Florida Driver's Handbook, Section 4: You the Driver
How your health, distractions, alcohol, drugs, fatigue and emotions affect your driving.
Summary written by MyPermitExam from the official handbook, rev. 08/2023. Not a copy of the handbook. Checked Oct 2026. Not affiliated with the DMV. Official Florida Driver License Handbook
Key rules
- Distractions are visual, manual or cognitive; texting involves all three and is illegal while driving in Florida. p. 34
- Holding a phone at all while driving is banned in school crossings, school zones and work zones. p. 34
- Alcohol affects judgment first; even one drink impairs driving, and a DUI stays on your record for 75 years. p. 35
- Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving: rest before trips and take a break every 100 miles or 2 hours. p. 35
- Drugged driving has the same penalties as drunk driving, and mixing alcohol with medicine multiplies the effects. p. 36
- If another driver is aggressive, stay calm, put distance between you, let them pass and avoid eye contact. p. 36