Florida Driving Curfew - Teen Driver Rules

Florida's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system enforces specific nighttime driving curfews designed to protect new, young drivers. The rules are precise: 16-year-olds are prohibited from driving from 11 PM to 6 AM, and 17-year-olds cannot drive from 1 AM to 5 AM. These restrictions are lifted only if the teen is driving to or from work or is accompanied in the front seat by a licensed driver who is 21 years or older. The first step to navigating these rules is obtaining a learner's permit, which begins with completing a state-mandated education course.

What are Florida's exact teen driving curfew hours?

Florida law establishes two distinct curfew windows based on the driver's age. For 16-year-old license holders, driving is strictly prohibited from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM. The restriction for 17-year-olds is slightly more lenient, prohibiting driving from 1:00 AM to 5:00 AM. These laws are part of the state's GDL program, which aims to reduce crash risks for inexperienced drivers by limiting high-risk driving conditions like nighttime operation.

The law provides two universal exceptions that apply to both age groups. A teen may legally drive during their restricted hours if they are traveling to or from their place of employment. Alternatively, the curfew does not apply if a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is seated in the front passenger seat, providing direct supervision.

• Practical Tip: If driving for work, keep a copy of your work schedule or a recent pay stub in your vehicle as immediate proof for law enforcement.
• Practical Tip: Clear communication between parents and teens is essential. Establish a plan for safe transportation if an event runs past the curfew cutoff.

What is the first step to getting a Florida learner's permit?

Before a teen can even be subject to the driving curfew, they must first obtain a learner's permit. The mandatory prerequisite is completing a state-approved driver education course. For years, this was the 4-hour Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course. However, a new law has taken effect.

As of August 1, 2025, all new applicants under 18 (14-17) must complete a 6-hour Driver Education Traffic Safety (DETS) course before applying for their learner's license. This course covers critical topics like traffic laws, the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving, and Florida's specific licensing rules. This requirement can be conveniently fulfilled through approved online providers. Prospective drivers can complete their DETS course online with state-authorized providers like DetsCourse.com before heading to the DMV to take the knowledge exam.

What other GDL restrictions do new drivers face?

The nighttime curfew is just one component of Florida's comprehensive GDL laws. New drivers under 18 must also adhere to strict passenger limitations. For the first three months after licensure, a teen driver cannot operate a vehicle with more than one passenger under the age of 21 who is not an immediate family member. After this initial period, the limit increases to no more than three non-family passengers under 21.

Furthermore, Florida enforces a strict Zero-Tolerance policy for drivers under 21. It is illegal for any minor to operate a vehicle with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of .02% or higher-a level that can be reached with just a single drink. Violating this law results in an automatic 6-month license suspension, even for a first offense. Violating the driving curfew itself is a moving violation, which can lead to fines, points on your driving record, and for permit holders, an extension of the mandatory 12-month holding period before they can apply for a full license.

Citations

• https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/driver-improvement-schools/traffic-law-substance-abuse-education-tlsae-find-approved-listing-tlsae-course-providers/
• https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/education-courses/driver-improvement-schools/driver-education-traffic-safety-dets/
• https://www.einpresswire.com/article/841638875/florida-s-largest-online-driver-s-ed-provider-teens-don-t-need-50-hours-to-get-a-learner-s-permit

Frequently Asked Questions

How late can a 17 year old drive at night in Florida?

A 17-year-old driver in Florida is restricted from driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. However, they may drive during these restricted hours if they are going to or from work or are accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 years or older. Source: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/licensing-requirements-teens-graduated-driver-license-laws-driving-curfews/traffic-laws-florida-teens/

Does Florida have a curfew for 16 year old drivers?

Yes, Florida has a nighttime driving restriction for 16-year-old drivers. They are only allowed to drive between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. unless they are driving to or from work or are accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 or older. Source: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/licensing-requirements-teens-graduated-driver-license-laws-driving-curfews/traffic-laws-florida-teens/

Can an 18 year old drive with passengers in Florida?

Yes, an 18-year-old in Florida is considered an adult and is no longer subject to the passenger or nighttime driving restrictions that apply to 16- and 17-year-old drivers. Source: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/licensing-requirements-teens-graduated-driver-license-laws-driving-curfews/traffic-laws-florida-teens/

Can a 15 year old drive alone in Florida to school?

No, a 15 year old cannot drive alone in Florida. At age 15, a teen can only obtain a learner's license, which requires them to be "ALWAYS accompanied by a licensed driver 21+" at all times. Source: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/licensing-requirements-teens-graduated-driver-license-laws-driving-curfews/traffic-laws-florida-teens/

What's the curfew for a 17 year old in FL?

A 17-year-old with a driver license in Florida is only allowed to drive between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m. This restriction does not apply if they are driving to or from work or are accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 or older. Source: https://www.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/licensing-requirements-teens-graduated-driver-license-laws-driving-curfews/traffic-laws-florida-teens/

What time do 16 year old drivers have to be off the road?

16-year-old drivers with an Operator's License must be off the road by 11 p.m. They are only permitted to drive between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., unless they are going to or from work or are accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old in the front seat. Source: https://www.DetsCourse.com/teens/