Florida Will Mark Certain Drivers With Code 775.261

Beginning October 1, 2026, Florida will start identifying certain drivers with a special designation on their driver’s licenses and state identification cards. The measure is part of Senate Bill 1332, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, and is intended to help authorities monitor individuals classified as repeat offenders under state law.

The new designation will consist of the code “775.261, FS” printed on the front of the driver’s license or identification card.

What Does Code 775.261 Mean?

The code refers to Section 775.261 of the Florida Statutes and indicates that the holder is subject to special registration and supervision requirements established by state authorities.

The designation will not apply to the general public or to drivers without qualifying criminal histories. It will only affect individuals who have been officially classified as repeat offenders under Florida law.

Does It Affect Truck Drivers?

Yes. The law does not exempt commercial drivers.

If a person holds a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and is classified as a repeat offender under the statute, they will be required to carry a license displaying the designation.

For professional drivers, this means the marking may be visible during roadside inspections, traffic stops, and verification procedures conducted by state or federal agencies.

Can Drivers Obtain or Keep a CDL With This Mark?

Yes.

The new law does not automatically revoke or suspend a CDL.

However, a driver’s ability to obtain or maintain a commercial license may still depend on other factors, including specific criminal convictions, federal eligibility requirements, company hiring policies, and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.

In other words, the presence of code 775.261 does not by itself result in the automatic loss of a CDL, but it could lead to additional reviews by employers, insurers, or regulatory authorities.

Could It Affect Fleet Insurance?

Potentially.

Insurance companies routinely evaluate driving records and background information when calculating risk and determining premiums. While the law does not require insurers to modify coverage, the identification of a driver as a repeat offender could influence how some companies assess risk.

For commercial fleets, this could translate into higher insurance costs or internal hiring restrictions, depending on the policies of individual carriers and insurance providers.

New Requirements for Affected Drivers

In addition to carrying the updated identification, affected individuals must register with the appropriate sheriff’s office within 48 hours of release and keep the following information current:

• Residential address
• Employment information
• Registered vehicles
• Professional licenses
• Immigration status

Authorities will conduct periodic verification checks, and failure to comply with these requirements may be prosecuted as a felony offense.

What Transportation Companies Need to Know

Trucking companies operating in Florida should pay close attention to the implementation of this law, particularly in areas related to driver hiring, compliance, risk management, and background screening.

Although the 775.261 designation does not automatically prevent someone from holding a CDL, it could become an additional factor during candidate evaluations and employment decisions.

Companies should also monitor how insurers interpret the new designation. While the law does not mandate changes to insurance policies, some carriers may incorporate the designation into their risk assessments, potentially affecting premiums or underwriting decisions for certain drivers and fleets.

For carriers engaged in interstate operations or employing drivers in Florida, it will be important to monitor any adjustments to compliance procedures and documentation requirements. While the law is primarily intended to enhance public safety and offender tracking, it may also create new administrative considerations for the commercial transportation industry.

The law will officially take effect on October 1, 2026.