Unless Posted Otherwise, What is the Speed Limit in Any Business or Residential District?

In Florida, unless posted otherwise, the speed limit in any business or residential district is 30 miles per hour.

Default Speed Limits in Florida

If a speed limit sign isn’t present, the following are the default speed limits in Florida (Florida Statute § 316.183).

Business or Residential Districts: 30 mph.

A “business district” is an area where businesses make up a significant share of the road. A “residential district” is an area primarily occupied by homes.

All Other Roads and Streets: 55 mph.

Limited Access Highways: 70 mph. On interstates with a 70 mph limit, the minimum speed is 40 mph

School Zones (Florida Statute § 316.1895): Typically 20 mph during school hours (school hours are the times listed on the school zone sign or indicated by flashing lights on the sign). Fines for speeding in a school zone are doubled.

Penalties for Speeding

Most speeding violations are noncriminal traffic infractions.

Speeding Ticket Fines (Florida Statute § 318.18):

• Fines increase with how far over the limit you were driving, with the steepest fines reserved for driving 50 mph or more over the limit.
• Driving 50 mph or more over the limit requires a mandatory court hearing.

License Points (Florida Statute § 322.27):

• Less than 15 mph over the limit: 3 points
• 15 mph or more over the limit: 4 points
• Speeding that results in a crash: 6 points
• Too many points in a set period can lead to license suspension

Reckless Driving (Florida Statute § 316.192):

• Driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property can be charged as reckless driving, a criminal offense
• First offense: up to 90 days in jail and a fine of $25 to $500
• Penalties increase significantly if the reckless driving causes property damage or injury

Other Possible Consequences

Increased Insurance Premiums:

• Speeding tickets and license points can raise your insurance premiums

Civil Liability:

• If speeding causes a crash, the at-fault driver may be held liable for injuries and property damage
• Violating the speed limit can be used as evidence of negligence in a personal injury lawsuit

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a speeding driver, call (813) 471-4444 for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer to discuss your rights and your legal options.