Florida Senate Advances Bill to Raise Speed Limits to 75 MPH

A bill in Florida's Senate, SB 462, is advancing that could raise speed limits on highways and interstates, increasing the maximum speed from 70 mph to 75 mph. Sponsored by Sen. Nick DiCeglie, the proposal would also adjust speed limits on four-lane divided highways in rural areas from 65 mph to 70 mph, and allow increases from 60 mph to 65 mph where deemed safe. The bill reflects a prior effort that was vetoed by then-Gov. Rick Scott in 2014 due to concerns over safety and the potential for more severe accidents. Proponents argue that modern highways can accommodate higher speeds and that it would improve traffic flow, while opponents highlight the risks of increased accident severity. The bill has passed the Senate Transportation Committee but must clear two more committees before a full Senate vote. The Florida Department of Transportation would conduct a study to assess safety before any speed increases are implemented.