State comparison · Updated October 2026
Florida vs. Georgia Driving Laws (2026)
Florida and Georgia part ways on 6 of 9 topics we track: phone law, car insurance, car sales tax, car inspection, new resident deadline and helmet law.
Heading from Jacksonville to Atlanta takes you across the border, and 6 of these laws switch at the line. Key roads are I-95 on the Florida side and I-75 in Georgia; the capitals, Tallahassee and Atlanta, set the rules for their side.
What changes most: mandatory liability limits differ: PIP + 10k PD versus 25/50/25. Residents of Miami who travel to Columbus, or the other way around, deal with both sets of rules: Florida's on I-75 and Georgia's following the state line on I-85. Use the Florida vs Georgia guide if you shop for a car between Jacksonville or Atlanta.
For a quick visit from Tallahassee to Atlanta, keep a helmet and proof of insurance, plan the route ahead of time, and watch for the same 70 mph top limit at the line.
| Topic | Florida | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Max speed limit | 70 mph | 70 mph |
| Phone law | Texting ban only | Hands-free law |
| Learner's permit age | Permit at 15 | Permit at 15 |
| Car insurance | PIP + 10k PD | 25/50/25 |
| Car sales tax | 6% | 7% |
| Car inspection | No regular inspection | Emissions only |
| New resident deadline | 10 days | 30 days |
| Helmet law | Under 21 | All riders |
| Lane splitting | Not allowed | Not allowed |
Driving laws side by side: Florida vs Georgia
Florida vs Georgia: Florida and Georgia agree on max speed limit: 70 mph and Permit at 15 for learner's permit age.
Cell phone and texting laws: Florida vs Georgia
Florida is looser on phone law: Florida at texting ban only and Georgia with hands-free law. Phone use that is fine in Jacksonville can be illegal around Atlanta.
Owning a car side by side: Florida vs Georgia
Minimum car insurance requirements: Florida vs Georgia
Georgia is higher on car insurance: Florida at pIP + 10k PD and Georgia with 25/50/25. Florida is no-fault and Georgia is at-fault. An insurance policy from Jacksonville has to be rewritten if you relocate to Atlanta.
Car sales tax: Florida vs Georgia
Georgia is higher on car sales tax, with Florida with 6% and Georgia at 7%. For a $30,000 purchase, state tax comes to roughly $1,800 in Florida versus $2,100 in Georgia. Buyers from Miami or Columbus owe the tax where the car is registered.
Car inspection: Florida vs Georgia
Florida is lighter on car inspection: Florida with no regular inspection and Georgia at emissions only. Owners in Miami answers to Florida rules, even when driven to Columbus.
New resident deadlines: Florida vs Georgia
Georgia is longer on new resident deadline: Florida at 10 days and Georgia with 30 days. Families moving from Miami into Columbus may book DMV visits ahead.
Motorcycle compared: Florida vs Georgia
Florida vs Georgia: Georgia and Florida agree on lane splitting: Not allowed.
Helmet law: Florida vs Georgia
Florida is looser on helmet law: Florida at under 21 and Georgia with all riders. Riders crossing from Jacksonville to Atlanta switch to Georgia's helmet law at the line.
Crossing the line for good
- Florida vs Georgia: moving from Florida to Georgia means 30 days to register the car and 30 days for a license.
- The other way: 10 days to register and 30 days for a license.
Florida vs Georgia: FAQ
Where can you drive faster, Florida or Georgia?
Georgia and Florida each allow up to 70 mph.
Where is the car tax smaller, Florida or Georgia?
Florida charges less at the state level (6% vs. 7%).
Is a motorcycle helmet required in both Florida and Georgia?
Florida: Under 21; Georgia: All motorcyclists.