Florida drivers beware.
Operation Southern Slow Down is in effect through Saturday, July 18 with law enforcement having a larger presence on roadways. The annual campaign across Florida and the Southeast is an effort by FDOT, FLHSMV, Florida Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies to reduce “speed-related crashes and fatalities on interstates and state highways.”
Aside from Florida, the other states participating are Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. Last year, more than 7,000 tickets for speeding were handed out by the Florida Highway Patrol, as reported by the Palm Beach Post, and at least eight of those resulted in speeding-related arrests.
“Unsafe driver behaviors like speeding are a major contributor to fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Remember that your actions behind the wheel can have life-altering impacts: slow down and drive responsibly to help get everyone to their destinations safely.”
Why is Operation Southern Slow Down in play for Florida?
Speeding is attributed to about 6% of all traffic fatalities in Florida, according to the 2024 Florida Traffic Crash Facts report.
Officials with the Florida Department of Transportation said initiatives like Operation Southern Slow Down are vital to reducing dangerous driving behaviors, like speeding and in helping to prevent crashes.
This is the ninth year of Operation Southern Slow Down, which is typically about six days long.
“Speeding is a conscious choice, and it’s one that costs lives,” FHP Colonel Gary Howze said. “Operation Southern Slowdown brings Florida law enforcement and public safety partners across the Southeast United States together around a shared commitment to safer roads through increased enforcement, direct public outreach, and a unified message that reckless driving will not be tolerated. This initiative ensures that those who choose to drive recklessly are held accountable for putting others at risk.”
Tips to avoid getting pulled over during Operation Southern Slow Down
Florida’s ‘Super Speeder’ law is also in play
Along with “Operation Southern Slow Down,” Florida’s “Super Speeder” law is in effect year-round.
According to the FLHSMV, in the Jacksonville area alone, Duval County has recorded 9,751 crashes as of June 20, 2026, surpassing other counties in the region. St. Johns County has reported 2,157 crashes, Clay County 1,220, and Nassau County 476, underscoring the need for efforts to reduce speeding and improve safety across Northeast Florida.
Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. 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, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Operation Southern Slow Down is now in play, targeting Florida speeders
Reporting by Michelle Spitzer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Florida Today
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By Michelle Spitzer, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
