Reviewed by Michael P. Maddux, Esq. | Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer | Florida Super Lawyer for 16 Consecutive Years

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed House Bill 35 into law, significantly expanding the state’s habitual traffic offender framework under Florida Statute § 322.264.

Most notably, the new law adds driving without a valid license to the list of qualifying offenses that can trigger a habitual traffic offender designation. Under this expanded definition, a driver who accumulates the requisite number of qualifying convictions within a five year period may be formally designated a habitual traffic offender by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Any subsequent driving offense can then be charged as a third degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine. What many Floridians historically treated as a minor inconvenience can now serve as the foundation for a life altering felony prosecution.

At the Law Office of Michael P. Maddux, P.A., we recognize that the people most affected by HB 35 are often not reckless drivers but individuals navigating financial hardship, administrative license suspensions, or unpaid court costs who simply had no idea their driving history exposed them to felony liability.

An experienced criminal defense attorney can examine whether the underlying convictions that triggered the habitual offender designation were properly entered, whether the required notice of suspension was actually received, and whether law enforcement complied with constitutional requirements at the time of the stop and arrest.

If you or someone you know has been charged under Florida’s habitual traffic offender laws, early intervention is often the most powerful tool available.

📞 Call us today at (813) 253-3363.

Reviewed by Michael P. Maddux, Esq. | Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer | Florida Super Lawyer for 16 Consecutive Years

Driving without a valid license may seem like a minor issue, but it can quickly lead to serious legal and financial consequences.

For example, after borrowing a friend’s car to run a quick errand, David was pulled over for a minor traffic violation. During the stop, he admitted that he did not have a valid driver’s license. What might have seemed like a small mistake quickly turned into a larger legal problem. David received a citation for driving without a license, faced fines, and was required to appear in court.

The situation became even more complicated when a minor accident occurred during the stop. Because David did not have a valid license, questions arose about insurance coverage and liability.

Cases like this highlight the risks of driving without a license. The consequences can include fines, court appearances, possible vehicle impoundment, and complications with insurance claims. Understanding the law and ensuring you have a valid license before getting behind the wheel can help prevent these serious issues.