That moment when your teen slides into the driver’s seat for the first time is a mix of pride, excitement, and, let’s be honest, a bit of fear. Teaching them to drive isn’t just about passing the test, it’s about preparing for the legal, financial, and safety responsibilities that come with this milestone.
Over the years, we’ve heard the same questions from parents again and again.
This guide walks you through the most common questions we get from parents of new drivers in Florida, with practical tips to keep your teen (and your finances) safe on the road.
Why Should You Review Your Auto Insurance When Your Teen Starts Driving?
One of the first (and most expensive) realities you’ll face is updating your auto insurance. The premium jump isn’t fun, but protecting your teen and your assets is worth it.
As soon as your teen gets their learner’s permit or driver’s license, you must notify your insurance company. This will almost certainly raise your premiums, but it’s a non-negotiable step to ensure coverage if an accident occurs.
How to Strengthen Your Coverage
- Increase Liability Limits: In Florida, parents are often held liable for their minor child’s driving. Raising your liability coverage provides stronger financial protection.
- Consider an Umbrella Policy: This adds an extra layer of coverage beyond standard auto insurance, helping protect your assets from costly lawsuits.
- Ask About Discounts: Many insurers offer savings for good grades (usually a “B” average or higher) and for completing a defensive driving course.
What Is Florida’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) Program?
Florida uses a phased licensing system to ease teens into driving responsibly. Parents must understand these rules to keep their teens compliant.
Learner’s License (Age 15)
- Must drive with a licensed driver age 21+ in the passenger seat.
- First 3 months: daytime driving only.
- After 3 months: may drive until 10 p.m.
Driver License with Restrictions
- After holding a learner’s license for 12 months with no convictions and 50 logged hours (10 at night), teens can apply at 16.
- At age 16: Curfew from 11 p.m.–6 a.m. unless going to work or with a licensed driver age 21+.
- At age 17: Curfew shifts to 1 a.m.–5 a.m.
What Legal Liability Do Parents Have for Their Teen Drivers?
It’s easy to think that once your teen is behind the wheel, the responsibility shifts to them. Unfortunately, that’s not the case, at least not under Florida law. Parents remain legally and financially tied to their teen’s driving in very real ways.
Two Key Doctrines Every Parent Should Know
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Parental Consent Liability:
When you sign your child’s driver’s license application, you accept liability for any negligence or misconduct they cause until they turn 18.
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Dangerous Instrumentality Doctrine:
Florida law says the owner of a vehicle is responsible for damages caused by anyone they allow to drive it. This means if the car is in your name, you can still be held liable for your child’s accidents—even after they turn 18.
Should the Car Be in Your Teen’s Name?
Some parents consider titling the car in their teen’s name once they reach 18 to reduce personal liability. While that may limit your exposure, it often leads to higher insurance premiums since your teen is considered a higher-risk driver. It’s a balance between cost and risk, and one worth discussing with your insurance provider and attorney.
👉 Bottom line: Just because your teen is driving doesn’t mean you’re hands-free. The best way to protect your family is by maintaining higher liability coverage and considering umbrella insurance for added protection.
Why Should Parents of 18-Year-Olds Consider a Medical Power of Attorney?
Once your child turns 18, you no longer have automatic access to their medical information or decision-making. To stay prepared:
- HIPAA Release: Allows healthcare providers to share information with you.
- Medical Power of Attorney (Health Care Surrogate): Lets you make medical decisions if your teen is incapacitated.
⚖️An estate planning attorney can help prepare these forms in one visit. Check out our estate planning attorney
What Driving Laws Should I Remind My Teen About?
When your teen gets behind the wheel, they’re not just responsible for themselves—they’re legally responsible for everyone in their car. Here are a few laws that tend to slip a teen driver’s mind (and can cost them big):
- Seat Belt Law: In Florida, all drivers and front-seat passengers must wear a seat belt. Anyone under 18 must be properly secured in a seat belt or child restraint, no matter where they’re sitting. If a passenger under 18 isn’t buckled up, the driver can be ticketed. This is one of the easiest laws to follow, but one of the first teens tend to overlook when they’ve got friends in the backseat.
- Hands-Free Law: Texting while driving is a primary offense, meaning police can pull them over for it alone. Using a handheld device in school and work zones is also prohibited. Setting their phone to “Do Not Disturb” before shifting into gear is the safest habit they can build.
- Obeying Posted Limits: Speeding, even just a little, can lead to costly tickets and points on their license. The fines skyrocket in school and construction zones, and the insurance hike that follows isn’t pretty.
- Remind your teen: One “I forgot” behind the wheel can turn into a ticket, higher insurance rates, or worse. The safest driver is the one who treats these rules as non-negotiable.
What Should Teens Do After a Car Crash?
Prepare your teen for emergencies with these steps:
- Call 911 for any injuries or serious damage.
- Take photos of damage, plates, and insurance cards.
- Never admit fault or speculate.
- Call you immediately after ensuring safety.
- Seek medical care even if they feel fine, since some injuries aren’t immediately obvious.
✅ Conclusion: Protect Your Family and Plan Ahead
Teen driving in Florida comes with legal, financial, and safety responsibilities for parents. From insurance coverage to legal liability to emergency planning, these steps help protect your child and your assets.
📲 Need guidance? Contact our Attorneys here for personalized advice on protecting your family.
The attorneys at The Orlando Law Group help with all types of legal issues for homeowners and property owners in Orlando, Waterford Lakes, Altamonte Springs, Winter Garden, Lake Nona, St. Cloud, Kissimmee, and throughout Central Florida.
If you have questions about anything discussed in this article or other legal matters, give our office a call at 407-512-4394 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation to discuss your case. We have an office conveniently located at 12301 Lake Underhill Rd, Suite 213, Orlando, FL 32828, as well as offices in Seminole, Osceola and West Orange counties to assist you.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Last Updated on August 11, 2025 by The Orlando Law Group
