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FLORIDA - A new bill advancing in the Florida Senate could lead to higher speed limits on interstates and major highways.
The Senate Transportation Committee has approved SB 462, sponsored by Sen. Nick DiCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach, which proposes raising the maximum speed on interstates and Florida’s Turnpike from 70 mph to 75 mph.
The legislation would also require the Department of Transportation to increase speed limits on four-lane divided highways in rural areas from 65 mph to 70 mph.
Roads with existing 60 mph limits could be raised to 65 mph if considered safe and appropriate.
A similar proposal was vetoed in 2014 by then-Gov. Rick Scott, who expressed concerns that higher speed limits could contribute to more severe traffic accidents.
Law enforcement officials also opposed the change, warning it could increase crash risks and fatalities.
Before becoming law, the bill must pass through two additional Senate committees before reaching a full Senate vote.