5/2/08-A bill has died that sought to prohibit drivers from talking on hand-held cell phones while driving.
Drivers would have been prohibited from using the devices while behind the wheel. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” accessory would still have been permitted.
Sponsored by Rep. Ronald Brise, D-North Miami, HB175 would have made it a secondary offense to drive while chatting – meaning a person would have to be pulled over for another violation, such as speeding, before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone. It also would have prohibited drivers from text messaging.
Emergency calls would have been exempted.
An identical Senate bill – S1266 – met the same fate.

10/8/07-A bill prefiled for the 2008 regular session would prohibit drivers from talking on hand-held cell phones while driving.
Drivers would be prohibited from using the devices while behind the wheel. Talking on a phone equipped with a “hands-free” accessory would still be permitted.
Sponsored by Rep. Ronald Brise, D-North Miami, HB175 would make it a secondary offense to drive while chatting – meaning a person would have to be pulled over for another violation, such as speeding, before they could be ticketed for talking on the phone. It also would prohibit drivers from text messaging.
Emergency calls would be exempted.
For bill status, call (850) 488-4371. In Florida, call 1-800-342-1827
An identical Senate bill – S266 – also has been offered for consideration.