Florida Driving Curfew: Teen Driver Rules by Age (2026 Guide)

Florida's GDL curfew bars 16-year-olds from driving between 11 PM and 6 AM, and 17-year-olds between 1 AM and 5 AM. Both groups may drive during restricted hours only when traveling to or from work, or when supervised by a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the front seat.

Florida Teen Driving Curfew: Exact Hours by Age

Florida law establishes two distinct curfew windows based on the driver's age and license type:

What Are Florida's Exact Teen Driving Curfew Hours?

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 nighttime operation.

The law provides two universal exceptions that apply to both age groups:

• A teen may legally drive during their restricted hours if traveling to or from their place of employment.

• 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.

Florida GDL Requirements by Age: Full Breakdown (Ages 14-17)

What Is the First Step to Getting a Florida Learner's Permit?

Before a teen can navigate driving curfews, they must first obtain a learner's permit. As of August 1, 2025, all new applicants under 18 (ages 14-17) must complete a 6-hour DETS (Driver Education Traffic Safety) course before applying for their learner's license. This course covers traffic laws, the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving, and Florida's GDL rules. It is available entirely online through state-authorized providers like DetsCourse.com.

Other GDL Restrictions: Beyond the Curfew

The nighttime curfew is one part of Florida's comprehensive GDL laws. New drivers under 18 must also comply with:

• No passenger-count restriction: Florida's GDL law (F.S. 322.16) does not limit how many passengers a teen may carry -- its restrictions focus on curfew hours and supervision by a licensed driver 21+, not passenger counts.

• Zero-tolerance alcohol policy: Florida law prohibits any minor from driving with a BAC of .02% or higher -- a threshold reached with as little as one drink. Violation results in an automatic 6-month license suspension for a first offense.

• Curfew violation consequences: Violating the driving curfew 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.

For Parents: How to Monitor Compliance

• Keep written agreements: Set clear expectations before your teen drives alone -- destination, route, check-in time, and curfew hour. A written "driving contract" makes the rules explicit.

• Work documentation in the car: If your teen drives to or from a job, keep a copy of the employer's address and work schedule in the glovebox for any traffic stop.

• Understand the violation consequences: A curfew violation adds points to your teen's driving record and can extend their permit holding period -- making compliance important beyond just safety.

• Plan for events that run late: If a school event, sports game, or social gathering may run past curfew, arrange a designated driver 21+ or a pickup plan in advance.

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 AM and 5 AM. They may drive during these hours only if traveling to or from work, or if accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the front passenger seat.

Does Florida have a curfew for 16-year-old drivers?

Yes. Florida's nighttime driving restriction for 16-year-old license holders prohibits driving from 11 PM to 6 AM. Exceptions apply when the teen is driving to or from work, or when accompanied by a licensed driver aged 21 or older in the front seat.

Can an 18-year-old drive with passengers in Florida?

Yes. At 18, a driver is no longer subject to Florida's GDL passenger restrictions or nighttime curfew. An 18-year-old with a valid Class E license may drive at any hour and carry any number of passengers.

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

No. At 15, a teen can only hold a learner's license, which requires a licensed driver aged 21 or older to be seated in the front passenger seat at all times -- with no exceptions, including for school trips.

What happens if a teen violates the Florida driving curfew?

Violating the GDL nighttime driving curfew is a moving violation in Florida. Consequences can include fines, points added to the driving record, and -- for permit holders -- an extension of the mandatory 12-month holding period before they can apply for a full license.

What is the first step for a teen to get a Florida driver's license in 2026?

The first step is completing the mandatory 6-hour DETS (Driver Education Traffic Safety) course, which replaced the old TLSAE requirement for applicants ages 14-17 as of August 1, 2025. This course is available online through state-approved providers like DetsCourse.com. After completing the DETS course, a teen can take the Class E Knowledge Exam to earn their learner's permit.

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.flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/licensing-requirements-teens-graduated-driver-license-laws-driving-curfews/traffic-laws-florida-teens/

• https://www.detscourse.com/teens/