Miami Racing On A Public Highway Defense

Racing is classified as a First-Degree Misdemeanor in Florida, but the administrative "side effects" are often more damaging than the criminal charge itself. In Miami, where FHP and MDPD utilize specialized units to target street racing, the consequences are severe:

Immediate Criminal Penalties:

• Jail Time: Up to 1 year in county jail.
• Hefty Fines: Minimum $500 to $1,000 for a first offense; up to $5,000 for repeat offenders.
• Criminal Record: This is not a "ticket"—it is a criminal conviction that appears on employer background checks forever.

The "No-Exceptions" Licensing Impact:

• Mandatory 1-Year Revocation: Per F.S. 316.191, the judge must revoke your license for one full year upon a first conviction.
• No Hardship License: Unlike many other violations, you are typically ineligible for a "business purposes only" license during this revocation period.
• Extended Revocation: A second offense within 5 years triggers a 2-year revocation; a third offense leads to a 4-year revocation.

Vehicle Seizure & Insurance:

• 30-Day Mandatory Impound: If you are the owner, your vehicle is impounded for 30 days immediately upon arrest. You are responsible for all towing and storage fees (often exceeding $1,500).
• Forfeiture: Under the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act, the state can move to permanently seize your vehicle on a second offense.
• Insurance "Blacklist": Racing is the ultimate red flag. Expect your premiums to double or your policy to be canceled entirely, forcing you into high-risk pools with annual costs exceeding $5,000.