Florida Truck Driver Phone Law
You're under the federal hand-held ban (49 CFR 392.82) everywhere in Florida. The state itself only bans texting for the public (Fla. Stat. §316.305, primary enforcement since July 2019) and adds a handheld ban in school and active work zones (§316.306). Adults can otherwise hold and talk. You can't. State texting fine is $30 first, then $60 and 3 points for a repeat; a zone violation is $60 and 3 points.
The federal ban applies here first
Federal law rides with your CDL in every state. FMCSA 49 CFR 392.82 bans all hand-held phone use while driving a CMV: no holding it to talk, no dialing more than a single button, no reaching for the phone out of your belted seat. A separate rule (49 CFR 392.80) bans texting and manual data entry. Only hands-free counts as compliant (mounted or in close reach, one-touch or voice, no reaching), and the only exception is calling 911. "Driving" includes sitting at a red light or stuck in traffic; you are clear only once fully off the road and stopped. Penalties run up to $2,750 for the driver and $11,000 for the carrier. It is a CSA serious violation: two convictions in any 3-year period disqualify your CDL for 60 days, three or more for 120 days (49 CFR 383.51).
Florida’s rule for all drivers
You're under the federal hand-held ban (49 CFR 392.82) everywhere in Florida. The state itself only bans texting for the public (Fla. Stat. §316.305, primary enforcement since July 2019) and adds a handheld ban in school and active work zones (§316.306). Adults can otherwise hold and talk. You can't. State texting fine is $30 first, then $60 and 3 points for a repeat; a zone violation is $60 and 3 points.
- Hand-held: Texting ban only
- Texting: Texting banned for all drivers, primary enforcement since July 1, 2019 (Fla. Stat. §316.305). Handheld use also banned in school zones and active work zones (§316.306). No general statewide hands-free ban.
- Fine: Texting: $30 first offense (nonmoving violation, no points), $60 second within 5 years (moving violation, 3 points). Handheld use in a school zone or active work zone: $60 plus 3 points.
- Points: State: no points for a first texting offense; 3 points for a repeat or for a school/work-zone handheld violation. Federal CMV bite: holding your phone anywhere in the state is a CSA serious violation, and two in 3 years pull your CDL for 60 days.
Florida Truck Phone Law FAQ
Can truck drivers use a phone in Florida?
What is the phone fine in Florida?
Is texting while driving illegal in Florida?
Reference information for planning, not legal advice. Traffic laws change and this can be out of date, so always confirm the current statute and obey posted signs before you rely on it. Last reviewed July 2026. Source: https://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399%2F0316%2FSections%2F0316.306.html. See our Terms & Disclaimer.
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