Is That Street Racing Worth the Risk? Understanding Florida’s Expansive New Racing Laws in 2024

By Rhonda Diamond Traffic Ticket Fighter and Female Warrior In 2024, Florida enacted significant revisions to its laws governing street racing, dramatically expanding the scope of what is now considered unlawful “racing” or “reckless driving” activity. As a specialist in Florida traffic ticket defense, and someone who regularly fights speeding tickets in Boca Raton and all over Palm Beach County, I can tell you with certainty: the days of thinking street racing is just two cars lining up at a red light and punching the gas are over. If you think you’re safe because you weren’t behind the wheel, think again. The new laws cast a wide net—ensnaring not only the driver, but also passengers, bystanders, and even individuals who record these illegal acts. The penalties? Steep, swift, and in some cases, life-altering. This essay will break down exactly what changed, who is now at risk, and why it’s more important than ever to understand the legal consequences of what might seem like “harmless fun” on Florida’s roadways. A New Legal Landscape: What Constitutes "Racing" in 2024 Traditionally, the concept of street racing conjured images of two drivers engaged in a spontaneous contest of speed—often on public roads, [...]