NEW RULES for Driving to Disney World This August

Driving to Disney World just got a little more complicated.

Florida

If you’re planning to road trip your way to the Most Magical Place on Earth this August, there are some brand-new Florida driving laws you absolutely need to know about. These aren’t just minor changes — we’re talking potential jail time, hefty fines, and even wake zones. Whether you’re cruising down I-4 or dodging an afternoon downpour, here’s what could catch you off guard (and possibly cost you big time). Let’s break it down so you don’t end up breaking any rules.

Driving 100 MPH on I-4? That’s Now a Criminal Offense

Florida has officially said “nope” to reckless speeding. As of July 1st, 2025, a new law called HB 351 (also known as the “Super Speeder” law) makes driving way over the speed limit a criminal offense. And by “way,” we mean:

Driving 50 mph or more over the posted speed limit
Or hitting 100 mph at any time

Even if you’re just trying to zip past a slowpoke in the left lane or beat a summer storm, if you cross those speed thresholds — it’s not a ticket, it’s criminal. First offense? That could mean up to 30 days in jail, a $500 fine, or both. Do it again within five years and it gets much worse: Up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, and they can suspend your license for half a year to a full year.

Be careful on the road!

This matters a lot for Disney-goers driving through areas like I‑4, Florida’s Turnpike, and I‑75, where the speed limits can shift — especially near construction zones or toll plazas. Even a short burst over the limit (like flooring it during a lane merge) can get you flagged.

Orlando Sign

Moral of the story: cruise control is your friend. Keep it cool, stay alert, and don’t try to be Lightning McQueen on your way to Lightning Lane.

Yes, “No-Wake Zones” Now Apply to Cars

This might sound like something from a boating guide, but it’s real. Florida is now cracking down on “wake driving” — but for cars — during flood conditions.

Starting July 1st, 2025, local governments can declare “no-wake” driving zones during floods. That means if you drive fast enough through water to splash waves onto people’s property (or worse, into their homes), you could be cited.

Right now, enforcement is focused more on warnings than fines — but don’t count on that forever. And Orlando’s summer weather? It loves to turn an afternoon shower into a surprise flood. So if you’re navigating through a soggy parking lot or dealing with standing water near your hotel, ease up on the gas. You’re not driving a jet ski.

Teens, Heads Up: Getting a Learner’s Permit Just Got Tougher

Got a teen who’s hoping to do some of the driving on your Disney trip? Florida’s learner’s permit rules are getting a major update — and they kick in August 1st, 2025.

©Shutterstock

Anyone 14½ to 17 years old applying for a permit after that date needs to:

Complete a 6-hour live instructor-led driver ed course (on top of the usual 4-hour drug/alcohol course)
Pass a vision and hearing test
Take the Class E knowledge exam
Provide parental consent

And once they have the permit, there are strict limits:

Only daylight driving for the first 3 months
Must be with a licensed adult 21 or older
50 supervised hours required (10 of those must be at night)

This is a big change from the current process, so if your teen was planning to get their permit right before your Disney trip and help with the drive, they may need more prep time than expected. Definitely check your timeline — and maybe bring some extra coffee if you’re doing all the driving solo.

Welcome to Disney World!

If you’re heading to Disney World this August, we want you to actually get there — not get pulled over, stuck in court, or dealing with insurance headaches. Florida isn’t messing around with these new rules, and neither should you. We’ll keep you posted on more updates that could affect your trip, but for now: slow down, stay dry, and maybe let someone else drive through the puddles.