The Florida House of Representatives Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee unanimously approved a House-sponsored bill this week to call for speed limits on rural roadways to be raised by five miles per hour in rural and urban areas. Other roads, such as US-1 in the Florida Keys (which currently has a 55 mph speed limit), could have their speed limits raised to 60 or 65 when deemed “safe and advisable.” SB 462, filed by Senator Nick DeCigle (R-18), calls for FDOT to raise the speed limits on highways and includes goals to have the Department of Revenue help fund the speed limit project and the studies needed to approve the speed limit changes.

Most highways in the Florida State Highway network have speed limits in the 65-75 MPH range, with some roads, such as US-1, which runs from Maine to Key West, having a 55-mile-per-hour speed limit at its fastest point near Key West. Speed limits have been a constant discussion in Florida, especially since most drivers say they drive at least 5 miles per hour or more over speed limits in rural areas. The raising of speed limits has raised safety concerns, especially in large urban areas where traffic could grow even worse due to the raising of speed limits.

Across the state, other investments into infrastructure have also occurred. A replacement for the aging Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa, which carries traffic between it and St. Petersburg, was opened on Tuesday. The new bridge span, which is only open to Southbound traffic, will add 4 lanes to the roadway. Another expansion, planned to open next year, will include 4 express lanes of northbound and southbound traffic, along with a pedestrian and cycling path and space for future light rail service, which would run from St. Petersburg to downtown Tampa.

Image of the new Howard Frankland Bridge under construction. (FDOT)