What is Reckless Driving?

In Florida, Reckless driving is defined as a person in the act of driving a motor vehicle, and did so with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Defining the elements: ‘willful’ means intentionally, knowingly, and purposely. ‘Wanton’ means that the accused drove the vehicle with a conscious and intentional indifference to consequences and with knowledge that damage was likely to be done to persons or property.

What are the penalties of Reckless Driving?

In Florida, the penalties for reckless driving will depend on the number of prior offenses and the existence of property damage or personal injury. In case where this is the drivers first offense, and there is no Bodily Injury or property damage the driver will be charged with a second (2nd) degree misdemeanor, with penalties of up to ninety (90) days in jail or six (6) months of probation, and a $500 fine. If a driver is on their second or subsequent offense the driver will be charged with a second (2nd) degree misdemeanor, with maximum penalty of six (6) months in jail and up to a $1,000 fine; If the driver incurs property damage or Injury the driver will be charged with first (1st) degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail or 12 months of probation, and a $1,000 fine; If the driver causes serious bodily injury they will be charged with a third (3rd) degree felony, with penalties of up to 5 years in prison or 5 years probation, and a $5,000 fine.