A new proposal is drawing major attention to Florida truck accident laws as state lawmakers look to penalize companies that use unauthorized commercial drivers. In early November 2025, Florida legislators introduced Senate Bill 86 (SB 86) in direct response to a deadly crash on the Florida Turnpike. The tragedy has intensified statewide pressure to regulate who gets behind the wheel of heavy trucks and to hold trucking firms accountable for the drivers they hire.
What SB 86 Would Do
SB 86 introduces strict business penalties designed to discourage trucking companies from putting undocumented or unauthorized drivers on Florida roads. If passed, the bill would dramatically expand consequences beyond traditional citations or fines against drivers alone. Instead, SB 86 places blame on owners and businesses, asserting that companies must verify that any commercial driver is legally authorized to operate in the United States.
Under the proposal, if a commercial vehicle is involved in an enforcement stop or crash and its driver is not legally authorized to operate a commercial vehicle, law enforcement would be required to impound the truck. The company or vehicle owner would also face a mandatory $50,000 fine, and the business could be barred from operating in Florida permanently. By shifting responsibility from drivers to owners, the bill proposes a new era of compliance expectations. Businesses would no longer be able to claim ignorance or rely on paperwork loopholes to justify hiring decisions.
Why Lawmakers Are Pushing For Change
The legislation stems from growing concerns over the connection between unverified drivers and catastrophic highway collisions. Lawmakers have argued that the Turnpike crash revealed systemic flaws in how commercial drivers are vetted. Companies that cut corners to fill driver shortages could be putting the public at risk, making stricter oversight a priority. Supporters of SB 86 argue that the bill could prevent future tragedies by forcing companies to take background checks and documentation more seriously. They believe that higher penalties would make it too costly for businesses to ignore compliance rules, improving roadway safety overall.
Opponents counter that the bill may worsen an already strained trucking labor market. Many companies struggle to recruit commercial drivers, and tightening eligibility requirements may reduce the workforce even further. Some critics also worry that legitimate drivers may face unnecessary barriers due to administrative mistakes or overcorrected enforcement.
How SB 86 Could Affect Lawsuits And Liability
If SB 86 becomes law, it could reshape how future truck accident cases are handled. Currently, personal injury lawsuits involving commercial vehicles often focus on driver negligence, training failures, or improper maintenance. With SB 86, liability may expand to include whether a business knowingly (or unknowingly) used unauthorized drivers. Insurance disputes may also become more complex. Policies may refuse coverage if a company violates hiring requirements, making businesses financially responsible for damages without insurer support. Attorneys representing injured drivers or passengers could view SB 86 as a new angle for claims, emphasizing regulatory noncompliance as proof of negligence.
Stay Informed And Protect Your Rights
The bill will be formally considered in Florida’s 2026 legislative session, where transportation advocates, trucking associations, insurers, and safety groups are expected to weigh in. Whether SB 86 becomes law or undergoes major changes, it underscores a growing trend toward placing accountability directly on trucking companies.
As liability expectations evolve, trucking businesses, insurers, and accident victims must understand how legislation like SB 86 could impact future outcomes. For legal guidance, updates, and educational resources, connect with Truck Law, a resource committed to helping Floridians navigate changing transportation rules. Get the clarity you need—stay informed with our site and seek legal support if you’ve been affected by a commercial vehicle incident.