A bill by Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo would allow law enforcement authorities to impound Floridians' cars if they recklessly speed on the roads. Sen. Pizzo is pushing SB 1782, which penalizes drivers going 50 miles per hour or more above the speed limit. The bill also knocks drivers going 100 miles or more while passing another vehicle.
Under the bill, Pizzo imposes the following penalties:
First offense: Fine of up to $1,000 and loss of the driver's license for six months. A driver also may be imprisoned for up to 90 days under Florida law.
Second offense: Fine of up to $2,500 and/or jail for up to six months. The driver would also lose their license for a year.
SB 1782 is expected to be heard on Tuesday by the Senate Transportation Committee.
Notably, Pizzo is a former prosecutor who has come out as more of a hardliner on public safety. His stances have included tougher penalties on illegal immigration and, in turn, moving the Democratic Party away from ultra-progressive lefism.
The policy talk has fueled speculation that Pizzo, 48, will run for Florida governor. Thus, coming across as more bipartisan might be the Democrats' best chance in a state with Republican supermajorities in the Senate and House.
President Donald Trump won Florida by 13 points, with public safety as a key issue. His pick for governor, Congressman Byron Donalds, just launched his 2026 gubernatorial campaign over the weekend.
Rep. Susan Plasencia (R-Orlando) is sponsoring a similar House version of the bill (HB 351). Her bill has already been passed once by one House committee with two more stops coming.
Unlike Pizzo's, Rep. Plasencia's bill does not impound a vehicle for 30 days. Although the legislation imposes fines of $5,000 for subsequent reckless driving offenders and revokes driving privileges for one year.
If fully approved, SB 1782/HB 351 would take effect on July 1.
