Last updated January 2026
Each year, over 250,000 people in Florida are cited for criminal traffic offenses, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). These aren’t your typical speeding or parking tickets—criminal traffic violations can result in court appearances, fines, license suspensions, and even jail time.
If you’re facing one of these charges, it’s critical to consult with a criminal traffic offense lawyer in Florida who can help you fight the charges and protect your driving record.
🔎 What Are the Most Common Criminal Traffic Charges in Florida?
Here are some of the most frequently charged offenses—and what they mean under Florida law:
1. 🚫 Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (DWLSR)
The #1 most common criminal traffic offense in Florida is driving while your license is suspended, revoked, canceled, or disqualified.
- Nearly 100,000 Floridians are cited for this annually
- Can be charged as a misdemeanor or upgraded to a felony for habitual traffic offenders (HTOs)
- May result in jail time, especially for repeat offenders
👉 Learn more about the Habitual Traffic Offender designation
2. 🍷 Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Florida is one of the strictest states in the country when it comes to DUI enforcement. A DUI is classified as a criminal traffic offense, not a civil one.
Penalties for a first-time DUI may include:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- 50 hours of community service
- Up to 1 year of probation
- $500–$1,000 in fines
- License suspension for at least 180 days
3. ⚡ Criminal Speeding
Most speeding tickets in Florida are civil violations, but extreme speeding can result in criminal charges.
- 30+ mph over the limit = misdemeanor criminal speeding
- 50+ mph over the limit = can escalate to a felony
- Penalties may include jail time, license suspension, and higher insurance costs
👨⚖️ What Happens If You’re Charged with a Criminal Traffic Offense?
If cited for a criminal traffic offense in Florida, you are required to appear in court. You could face:
- Heavy fines
- Jail time
- Points on your license
- Suspension or revocation of your driving privileges
- A permanent criminal record
A qualified traffic defense lawyer can help reduce or dismiss these charges and may prevent a conviction from being entered on your record.
📞 Charged with a Criminal Traffic Offense in Florida? Call Michael White, P.A.
Whether it’s DWLSR, DUI, or criminal speeding or any criminal traffic offense, Attorney Michael White can help you fight the charges. As a former prosecutor, he understands how these cases are built—and how to tear them down.
📍 Serving clients in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and throughout South Florida
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 today or schedule your free consultation online
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are criminal traffic offenses in Florida?
Criminal traffic offenses involve more serious violations than civil infractions and may result in arrest, court appearances, jail time, and a permanent criminal record. Common examples include DUI, driving with a suspended license, and criminal speeding.
2. Is driving with a suspended license a criminal offense in Florida?
Yes. Driving while your license is suspended or revoked (DWLSR) is a criminal offense in Florida. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on your driving history.
3. Can you go to jail for a DUI in Florida?
Yes. Even a first-time DUI offense in Florida can result in up to six months in jail, along with fines, probation, community service, and license suspension.
4. When does speeding become a criminal offense in Florida?
Speeding becomes a criminal offense when you exceed the speed limit by 30 mph or more. At 50+ mph over the limit, it may be charged as a felony.
5. What should I do if I’m charged with a criminal traffic offense in Florida?
You should contact a criminal traffic defense lawyer immediately. A lawyer can represent you in court, negotiate for reduced charges, and help protect your license and record.