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FLORIDA - A Florida attorney warns that the new Super Speeder law may have legal issues due to unclear language and overlapping statutes, potentially complicating enforcement.
Florida’s recently implemented “Super Speeder” law targets drivers exceeding 100 mph or traveling 50 mph over the posted speed limit, making extreme speeding a criminal offense with fines and potential jail time.
Legal experts are raising concerns about its structure and enforceability.
Chris Castillo, a former Hillsborough County prosecutor and current defense attorney, said he supports the law’s intent to deter reckless driving.
However, he highlighted potential issues in how the statute is written.
Castillo explained that the law may duplicate existing speeding statutes and does not clearly define the specific type of crime, which could create challenges in court.
“The statute itself isn’t well written because it doesn’t exactly state what type of a crime it is,” Castillo told WFLA.
He suggested that legislative adjustments may be necessary to prevent cases from being dismissed or overturned due to technicalities.
Under the law, first-time violations can result in up to 30 days in jail or a $500 fine.
Repeat offenses within five years carry increased penalties, including up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, and a mandatory driver’s license suspension.
The law classifies these violations as second-degree misdemeanors, requiring offenders to appear in court.
Florida Highway Patrol officials have reported arrests under the new law, emphasizing that drivers can face criminal consequences for extreme speeding, including vehicle towing and a permanent record.
Despite enforcement, Castillo and other legal experts warn that ambiguities in the statute could complicate prosecutions and court proceedings.
Drivers are advised to understand both the legal and practical implications of the law, as exceeding speed limits by extreme margins is no longer a simple traffic infraction but a criminal matter.