FL H1207

Defines "autonomous technology" as technology enabling a motor vehicle to drive without active human control or monitoring, excluding standard driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.

Authorizes persons with valid driver licenses to operate autonomous vehicles in autonomous mode, with the person who engages the technology deemed the operator regardless of physical presence in the vehicle.

Requires autonomous vehicles registered in Florida to meet federal motor vehicle standards and include controls to engage/disengage the technology, visual indicators of autonomous mode operation, and failure alerts to the operator.

Permits testing of autonomous vehicles on public roads by manufacturer-designated employees and contractors with a human operator present, requiring $5 million in insurance, surety bond, or self-insurance prior to testing.

Shields original manufacturers from liability for defects caused by third-party conversion of vehicles to autonomous operation, unless the defect existed in the original vehicle, and directs the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to report on regulatory needs by February 12, 2014.