Driving at 17 in Florida: What Teens and Parents Should Know
November 13, 2025 | Sagi Shaked | Florida Law
Florida gives 17-year-olds more freedom behind the wheel, but that freedom comes with responsibility. If you’re a teen driver or a parent in Florida, it’s important to know the rules and limits that apply when driving at 17.
Understanding the law can help you stay safe and avoid trouble on the road.
Florida’s Teen Licensing Process
Florida uses a graduated driver licensing (GDL) system that helps teens gain driving experience under safer conditions. By age 17, most drivers hold an intermediate Class E license, which allows them to drive independently but with certain restrictions.
To qualify for this license, a teen must meet several requirements.
- Hold a learner’s permit for at least 12 months.
- Complete 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours at night.
- Pass a road skills test administered by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
These steps are designed to ensure that young drivers build experience gradually and understand the responsibility that comes with driving. While a 17-year-old can drive alone, they are not yet considered fully licensed until turning 18.
Restrictions for 17-Year-Old Drivers
The main restrictions for 17-year-old drivers include:
- Curfew laws: No driving between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless traveling to or from work or accompanied by a licensed adult aged 21 or older.
- Distraction rules: Texting and cell phone use while driving are prohibited.
- Seatbelt requirements: The driver and all passengers must wear seatbelts.
- Traffic laws: All speed limits, signs, and right-of-way rules must be strictly followed.
These restrictions are not just guidelines—they are enforceable laws. Breaking them can result in citations, fines, or even license suspension. Repeat violations may also delay eligibility for a full license at 18.
Safety and Insurance Considerations
Even though 17-year-olds can drive independently, safety and insurance obligations remain critical. Florida does not set a specific passenger limit for teen drivers, but limiting the number of passengers is one of the best ways to reduce distractions and improve focus.
All Florida drivers must also maintain minimum insurance coverage, including:
- $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL)
If the teen owns a vehicle, they must carry insurance in their own name. Otherwise, they should be listed on a parent’s policy. Teen drivers typically increase household insurance premiums, but keeping a clean record can help reduce costs.
What Happens if a Teen Is Involved in an Accident
Car accidents involving teen drivers can have serious legal and financial consequences. Because Florida is a no-fault state, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers initial medical expenses and lost wages for each driver, regardless of who caused the crash.
However, if injuries are severe or damages exceed the limits of PIP coverage, the teen driver—or their parents—may be held responsible. The potential outcomes of a crash can include:
- Traffic citations or license points
- Increased insurance rates
- License suspension for serious or repeat offenses
- Civil liability for damages or injuries beyond insurance coverage
Parents should guide their teens on what to do if an accident occurs. This includes staying calm, calling for help, reporting the incident, and documenting the scene safely.
Driving at 17 in Florida Comes With Legal Limits
Turning 17 in Florida means you can drive alone, but you’re not free from restrictions. Curfew hours, safe-driving laws, and insurance rules still apply. Whether you’re a parent guiding a new driver or a teen hitting the road, knowing Florida’s driving laws can help you avoid problems and stay safe.
If you have questions or have been in an accident, call Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers. We offer a free consultation with a Miami personal injury lawyer.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami or Aventura, FL, and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers
20900 NE 30th Ave Suite 715 Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191
Open 24 hours
