IT’S NOW LAW: Drivers in Florida Can Be Fined or Even Jailed for Using Their Phone. Does This Include GPS?

(Every year, more than 3,000 people die in the U.S. due to crashes caused by cellphone use while driving) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Florida’s new cellphone law has sparked concern among drivers and fueled a wave of misinformation. But what’s the truth, what’s exaggerated, and how can automation become your biggest ally?

Is GPS really banned?

In recent weeks, many driver groups claimed that “GPS use is now banned” in Florida.  The reality is different.The law known as House Bill 107, updated in July, increased penalties for drivers holding their phones while the vehicle is moving, especially in school zones, construction areas, and intersections. Still, there are clear exceptions. 

What the law actually says:

✅ It is illegal to hold a phone while the vehicle is in motion
✅ Typing, sending, or reading text messages is a violation
✅ GPS and navigation apps are allowed, provided the phone is mounted and not used with continuous touch

In other words, GPS use is not banned. The law targets manual and distracted use of phones.

Why does this matter?

According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), in 2023 there were 3,308 fatal crashes in the U.S. directly linked to cellphone use while driving. In Florida, distraction-related crashes rose 11% in one year. The goal is clear: save lives and reduce risky behavior.

(You might think you can drive and use your phone. But science shows your brain cannot do both safely at the same time.) — AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

Automation as a solution — Not a crime!

This debate highlights the role of automation systems like ShopperX from Nexo Go, which accept Instacart orders automatically without requiring the driver to constantly touch their phone.

Automated systems bring clear benefits:

✅ Accept orders within pre-set criteria
✅ Prevent drivers from handling their phones while driving
✅ Reduce the risk of fines and crashes
✅ Increase earnings by grabbing the best orders faster

Such technology is not just about convenience, it’s about safety. While Instacart, Shipt, or Amazon Flex drivers fight for orders manually, they expose themselves to distracted driving risks.Other platforms like DoorDash, Uber, and Amazon also have automation solutions. The key is to choose reliable systems with real support, like Nexo Go. 

What about other states?

Currently, 27 U.S. states already ban manual cellphone use while driving. Even if you don’t live in Florida, similar restrictions could soon apply where you are. Preparing is always better than reacting. Automation can be the difference between losing an order or winning with safety. The truth is simple: the new law does not stop you from working. It requires you to be smarter. And with Nexo Go, that means less risk, more earnings, and more time for your family.

References 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (2023). Distracted Driving 2023 Data Report.

AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. (2023). Cognitive Distraction While Driving: Scientific Findings. 

Florida Legislature. (2023). House Bill 107 – Wireless Communications While Driving. 

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). (2024). Distracted Driving Laws by State.