Florida drivers better not put the pedal to the metal this week. Or really ever, according to the state.
The Florida Department of Transportation, along with other state officials, have kicked off its eighth annual campaign to crack down on high-speed drivers and education the public on the dangers of speeding.
"Operation Southern Slowdown is a focused, collaborative effort to enforce traffic laws and educate drivers on driving behaviors that lead to fatal crashes, striving to one day experience zero fatalities on our roadways," FHP Colonel Gary Howze II said. "FHP is proud to work with our law enforcement and public safety partners across state lines to provide a safer driving environment for everyone."
What is 'Operation Southern Slow Down?'
Spanning five states — Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee — in the south, Operation Southern Slow Down seeks to crack down on speeding and aggressive driving while emphasizing the importance of public education.
The campaign, in partnership with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and its division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), have a collective aim to "reduce the number of speed-related crashes and, ultimately, bring the number of traffic fatalities down to zero."
“Operation Southern Slow Down represents our collective vision towards creating a safer, fatality-free future on our roadways – one that goes beyond our engineering countermeasures and addresses the driver behaviors, like speeding, that place all road users at risk,” Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. in a press release. “FDOT is proud to partner with Florida’s law enforcement agencies, as well as our neighboring states, to remind motorists that their actions have real, life-changing consequences and that we all play a role in creating a safer driving environment for everyone.”
When will 'Operation Southern Slowdown' be in force?
State and local law enforcement agencies in all five states will be conducting a nearly week-long speed enforcement awareness campaign from Monday, July 15 through Saturday, July 20.
How deadly is speeding in Florida? FDOT says 'significant'
FDOT noted that speeding is a significant factor in traffic fatalities across Florida, contributing to nearly 10% of these fatalities statewide between 2019 and 2023. They also shared that demographic data reveals that young male drivers are particularly at risk, with 84% of speeding-involved fatalities involving male drivers, predominantly those aged 16-25.
"These statistics underscore the critical need for targeted enforcement and education campaigns like Operation Southern Slow Down to address dangerous driver behaviors like speeding and the tragic consequences they have on our roadways," officials said in a press release.
The Tallahassee Democrat also reported that data from the FLHSMV showed more than 13,296 crashes in 2022 in Florida involving speeding or driving too fast for conditions. Speeding contributed to 10.5% of all crash fatalities statewide, resulting in more than 368 fatalities.
What are the standard Florida speed limit laws?
Basic Florida speeding law prohibits driving at a speed which can be deemed unsafe. According to Florida Vehicle Code Sec. 316.183(1), drivers must not drive faster than is “reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard for the actual and potential hazards then existing."
According to the website floridacarlaws.com:
- 20 mph: school zones
- 30 mph: urban district or street
- 55 mph: all roads and highways unless otherwise posted
- 60 mph: two-lane sections of highways and freeways
- 70 mph: freeways, interstate highways, and other roads if posted
Florida Vehicle Code Sec. 316.183(5) states that “No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.“ This means drivers are not permitted to block or otherwise impede the normal flow of traffic.
Additionally 316.183(2) regulate that minimum speed limit on all highways with 4 or more lanes is 40 mph. In case the posted speed limit is 70 mph, the minimum speed limit is 50 mph.
What are Florida's current laws, fines for speeding?
Driving less than 30 mph over the speed limit is a noncriminal traffic infraction. However, driving 30 or more mph over the speed limit is a traffic misdemeanor, and driving 50 or more mph over the speed limit is a felony traffic violation.
Traffic tickets are handled by individual counties in Florida, with the fines for speeding vary slightly. Fines are based on how far above the speed limit you’re driving, with penalties increasing the faster you go. Florida fines for speeding infractions can range from $50 to $300 for minor infractions, to $500 to $1,000 or more for more serious offenses.
Driving course website I Drive Safely also notes each speeding ticket also comes with a predetermined number of points assessed on your driver's license, which can lead to increased insurance rates and potential license suspension or revocation:
- 3 points for speeding
- 4 points for speeding more than 15 mph over the speed limit
- 6 points for unlawful speeding that resulted in a crash
- 12 points within 12 months – 30-day license suspension
- 18 points within 18 months – 90-day suspension
- 24 points within 36 months – 12-month suspension
Safe driving tips provided by the Florida Highway Patrol
As you travel this summer, here are some tips to stay safe on Florida’s roadways:
- Buckle up and make sure all passengers are buckled up the entire trip.
- Anticipate increased traffic during peak travel periods. Plan ahead and give yourself ample drive time.
- Slow down in construction zones. Keep in mind that construction increases during the summer season.
- No matter how eager you are to reach your destination, speeding and driving aggressively is dangerous. Stay patient and give other road users plenty of space.
- Slow down at twilight hours and at night for wildlife crossing the roads
- If you witness aggressive driving, contact local law enforcement by dialing *FHP (*347) or 911
Contributing: Julie Garisto, Tallahassee Democrat
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