TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida lawmakers are advancing a wide-ranging transportation bill that could bring several changes for drivers across the state, including longer yellow lights at red-light camera intersections, privacy protections for digital driver’s licenses and new rules involving parking and vehicle noise.
The proposal, Florida House Bill 543 (2026), cleared the Florida House of Representatives and now heads to the Florida Senate for consideration.
Supporters say the bill is aimed at improving traffic safety while updating state transportation laws to reflect new technology.
Longer yellow lights at red-light cameras
One change would require yellow lights at intersections with red-light cameras to stay on about four-tenths of a second longer.
Lawmakers say the adjustment would give drivers more time to react before the light turns red, which could help reduce crashes and traffic violations at those intersections.
Privacy protections for digital driver’s licenses
The bill also establishes new privacy protections for digital driver’s licenses, limiting how businesses can use personal information when someone presents an electronic ID.
Supporters say the change is meant to address growing concerns about how personal data could be shared or stored as more people move toward digital identification.
Fiona McFarland, a Republican from Sarasota and sponsor of the legislation, said digital IDs are becoming more common but must include safeguards.
“I’ve noticed a lot of us walk around without a wallet, a physical wallet,” McFarland said during the discussion. “Other states have a digital license; it’s a convenience we all want to enjoy in the state of Florida, but we should make sure there are several data protections.”
Other proposed changes for drivers
The legislation also includes several additional updates affecting drivers across the state:
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License plate frames: Clarifies that frames are allowed as long as they do not block the numbers or registration sticker.
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Loud vehicles: Gives law enforcement more authority to ticket drivers with excessively loud vehicles, including modified exhaust systems or drivers who intentionally rev engines.
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Accessible parking: Allows vehicles with permanently installed mobility equipment, such as wheelchair ramps, to use two parking spaces if accessible spaces are not available.
Debate over accessible parking language
Some lawmakers raised concerns about the accessible parking provision during debate, arguing the language may not fully address the needs of people with disabilities.
Although the bill spans about 70 pages, much of the discussion during debate focused on the provision involving accessible parking.
“There is no mention in the bill that pregnant women can now use disabled parking,” Skidmore said during debate, adding that members of the disabled community do not view the language as fully resolving existing concerns.
What happens next
The bill passed the House with strong support and now moves to the Senate for consideration. If approved there and signed by the governor, the changes could take effect later this year.
Lawmakers say the proposal is part of a broader effort to modernize Florida’s transportation laws while addressing safety and technology concerns for drivers.
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