Florida texting while driving ticket cost (2026)
A first texting-while-driving ticket in Florida is a $30 nonmoving fine, at least $76 with state costs. A 2nd offense within 5 years is a $60 moving violation, at least $126 (s.316.305(4), s.318.18; verified Oct 25, 2026). County costs are added on top, so check your ticket.
Last updated Oct 25, 2026 · Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Not legal advice. The amount on your citation or clerk notice controls.
- 1st offense, state minimum
- $76
- 2nd within 5 years, state minimum
- $126
- 1st offense fine
- $30
- Phone in a school zone
- 3 points
How much is a texting and driving ticket in Florida?
Florida bans texting while driving under s.316.305. The fine grows on a repeat.
| Violation | Base fine | State minimum | Palm Beach County West Palm Beach | Miami-Dade County Miami | Broward County Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texting while driving, 1st offense (nonmoving) | $30 | $76 | Check your ticket | Check your ticket | $76 + county costs |
| Texting while driving, 2nd within 5 years (moving) | $60 | $126 | Check your ticket | Check your ticket | $126 + county costs |
Totals are what each clerk lists to pay the ticket (fine + court costs + fees). State minimum = base fine + state costs under s.318.18. Broward publishes no schedule, so its column shows the state minimum before Broward County costs; check the amount on your ticket. Verified Oct 25, 2026.
The clerks' schedules have no line just for texting, and we do not guess which general line applies, so county totals show "Check your ticket".
How much is a texting ticket in Miami, Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach?
In all three cities the state minimum is $76 for a 1st offense and $126 for a 2nd, plus that county's costs. The exact total is on your ticket or the clerk's notice.
What about phones in school and work zones?
Holding a phone while driving in a school or work zone is a separate moving violation with 3 points (s.316.306(4)(a)). See school-zone fines.
What makes up a texting ticket total?
A 1st offense adds the nonmoving state costs ($46). A 2nd offense adds the moving-violation costs ($66):
- Court cost, s.318.18(12)(a): $35
- Additional court cost, s.318.18(12)(c): $2.50
- Additional court cost, s.318.18(12)(d) (s.938.01): $3
- Administrative fee, s.318.18(19): $12.50
- Article V assessment, s.318.18(20): $10
- Radio system surcharge, s.318.18(18): $3
Total state costs for a ch. 316 moving violation: $66 (s.318.18, verified Oct 25, 2026).
Frequently asked questions
How much is a texting and driving ticket in Florida?
A 1st offense is a $30 nonmoving fine plus $46 in state costs, $76 at minimum before county costs. A 2nd offense within 5 years is a $60 moving fine plus $66, $126 at minimum (s.316.305(4), s.318.18).
Is texting while driving a moving violation in Florida?
Not the first time: a 1st offense is nonmoving. A 2nd offense within 5 years is a moving violation. Using a handheld phone in a school or work zone is a moving violation with 3 points (s.316.306).
Sources
- Section 316.305, Florida Statutes (2026): texting while driving (verified Oct 25, 2026)
- Section 318.18, Florida Statutes (2026): amount of penalties, court costs and fees (verified Oct 25, 2026)
- Section 316.306, Florida Statutes (2026): handheld devices in school and work zones (verified Oct 25, 2026)
Last updated: Oct 25, 2026 · Next review: Jan 15, 2027 · Download CSV (fine totals) · Methodology
Not legal advice. The amount on your citation or clerk notice controls.