Teen Driving Laws in Florida: What Every Teen Driver & Parent Should Know

July 2, 2025 | Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers | Car Accident

Getting a driver’s license is a big step for teens in Florida, but it comes with serious responsibilities.

The state has put rules in place to help young drivers stay safe on the road, which limit when, how, and with whom a teen can drive. Parents and teens alike should understand these rules, as breaking them can result in fines, penalties, or even license suspension.

Florida uses a system called the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, which is designed to give teens time to gain experience behind the wheel while slowly easing them into full driving privileges. Here’s what that looks like and why it matters.

Florida’s Learner’s Permit Restrictions

Teens can apply for a learner’s permit, also known as a learner’s license, when they turn 15. However, several requirements must be met first. They include completing a traffic law and substance abuse course, passing a written exam, and having a parent sign off on the application.

Once the learner’s permit is issued, the teen driver must follow these rules:

For the first three months, they may only drive during daylight hours. After that, they can drive until 10 p.m.
A licensed driver who is at least 21 years old must be in the vehicle with the teen at all times.
The teen must hold the permit for at least 12 months or until they turn 18 (whichever comes first) before applying for an intermediate license.

Any moving violation during this period can delay their eligibility for the next phase. That’s why it’s important to follow the rules and avoid any tickets or accidents during this time.

Intermediate License Rules for Teen Drivers

At 16, a teen can apply for an intermediate license, assuming they’ve held a learner’s permit for at least 12 months without any major traffic violations. Once they get this license, they’re still subject to certain restrictions.

Here’s what the law says:

At age 16, teens may only drive between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., unless accompanied by an adult or traveling to and from work.
At age 17, driving is allowed between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m., with the same exceptions.

No one under 18 can drive without a valid license or meeting each licensing stage’s requirements.

These time restrictions are taken seriously. A teen caught driving outside the allowed hours may face fines, license suspension, or even have to restart the GDL process.

Cell Phone Use and Passenger Limits

Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes among teen drivers. That’s why Florida has laws to reduce distractions, including restrictions on mobile phone use. While all drivers are banned from texting while driving, teen drivers may face added consequences if caught using their phones behind the wheel.

Florida also advises limiting the number of passengers in a teen driver’s car. Though it’s not a legal requirement, studies show that young drivers are more likely to crash when carrying teen passengers. Parents should consider setting firm rules about who can ride with their teen and when.

Stay Safe on the Road With Your Teen in Florida

The goal of these laws is simple: to prevent crashes and save lives. Teen drivers are more likely to be involved in car accidents due to inexperience and riskier behavior. Florida’s licensing system gives them time to gradually build skills in a more controlled environment.

Contact a St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyer from Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

If you’re a parent of a teen driver, talk regularly about driving safety. Reinforcing the rules, modeling good behavior, and helping your teen understand the risks are all important steps you can take. Contact our St. Petersburg car accident lawyers at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for help after a crash. We have five convenient locations in Florida, including Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, and Lakeland.

We proudly serve Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Polk County, and its surrounding areas:

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
601 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 223-6200

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
600 Bypass Dr Suite 224-D, Clearwater, FL 33764
(727) 493-4418

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg Office
111 2nd Ave NE Suite 350, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 314-5988

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
5006 Trouble Creek Rd Unit #200, Port Richey, FL 34652
(727) 910-5060

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Lakeland Office
1543 Lakeland Hills Blvd Suite 18, Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 251-6196