On 4/16/13, the Florida Senate voted 46-0 on a bill creating Florida Statute 316.305. This statute creates the "Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law" providing legislative intent, prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device for certain purposes, but also providing exceptions for emergency personnell and others. The offense would be a secondary offense but provides for additional points if in a school zone or resulting in a crash.
This bill will now make its way to the House where it will most likely see some challenges. Florida is one of 5 states without some kind of texting or cellphone limitation in place. Stay tuned for more information.