 1407
(7) The department may not allow the use of digital imaged 1408
licenses for a private entity's business purposes. 1409
Section 26. Paragraph (d) is added to subsection (11) of 1410
section 337.11, Florida Statutes, to read: 1411
337.11 Contracting authority of department; bids; 1412
emergency repairs, supplemental agreements, and change orders; 1413
combined design and construction contracts; progress payments; 1414
records; requirements of vehicle registration.— 1415
(11) 1416
(d)1. Without creating any enforceable third-party 1417
beneficiary rights, the department may make direct payments to 1418
first-tier subcontractors. The department shall adopt by rule 1419

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 58 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

procedures to implement this subsection. Such procedures shall 1420
establish the conditions under which such payments may be made 1421
and shall consider, at a minimum, whether: 1422
a. The contractor has not requested payment from the 1423
department for at least 6 months. 1424
b. There is a binding, written subcontract between the 1425
contractor and the subcontractor, and the department is in 1426
possession of a complete copy of the subcontract. 1427
c. The subcontractor has performed work that is unpaid by 1428
the contractor, and the department has sufficient documentation 1429
of such unpaid work. 1430
d. There is no legitimate dispute between the contractor 1431
and the subcontractor. 1432
e. The department has provided written notice to the 1433
payment and performance bond surety at least 30 days before 1434
releasing any payment under this paragraph, and the surety has 1435
not objected in writing within that 30-day period based on a 1436
documented dispute or claim regarding the work or payment. 1437
2. Any amounts paid by the department under this paragraph 1438
shall be deducted from amounts otherwise due the contractor. 1439
Section 27. Subsection (6) of section 337.18, Florida 1440
Statutes, is renumbered as subsection (7), and a new subsection 1441
(6) is added to that section to read: 1442
337.18 Surety bonds for construction or maintenance 1443
contracts; requirement with respect to contract award; bond 1444

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 59 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

requirements; defaults; damage assessments.— 1445
(6) If the department and the surety enter into a takeover 1446
agreement, the agreement shall set forth procedures regarding 1447
the surety's certification of disbursement of payment to 1448
subcontractors. 1449
Section 28. Paragraph (j) is added to subsection (6) of 1450
section 339.175, Florida Statutes, to read: 1451
339.175 Metropolitan planning organization.— 1452
(6) POWERS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES.—The powers, 1453
privileges, and authority of an M.P.O. are those specified in 1454
this section or incorporated in an interlocal agreement 1455
authorized under s. 163.01. Each M.P.O. shall perform all acts 1456
required by federal or state laws or rules, now and subsequently 1457
applicable, which are necessary to qualify for federal aid. It 1458
is the intent of this section that each M.P.O. be involved in 1459
the planning and programming of transportation facilities, 1460
including, but not limited to, airports, intercity and high-1461
speed rail lines, seaports, and intermodal facilities, to the 1462
extent permitted by state or federal law. An M.P.O. may not 1463
perform project production or delivery for capital improvement 1464
projects on the State Highway System. 1465
(j) By December 31, 2026, the M.P.O.'s serving Charlotte, 1466
Collier, and Lee Counties must submit to the Governor, the 1467
President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of 1468
Representatives a feasibility report exploring the benefits, 1469

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 60 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

costs, and process of consolidation into a single M.P.O. serving 1470
the contiguous urbanized area, the goal of which is to: 1471
1. Coordinate transportation projects deemed to be 1472
regionally significant. 1473
2. Review the impact of regionally significant land use 1474
decisions on the region. 1475
3. Review all proposed regionally significant 1476
transportation projects in the transportation improvement 1477
programs. 1478
Section 29. Subsection (23) is added to section 775.15, 1479
Florida Statutes, to read: 1480
775.15 Time limitations; general time limitations; 1481
exceptions.— 1482
(23) For a traffic citation enforced pursuant to s. 1483
316.0083, s. 316.173, s. 316.183, or s. 316.1896, the 1-year 1484
period of limitation for a noncriminal violation pursuant to 1485
paragraph (2)(d) is extended for 1 year upon receipt of an 1486
affidavit indicating that the motor vehicle was in the care, 1487
custody, or control of another person at the time of the 1488
violation, as authorized in s. 316.0083, s. 316.173, s. 316.183, 1489
or s. 316.1896, respectively. 1490
Section 30. Subsection (1) of section 316.1995, Florida 1491
Statutes, is amended to read: 1492
316.1995 Driving upon sidewalk or bicycle path.— 1493

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 61 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

(1) Except as provided in s. 316.008, s. 316.20655, s. s. 1494
316.212(9) 316.212(8), or s. 316.2128, a person may not drive 1495
any vehicle other than by human power upon a bicycle path, 1496
sidewalk, or sidewalk area, except upon a permanent or duly 1497
authorized temporary driveway. 1498
Section 31. Subsection (1) of section 316.2125, Florida 1499
Statutes, is amended to read: 1500
316.2125 Operation of golf carts within a retirement 1501
community.— 1502
(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 316.212, the 1503
reasonable operation of a golf cart, equipped and operated as 1504
provided in s. 316.212(6), (7), and (8) s. 316.212 (5), (6), and 1505
(7), within any self-contained retirement community is 1506
authorized permitted unless prohibited under subsection (2). 1507
Section 32. Paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (1) and 1508
paragraph (c) of subsection (3) of section 316.2126, Florida 1509
Statutes, are amended to read: 1510
316.2126 Authorized use of golf carts, low-speed vehicles, 1511
and utility vehicles.— 1512
(1) In addition to the powers granted by ss. 316.212 and 1513
316.2125, municipalities are authorized to use golf carts and 1514
utility vehicles, as defined in s. 320.01, upon any state, 1515
county, or municipal roads located within the corporate limits 1516
of such municipalities, subject to the following conditions: 1517

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 62 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

(a) Golf carts and utility vehicles must comply with the 1518
operational and safety requirements in ss. 316.212 and 316.2125, 1519
and with any more restrictive ordinances enacted by the local 1520
governmental entity pursuant to s. 316.212(9) s. 316.212(8), and 1521
shall be operated only by municipal employees for municipal 1522
purposes, including, but not limited to, police patrol, traffic 1523
enforcement, and inspection of public facilities. 1524
(b) In addition to the safety equipment required in s. 1525
316.212(7) s. 316.212(6) and any more restrictive safety 1526
equipment required by the local governmental entity pursuant to 1527
s. 316.212(9) s. 316.212(8), such golf carts and utility 1528
vehicles must be equipped with sufficient lighting and turn 1529
signal equipment. 1530
(3) 1531
(c) All vehicles specified in this subsection must be: 1532
1. Marked in a conspicuous manner with the name of the 1533
delivery service. 1534
2. Equipped with, at a minimum, the equipment required 1535
under s. 316.212(7) s. 316.212(6). 1536
3. Equipped with head lamps and tail lamps, in addition to 1537
the safety requirements in s. 316.212(7) s. 316.212(6), if 1538
operated after sunset. 1539
Section 33. Subsection (5) of section 316.2128, Florida 1540
Statutes, is amended to read: 1541

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 63 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

316.2128 Micromobility devices, motorized scooters, and 1542
miniature motorcycles; requirements.— 1543
(5) A person who engages in the business of, serves in the 1544
capacity of, or acts as a commercial seller of miniature 1545
motorcycles in this state must prominently display at his or her 1546
place of business a notice that such vehicles are not legal to 1547
operate on public roads, may not be registered as motor 1548
vehicles, and may not be operated on sidewalks unless authorized 1549
by an ordinance enacted pursuant to s. 316.008(7)(a) or s. 1550
316.212(9) s. 316.212(8). The required notice must also appear 1551
in all forms of advertising offering miniature motorcycles for 1552
sale. The notice and a copy of this section must also be 1553
provided to a consumer before prior to the consumer's purchasing 1554
or becoming obligated to purchase a miniature motorcycle. 1555
Section 34. Subsection (6) of section 316.455, Florida 1556
Statutes, is amended to read: 1557
316.455 Other equipment.—Every motorcycle and every motor-1558
driven cycle when operated upon a highway shall comply with the 1559
requirements and limitations of: 1560
(6) Section 316.272 on the requirement for mufflers and 1561
prevention of noise. 1562
1563
A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, 1564
punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318. 1565
Section 35. Section 322.059, Florida Statutes, is amended 1566

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 64 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

to read: 1567
322.059 Mandatory surrender of suspended driver license 1568
and registration.—A person whose driver license or registration 1569
has been suspended as provided in s. 322.058 must immediately 1570
return his or her driver license and registration to the 1571
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The department 1572
shall invalidate the digital proof of driver license issued 1573
pursuant to s. 322.032 for such person. If such person fails to 1574
return his or her driver license or registration, a law 1575
enforcement agent may seize the license or registration while 1576
the driver license or registration is suspended. 1577
Section 36. Subsection (1) of section 322.15, Florida 1578
Statutes, is amended to read: 1579
322.15 License to be carried and exhibited on demand; 1580
fingerprint to be imprinted upon a citation.— 1581
(1) Every licensee shall have his or her driver license, 1582
which must be fully legible with no portion of such license 1583
faded, altered, mutilated, or defaced, in his or her immediate 1584
possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle and shall 1585
present or submit the same upon the demand of a law enforcement 1586
officer or an authorized representative of the department. A 1587
licensee may present or submit a digital proof of driver license 1588
as provided in s. 322.032 in lieu of his or her printed driver 1589
license; however, if the law enforcement officer or authorized 1590
representative of the department is unable to immediately verify 1591

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 65 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

the digital proof of driver license, upon the demand of the law 1592
enforcement officer or authorized representative of the 1593
department, the licensee must present or submit his or her 1594
printed driver license. 1595
Section 37. Subsection (11) of section 403.061, Florida 1596
Statutes, is amended to read: 1597
403.061 Department; powers and duties.—The department 1598
shall have the power and the duty to control and prohibit 1599
pollution of air and water in accordance with the law and rules 1600
adopted and promulgated by it and, for this purpose, to: 1601
(11) Establish ambient air quality and water quality 1602
standards for the state as a whole or for any part thereof, and 1603
also standards for the abatement of excessive and unnecessary 1604
noise. The department is authorized to establish reasonable 1605
zones of mixing for discharges into waters. For existing 1606
installations as defined by rule 62-520.200(10), Florida 1607
Administrative Code, effective July 12, 2009, zones of discharge 1608
to groundwater are authorized horizontally to a facility's or 1609
owner's property boundary and extending vertically to the base 1610
of a specifically designated aquifer or aquifers. Such zones of 1611
discharge may be modified in accordance with procedures 1612
specified in department rules. Exceedance of primary and 1613
secondary groundwater standards that occur within a zone of 1614
discharge does not create liability pursuant to this chapter or 1615
chapter 376 for site cleanup, and the exceedance of soil cleanup 1616

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 66 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

target levels is not a basis for enforcement or site cleanup. 1617
(a) When a receiving body of water fails to meet a water 1618
quality standard for pollutants set forth in department rules, a 1619
steam electric generating plant discharge of pollutants that is 1620
existing or licensed under this chapter on July 1, 1984, may 1621
nevertheless be granted a mixing zone, provided that: 1622
1. The standard would not be met in the water body in the 1623
absence of the discharge; 1624
2. The discharge is in compliance with all applicable 1625
technology-based effluent limitations; 1626
3. The discharge does not cause a measurable increase in 1627
the degree of noncompliance with the standard at the boundary of 1628
the mixing zone; and 1629
4. The discharge otherwise complies with the mixing zone 1630
provisions specified in department rules. 1631
(b) Mixing zones for point source discharges are not 1632
permitted in Outstanding Florida Waters except for: 1633
1. Sources that have received permits from the department 1634
prior to April 1, 1982, or the date of designation, whichever is 1635
later; 1636
2. Blowdown from new power plants certified pursuant to 1637
the Florida Electrical Power Plant Siting Act; 1638
3. Discharges of water necessary for water management 1639
purposes which have been approved by the governing board of a 1640
water management district and, if required by law, by the 1641

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 67 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

secretary; and 1642
4. The discharge of demineralization concentrate which has 1643
been determined permittable under s. 403.0882 and which meets 1644
the specific provisions of s. 403.0882(4)(a) and (b), if the 1645
proposed discharge is clearly in the public interest. 1646
(c) The department, by rule, shall establish water quality 1647
criteria for wetlands which criteria give appropriate 1648
recognition to the water quality of such wetlands in their 1649
natural state. 1650
1651
This act may not be construed to invalidate any existing 1652
department rule relating to mixing zones. The department shall 1653
cooperate with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor 1654
Vehicles in the development of regulations required by s. 1655
316.272(1). 1656
1657
The department shall implement such programs in conjunction with 1658
its other powers and duties and shall place special emphasis on 1659
reducing and eliminating contamination that presents a threat to 1660
humans, animals or plants, or to the environment. 1661
Section 38. Subsection (9) of section 403.415, Florida 1662
Statutes, is amended to read: 1663
403.415 Motor vehicle noise.— 1664
(9) OPERATING VEHICLE NOISE MEASUREMENTS.—The department 1665
shall establish, with the cooperation of the Department of 1666

CS/CS/CS/HB 543, Engrossed 1 2026

CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
hb543 -04-e1
Page 68 of 68
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S

Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, measurement procedures for 1667
determining compliance of operating vehicles with the noise 1668
limits of s. 316.293(2). The department shall advise the 1669
Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles on technical 1670
aspects of motor vehicle noise enforcement regulations, assist 1671
in the training of enforcement officers, and administer a sound-1672
level meter loan program for local enforcement agencies. 1673
Section 39. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment 1674
made by this act to section 318.18, Florida Statutes, in a 1675
reference thereto, section 318.121, Florida Statutes, is 1676
reenacted to read: 1677
318.121 Preemption of additional fees, fines, surcharges, 1678
and costs.—Notwithstanding any general or special law, or 1679
municipal or county ordinance, additional fees, fines, 1680
surcharges, or costs other than the court costs and surcharges 1681
assessed under s. 318.18(12), (14), (19), (20), and (23) may not 1682
be added to the civil traffic penalties assessed under this 1683
chapter. 1684
Section 40. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this 1685
act and except for this section, which shall take effect upon 1686
this act becoming a law, this act shall take effect July 1, 1687
2026. 1688