Florida’s Teen Driver’s License and Insurance Requirements

Florida uses a system of graduated licenses to guide teens from being learners to becoming fully licensed drivers.

Instruction Permit

Beginning at 15 years old, with parent approval, a teen can take a written and vision test to obtain an instruction permit. The teen must also complete the state's traffic law and substance abuse course. The instruction permit allows the licensee to drive in Florida as long as a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old is in the front seat at all times.

For the first three months, the youth can drive only during daylight hours. After the three months are complete, the teen can drive (with supervision) until 10 p.m.

Restricted License

At 16 years old, a driver can apply for a restricted driver's license if he or she has:

• held an instruction permit for at least 12 months without any traffic infractions
• completed 50 hours (at least ten of which must have been at night) of supervised driving, and
• passed the written and driving tests.

For 16-year-olds, the driver's license is restricted to use from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. unless the youth is driving for employment or accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old. This curfew shortens to 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. once the driver turns 17 years old. Any violation of this curfew can result in license suspension and revocation as well as infraction fines.

The restricted license also requires the holder to be enrolled in school (or a similar institution) with satisfactory attendance.

These restrictions will stay in place until the driver turns 18 years old.

Insurance

Before any driver can operate a vehicle in Florida, the vehicle must be properly insured. In Florida, the mandatory insurance requirements are:

• Personal injury protection. Florida is a no-fault state and requires $10,000 in personal injury protection per person ($20,000 per accident).
• Property damage liability. Must include at least $10,000 per accident for property damage.

Drivers who cannot show proof of insurance can be convicted of a traffic infraction and will face fines and license suspension until proof of insurance is provided to the court.