Back to School Safety in Central Florida: Understanding Florida’s Hands-Free and School Zone Driving Laws
The first day of school in Central Florida brings increased traffic, excited children crossing streets, and an active law enforcement presence. For drivers in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Deltona, Orange City, Sanford, Orlando, and surrounding communities, this is the time to review Florida’s school zone and hands-free driving laws. Violations can lead to steep fines, points on your license, and civil liability if an accident occurs. With local police and sheriff’s offices stepping up enforcement, understanding these rules is critical for safety and compliance.
Why Back to School Season Raises Legal Risks for Florida Drivers
When school resumes, traffic patterns shift overnight. Mornings and afternoons bring an influx of school buses, crossing guards, and parents navigating pick-up and drop-off lanes. The Daytona Beach Police Department, Ormond Beach Police Department, and Volusia County Sheriff’s Office have announced targeted school zone patrols during the first weeks of the school year. In Seminole County, deputies conduct crosswalk operations citing drivers for failing to yield. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office warns handheld phone violations in school zones are among their top enforcement priorities each August.
Florida’s Distracted Driving and Hands-Free Laws Explained
- Statewide Texting Ban –
§ 316.305, Florida Statutes
Since July 1, 2019, texting while driving is a primary offense in Florida, meaning officers can stop you solely for this violation. A first offense carries a $30 fine; a second offense within five years carries a $60 fine and three points on your driver’s license. - Handheld Ban in School Zones –
§ 316.306, Florida Statutes
Effective October 1, 2019, drivers may not use handheld wireless devices in school crossings, school zones, and active work zones. Citations began January 1, 2020. Penalties include a $60 fine and three points on your license. - Proposed Statewide Hands-Free Expansion
Senate Bill 1318 would have extended the handheld ban to all Florida roadways, making the state fully hands-free. While it passed in the Senate, the companion House Bill 501 died in committee.
For more details, see the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Distracted Driving Resource Page.
School Zone Speed Limits and Safety Requirements
Under § 316.1895, Florida Statutes, school zone speed limits in urban areas like Daytona Beach, Deltona, and Sanford must be between 15 and 20 miles per hour. These limits typically apply 30 minutes before, during, and after school sessions. Violations carry higher fines than standard speeding tickets. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office frequently posts about school zone enforcement on its official news page.
School Bus Stop-Arm Laws in Florida
Per § 316.172, Florida Statutes, all motorists must stop when a school bus displays a stop signal, unless separated by a raised barrier or unpaved median of at least five feet. Passing a bus on the stop-arm side carries a $465 minimum fine and four points on your license, with enhanced penalties for repeat violations or injury cases. Volusia County Schools have partnered with law enforcement to install bus-mounted cameras to catch violators.
Liability for Accidents in School Zones or With Student Pedestrians
Florida recognizes negligence per se in some traffic violation cases, where a violation of a safety statute is considered evidence of negligence. See, for example, deJesus v. Seaboard Coast Line Railroad Co., 281 So. 2d 198 (Fla. 1973) (holding that violation of a traffic regulation intended to protect a particular class of persons may constitute negligence per se).
If a driver in Ormond Beach hits a bicyclist in a school crosswalk while holding a phone, this violation could be used as evidence in both criminal proceedings and civil personal injury claims.
Tips for Staying Compliant and Avoiding Penalties This School Year
- Use a true hands-free device or put your phone away before entering a school zone.
- Slow down well before the start of the school zone to avoid abrupt braking.
- Watch for crossing guards and follow their instructions immediately.
- Never pass a stopped school bus unless legally permitted.
- Plan alternate routes if possible to avoid multiple school zones during commute times.
Local Enforcement Alerts
- Daytona Beach Police Department – Patrols near Seabreeze High, Mainland High, and elementary schools.
- Volusia County Sheriff’s Office – Focus on stop-arm violations and handheld device use during August and September.
- Seminole County Sheriff’s Office – Annual pedestrian safety stings in school crosswalks.
My Affordable Attorney Can Help if You Face a School Zone Violation or Accident Claim
If you receive a school zone violation or are involved in an accident in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Deltona, Orange City, Sanford, or Orlando, contact My Affordable Attorney. We charge a flat 25% contingency fee, unlike other firms that charge 33% before filing and 40% if litigation is necessary. You pay nothing unless we win.