Florida bills aim to ban phone use while driving

LEE COUNTY, Fla.—Two new bills in the Florida House of Representatives and Senate aim to ban drivers from holding their phones while on the road.

Senate Bill 1152 and House Bill 1241 were filed this week for Florida's 2026 legislative session. These bills propose expanding the state's existing driving laws to include holding or supporting a handheld device, such as a phone or laptop, while driving.

Current state law prohibits texting and driving, but drivers can still hold their phones while driving. 

"I don't like it," said Alfred Heisler, a local driver. "It's dangerous. You're not focused on driving." 

Robert Wukasch, another driver, shared his frustrations.

"I've been sideswiped or almost sideswiped so many times," said Wukasch. "People are driving with their phones over here, they're texting over here, they're driving. It's insane.

These two new bills would promote hands-free driving. This means drivers can no longer make phone calls while holding their phones or even have them on their laps.

The penalty for violating this proposed law would be a noncriminal traffic ticket. For those caught in a school or work zone, the fine is $150, along with points added to their driver's license.

"I think it should be passed," said Judy Leonard, another local driver. "I don't think that anybody should be holding their phone when you're trying to drive, because that's putting yourself in danger and someone else as well."

According to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, 253 drivers received tickets for distracted driving last year, while 405 were cited for careless driving. Many of these incidents were likely due to drivers looking at their screens instead of the road.

"With more constructions going on, you see a lot of people stopping," said Leonard. "That's okay. I mean, I can understand if you have to text somebody right away, you know, but when you're driving and doing that, that's not safe."

The state's legislative session is set to begin on Tuesday. If the bills pass and are signed into law, drivers could see changes by October 1.

For more information on the legislative session and its outcomes, stay tuned to WINK News.