Florida has entered a new era of road safety by enacting a sweeping change in its licensing process for teen drivers. With the implementation of an updated statute as of August 1, 2025, the state now requires teenagers aged 15 and older to complete much more extensive education and hands-on driving before earning their license. This landmark change, championed by Governor Ron DeSantis and formalized through Senate Bill 994, stands as a robust response to rising teen crash rates and aims to create a new standard in driver training across the Sunshine State.
| Requirement Element | Previous Law (Before Aug 2025) | New Law (From Aug 1, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age for Permit | 15 | 15 |
| Mandatory Classroom Course | 4-hour TLSAE | 6-hour DETS (Driver Ed Traffic Safety) |
| Hands-on Supervised Driving | Not explicitly required statewide | 50 hours total (10 at night) required |
| Vision and Hearing Screening | Yes | Yes |
| Parental Consent for Minors | Yes | Yes |
| First 3 Months Restrictions | Some limits | Daylight only, supervised by adult (21+) |
| Testing Requirement | Learner’s permit exam | Learner’s permit exam |
| License Loss for Non-Compliance | No | Yes – non-compliance results in license loss |
A New Foundation for Responsible Driving
For years, Florida’s requirements for young drivers were minimal, a 4-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course and the learner’s permit exam. With the new law, teenagers must now complete an official 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course, and log 50 hours of supervised practice (10 of those at night) before they qualify for a license. These measures are enforced by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and are reflected in both in-person and online education options approved by the state.
Stricter Post-Permit Rules
Upon receiving their permits, new drivers aren’t immediately granted unlimited freedom. During the first three months, they are restricted to driving only during daylight hours, and at all times, a parent or responsible licensed adult (age 21 or older) must accompany them. These restrictions are part of Florida’s bid to reduce accidents in the critical early months of driving experience.
Why Florida Changed Course
The impetus for these stricter measures was clear: in 2020 alone, Florida recorded over one million teen-involved crashes, leading to thousands of injuries and fatalities. This data catalyzed lawmakers to overhaul the licensing system, taking cues from best practices and similar reforms in states like Ohio. The new law aims not just for compliance, but cultural change, one where training, caution, and accountability become the new norm for young drivers.
Practical Steps for Teens and Families
To ensure compliance with the updated requirements, teens and their families must act proactively. Enrollment in the 6-hour DETS course is mandatory, alongside passing vision and hearing tests, obtaining written parental consent, and carefully tracking driving hours with detailed logs. All paperwork and compliance must align with FLHSMV guidelines to avoid license denial or future suspension.
Public and Government Support
Educators and officials across Florida have welcomed the reforms. School districts like Levy County have already woven the new driver’s ed standards into their curricula, while government portals and the official Florida Driver Handbook have been updated to assist students and parents in navigating the process. Governor DeSantis and lawmakers have underscored their stance that only thorough preparation and ongoing supervision can create safer roads for everyone, especially young drivers.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to fulfill the requirements, such as skipping the 50-hour driving practice, incomplete coursework, or ignoring supervision mandates, can now result in denial or revocation of driving privileges for teens. This policy shift signals a serious move to enforce accountability and discourage careless shortcuts in the journey to obtaining a license.
A Modern Curriculum for the Next Generation
Beyond technical skills, the new DETS curriculum addresses risk management, defensive driving, and the dangers of distraction or impairment. State officials insist that a brief online course can no longer substitute for a robust, semester-long education, especially for 15 to 17-year-olds.
Setting a National Example
Florida’s transformation reflects a growing national consensus that early driver education saves lives. As the state refines its approach and tracks progress, educators and safety advocates believe these changes will set a precedent other regions are likely to follow for safeguarding young motorists in the years to come. With these comprehensive reforms in effect, Florida’s teens, families, and roads are poised for a safer and more responsible future behind the wheel.