

Careless driving in Florida is a non- criminal traffic infraction. As long as you sign the citation and have not committed any other illegal act you will not go to jail for careless driving.



The maximum penalty by law is $500 fine plus court cost if adjudicated guilty. The minimum fine usually ends up a little over $160.



The biggest cost with a Florida careless driving ticket is not the fine but is the long term cost of increased insurance. An experienced careless driving attorney can advocate for you to protect your rights and can negotiate for you to obtain a withhold of adjudication if the case cannot be won.



If the citation is paid you will be adjudicated guilty and have 4 points assessed to your license. If property damage did not occur by simply getting a withhold of adjudication on your Florida careless driving ticket your insurance will not increase.



To get a withhold of adjudication you have to either take a driver's improvement class, go to court or hire an attorney to go to court for you. If you hire an attorney your presence can be waived so you do not have to appear in court.

