Hands-Free Florida: Finishing the Job in 2026
For years, the Florida Bicycle Association and our partners have advocated for a simple truth: Florida’s roads are for driving, not for scrolling. We have come remarkably close to making this a reality. In 2024, the Hands-Free Florida bill passed the House unanimously. In 2025, it passed the Senate. These milestones prove that road safety isn’t a partisan issue—it’s a human one. Our legislators recognize that distracted driving is a preventable crisis, yet the bill has not yet crossed the finish line to become law.
The Leaders Stepping Up
As the 2026 legislative session kicks off next week, we are proud to announce that two dedicated leaders are championing this cause:
● Senator Erin Grall (R-District 29) has filed SB 1152.
● Representative Omar Blanco (R-District 115) has filed HB 1241.
Both bills seek to prohibit the physical holding of a wireless device while operating a vehicle. This isn’t about restricting technology; it’s about ensuring that every cyclist, pedestrian, and driver returns home safely.
Why “No Texting” Isn’t Enough
Florida currently has a ban on texting while driving, but it is notoriously difficult to enforce. Under current law, a driver can hold a phone for almost any other reason—scrolling social media, checking a map, or dialing a number—leaving law enforcement in an impossible position to prove a violation.
The data remains staggering:
● A Deadly Comparison: Texting while driving is statistically six times more dangerous than driving while intoxicated.
● Increased Risk: Drivers holding a phone are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or “near-miss” event.
● Simple Physics: Just having a phone in your hand makes you four times more likely to crash.
How You Can Help Us Cross the Finish Line
The 2026 session moves fast, and we need your voice to ensure these bills don’t stall in committee.
1. Track the Progress: Follow SB 1152 and HB 1241. When these bills are scheduled for committee hearings, your attention matters.
2. Contact Your Representatives: Let your local officials know you support Senator Grall and Representative Blanco’s efforts. A short, respectful note about why road safety matters to you carries immense weight. Below you will find a template you can use to help get you started.
3. Spread the Word: Share this update with your local cycling groups, neighbors, and colleagues. Education is our best tool for cultural change.
We aren’t giving up because the stakes are too high. Together, we have moved the needle further than ever before. Now, let’s make 2026 the year Florida finally goes Hands-Free.
Use the email template below and contact your elected officials to let them know you support SB 1152 / HB 1241.
Subject: SUPPORT SB 1152 / HB 1241 – Hands-Free Florida Law
Dear [Representative/Senator Name],
My name is [Your Name] and I am a constituent living in [City/Zip Code]. As a member of the Florida Bicycle Association and a resident who cares deeply about our community’s safety, I am writing to urge you to support SB 1152 (sponsored by Senator Grall) and HB 1241 (sponsored by Representative Blanco).
For too long, Florida’s distracted driving laws have been difficult to enforce. While texting is technically illegal, the current “loophole” allows drivers to hold their phones for almost any other reason, creating a constant danger for cyclists, pedestrians, and other motorists.
The 2026 Hands-Free Florida bill is a commonsense solution that:
● Simplifies Enforcement: Prohibits the physical holding of a device, making the law clear for both drivers and law enforcement.
● Saves Lives: Reduces the likelihood of crashes by 23 times compared to manual phone use.
● Protects Vulnerable Road Users: Ensures that those of us on bicycles or on foot are not at the mercy of a distracted driver’s screen.
In 2024 and 2025, similar versions of this bill passed their respective chambers with strong, bi-partisan support. I ask you to help finish the job this year and make Florida’s roads safer for everyone.
Thank you for your leadership and for considering my views. I look forward to seeing this bill move through the committee process.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number/Address]
Tips on How to Use this Email Template:
● Personalize the first paragraph: If you have a personal story (e.g., a "near miss" or a family member affected by distracted driving), add one or two sentences about it. Personal stories are the most effective way to grab a legislator's attention.
● Find Your Rep: You can find your specific legislators by entering your address at FLSenate.gov or FLHouse.gov.
● Timing is Critical: The 2026 Legislative Session is now officially underway. Because these bills were recently filed, we need to act quickly to ensure they are “noticed” by committee chairs. Your emails provide the necessary spotlight to ensure SB 1152 and HB 1241 are placed on the agenda for their first committee hearings. Without hearing from constituents, even good bills can get lost in the shuffle.
