Thomas C. Grajek | November 19, 2025 | Florida Law
Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations in Florida, and many drivers in Lakeland wonder how far over the speed limit they can go without getting pulled over. Some believe police officers won’t stop drivers for going a few miles over the speed limit, but relying on that assumption can lead to costly tickets and even license points.
Understanding how Florida’s speeding laws work can help you avoid penalties, stay safe, and protect yourself legally if you’re ever cited or involved in a crash.
Florida’s Basic Speeding Law
Florida law requires all drivers to operate vehicles at a safe and reasonable speed for the current road, traffic, and weather conditions. According to the state, you must not drive faster than is reasonable and prudent under the circumstances, even if that means going slower than the posted speed limit.
The posted speed limit represents the maximum lawful speed under normal conditions. While some drivers believe going “just five over” is acceptable, any speed over the limit is technically a violation. Law enforcement officers have discretion, but there is no legally guaranteed buffer.
The “3-to-5 MPH” Myth
It’s common to hear that driving a few miles per hour over the limit won’t lead to a ticket. While officers often focus on more serious speeding, Florida law does not provide a cushion. Even one mile per hour above the posted limit is considered speeding.
That said, officers often exercise judgment. For example:
- A driver going 2–4 mph over the limit on a highway may be ignored unless driving conditions are poor.
- A driver speeding through a school zone or residential area could be stopped even if only slightly over the limit.
- Automated speed detection devices, such as radar or lidar, can trigger citations for any amount over the limit.
It’s best to treat the speed limit as an absolute rule rather than a flexible guideline.
Penalties for Speeding in Florida
Florida’s penalties depend on how far over the speed limit you were traveling and where you were driving. However, the state sets minimum penalty guidelines for speeding violations:
- 1–9 mph over: Usually a warning or a fine up to $25 and no points if cited for a non-moving violation (in certain counties).
- 10–14 mph over: Fine of $100 and 3 license points.
- 15–19 mph over: Fine of $150 and 3 license points.
- 20–29 mph over: Fine around $175 and 4 license points.
- 30 mph or more over: Fine around $250, 4 points, and possible mandatory court appearance.
- 50 mph or more over: Considered a criminal offense with possible jail time, a $1,000+ fine, and license suspension.
Each county sets its own fine schedule within state guidelines, so penalties may vary slightly depending on where you were stopped. Additionally, the county may add court costs, administrative fees, and other fines that raise the total price.
Speeding and Florida’s Point System
Speeding tickets add points to your driving record, which can raise insurance rates and eventually lead to license suspension. In Florida:
- 12 points in 12 months = 30-day suspension
- 18 points in 18 months = 3-month suspension
- 24 points in 36 months = 1-year suspension
Drivers can sometimes attend traffic school to avoid points, but eligibility depends on how many prior offenses they have.
Speed Limits on Florida Roads
Understanding the limits helps avoid accidental violations. Common speed limits include:
- Interstate highways: 70 mph (some rural stretches may post 75 mph)
- Four-lane divided highways: 65 mph
- Residential or business districts: 30 mph
- School zones: 20 mph during posted hours
- Construction zones: Reduced as posted, often with doubled fines for violations
Always watch for signs, especially when leaving highways or entering city areas where speed limits drop sharply.
How Speeding Can Affect Your Accident Claim
Speeding can influence a car accident claim regardless of which driver was going over the limit. Whether you were speeding, the other driver was speeding, or both of you were, it can play a major role in how fault is assessed and how much compensation is ultimately available.
Florida uses a modified comparative negligence system, meaning each driver’s percentage of fault reduces their potential recovery. If you are 50% or less at fault, you’ll be able to recover proportional compensation. If you are more than 50% at fault, however, you’ll be barred from recovering entirely.
Staying Safe and Following the Law
The short answer to how many MPH you can go over the speed limit is none. Florida law does not permit any amount of speeding, even a few miles per hour over the posted limit. While officers may use discretion for minor violations, every driver in Lakeland is responsible for obeying posted speeds and adjusting for conditions.
Staying within the limit helps avoid fines, protects your driving record, and keeps Florida’s roads safer for everyone. For more information, please contact the Lakeland and New Port Richey car accident lawyers of Grajek Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Polk County, Pasco County, and their surrounding areas:
Grajek Law Personal Injury Lawyers Lakeland
2306 Florida Ave S Lakeland, FL 33803
(863)-999-9000