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Florida speeding push resulted in 7,000 tickets, begins again today

The Florida Highway Patrol responds to a wreck in this undated photo.
The Florida Highway Patrol responds to a wreck in this undated photo. USA TODAY Network, Reuters

"Operation Southern Slow Down," an initiative intended to reduce "speed-related crashes and fatalities on interstates and state highways" began July 13, meaning an increased law enforcement presence along Florida's roadways.

"Operation Southern Slow Down is an annual, week-long traffic safety campaign focusing on reducing speed-related crashes through a combination of increased enforcement and public education," according to the Florida Law Enforcement Liaison Program's website.

The 2026 initiative will run through July 18. In 2025, the "slow down" resulted in over 7,000 tickets, according to a spokesperson for the Florida Highway Patrol.

Drivers should also prepare for an increased law enforcement presence in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Further penalties for 'super speeders' in Florida

A law that went into effect on July 1 in 2025 instituted penalties for "super speeders" in Florida, making arrests, fines and possible jail time possibilities for anyone that goes 50 mph over the speed limit, or anyone driving over 100 mph.

Anyone convicted of dangerous excessive speeding can face a $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail, and second or subsequent offenses could mean up to 90 days in jail and a fine of $1,000.

Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network's Florida Connect team. You can get all of Florida's best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Florida speeding push resulted in 7,000 tickets, begins again today

Reporting by C. A. Bridges and Sarah Perkel, USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 12:51 PM.

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