TAMPA, Fla. — Efforts are intensifying to curb distracted driving across Florida.

A set of proposed bills in the state legislature looks to bolster current regulations on distracted driving. This “hands-free” initiative mandates that drivers must refrain from using their phones or face penalties, which could include fines and even suspension of their driver’s licenses.

“It’s crucial that we pass this legislation this year,” emphasized Michelle Avola-Brown, who coordinates the Hands Free Florida campaign.

Currently, texting while driving is prohibited, and the use of handheld devices is banned in designated school and work zones.

SB 1152 and HB 1241 would allow for brief touches to start or end a function like activating a hands-free accessory, but anything longer must remain hands-free like over Bluetooth.

Avola-Brown said this is the third attempt to pass the bill in the state legislature. 

From online shopping, playing video games and sending images through social media, Avola-Brown said far too many people are being harmed and killed from distracted drivers.

As executive director of the Naples Pathways Coalitions, which aims to make it safer for people who bike, walk or run, Avola-Brown said too many pedestrians are also being harmed.

“The heartbroken family members that would call me sharing these horrific stories of husbands being completely run over, wives, grown children, younger children,” Avola-Brown said. “I just could not handle all the calls that I was getting and not do something to make a positive change.”

Under the proposal, drivers could face a $150 fine for a first violation, a $250 fine for a second violation and a $500 fine for a third violation, along with a 90-day license suspension.

Angela Nunez of Tampa relies on her bicycle for transportation and work as a delivery driver. She said she has encountered far too many run-ins with distracted drivers. 

“I think it’s a really big problem. I really do, and especially in Tampa Bay,” Nunez said. 

Preliminary data from 2024 shows nearly 300 people died in Florida and more than 2,200 people suffered serious injuries because of a distracted driver, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

State officials also said one in seven crashes are a result of distracted driving. 

Avola-Brown said the current legislation doesn’t go far enough and feels passing the legislation could save lives.

“I just want everyone to understand that whatever it is that we think we need to do just real quick, it can wait. It can wait till we’re safely pulled over. It can wait till we are at our destination,” Avola-Brown said.

According to Hands Free Florida, 34 other states have “hands-free” laws in place that prohibit holding a device while driving on all roads. This includes neighboring states like Georgia and Alabama.