Florida Woman Arrested for Driving 136 MPH Due to Stomachache

When a Stomachache Meets Florida's Super Speeder Law

A simple stomachache led to a criminal arrest for an Orlando woman who thought her discomfort justified driving more than double the speed limit. According to the Orlando Police Department, officers pulled over a woman Feb. 16 after clocking her dark-colored BMW at more than double the posted limit — 136 mph in a 60-mph zone. When asked about her urgency, the driver replies, "My stomach really hurts."

The incident, captured on body-worn camera footage, shows just how unprepared many drivers are for routine traffic stops. When the officer asked how fast she thinks she was going, the woman said, "I don't know." She also couldn't confidently name the speed limit. Officers then informed her she was driving at dangerous, excessive speeds before placing her under arrest.

Orlando police used the case as a teaching moment, posting on social media with a blunt message: "Sorry, your stomach hurting is NOT an excuse to drive 100 mph on our roadways." The department's response reflects a broader shift in how Florida treats extreme speeding violations.

Florida's Criminal Approach to Extreme Speeding

This arrest comes as Florida enforces its newly strengthened Super Speeder law, which transforms what was once a civil traffic violation into a criminal offense with serious consequences. A first conviction for super speeding carries a $500 fine and up to thirty days in jail. The law targets drivers who exceed 100 mph or drive 50 mph over the posted speed limit.

Super speeding now stands alone as its own offense, with mandatory fines and potential incarceration even on a first offense. The law removes judicial discretion for lenient sentences, signalling a tougher stance on dangerous speed. Unlike traditional speeding tickets that drivers can resolve by paying online, violating the Super Speeder law requires mandatory court appearances. Defendants cannot simply mail in a payment and move on with their lives.

The penalties escalate quickly for repeat offenders. If you are convicted of a second super speeding offense, the fine doubles to $1,000, and you face up to ninety days in jail. Repeat offenders can face up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine or both, and if you do it twice in a five-year span, you could lose your license for a year.

Real Consequences for Real Drivers

The enforcement has been swift and unforgiving since the law took effect. Central Florida's State Attorney Monique Worrell revealed that at least 7 drivers had been arrested one the first day of enforcement—one hit 155 mph, all were above 100 mph. Law enforcement reported issuing more than 500 citations in 2024 to drivers exceeding 100 mph.

The ripple effects extend far beyond the courtroom. Insurance companies view extreme speeding as high-risk behavior. A conviction may result in higher premiums or policy cancellation. A misdemeanor conviction can stay on your record permanently. Florida does not allow for expungement of convictions, only dismissals or charges dropped before trial.

For commercial drivers, the stakes are even higher. Commercial drivers and those holding Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) face particularly severe consequences under the Super Speeder Law. Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 383.51 establish disqualification periods for serious speeding violations, which can effectively end commercial driving careers.

The Road Ahead

The Orlando woman's arrest serves as a stark reminder that Florida has fundamentally changed how it handles extreme speeding. Police said the woman's arrest serves as a reminder that no matter the excuse, hitting extreme speeds on the highway will get you a trip to jail, not the bathroom. Her BMW was traveling at a speed that could have been fatal in any collision scenario.

Two months in, Florida is sending a crystal‑clear message: extreme speeding is now a criminal act, not a minor violation. Courts aren't offering speeders a pass anymore. The law represents a significant departure from traditional traffic enforcement, where high speeds typically resulted in hefty fines rather than potential jail time.

As more states consider similar legislation, Florida's approach may become the new standard for addressing dangerous driving behaviors. The message is clear: no excuse, whether medical discomfort or any other emergency, justifies putting lives at risk through extreme speeding. The only acceptable response to a true emergency is calling 911, not creating a potential disaster on public roads.