The Florida Senate
BILL ANALYSIS AND FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(This document is based on the provisions contained in the legislation as of the latest date listed below.)
Prepared By: The Professional Staff of the Committee on Transportation
BILL: CS/SB 350
INTRODUCER: Transportation Committee and Senator DiCeglie
SUBJECT: Unlawful Speed
DATE: March 12, 2025
ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR REFERENCE ACTION
1. Shutes Vickers TR Fav/CS
2. CA
3. RC
Please see Section IX. for Additional Information:
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE - Substantial Changes
I. Summary:
CS/SB 350 authorizes a motor vehicle, boat, or other conveyance to operate on a flooded or
inundated street at a speed slow enough it would otherwise be considered as unlawfully
impeding the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, provided a local ordinance permits
such operation.
The bill does not appear to have a fiscal impact to state or local governments.
This bill will take effect upon becoming a law.
II. Present Situation:
Florida law provides that person may not drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is
reasonable and prudent under the existing conditions and having regard to actual and potential
hazards. Vehicle speed must be controlled as necessary to avoid colliding with any person,
vehicle, or other conveyance or object on or entering the highway in compliance with legal
requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care.
1
1
Section 316.183(1), F.S.
REVISED: BILL: CS/SB 350 Page 2
On streets or highways, the maximum speed limits for all vehicles must be 30 miles per hour in
business or residence districts, and 55 miles per hour at any time at all other locations.
2 However,
with respect to a residence district, a county or municipality
3 may set a maximum speed limit of
20 or 25 miles per hour on local streets and highways after an investigation determines that such
a limit is reasonable.
4 The minimum speed limit on all highways that are part of the National
System of Interstate and Defense Highways and have not fewer than four lanes is 40 miles per
hour, except that when the posted speed limit is 70 miles per hour, the minimum speed limit is 50
miles per hour.
5
The operator of a vehicle must drive at an appropriately reduced speed when:
• Approaching and crossing an intersection or railway grade crossing;
• Approaching and going around a curve;
• Approaching a hill crest;
• Traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway; and
• Any special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather
or highway conditions.
6
A person may not drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal
and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation
or in compliance with law.
7
A violation of the unlawful speed provisions contained s. 316.183, F.S., is a noncriminal traffic
infraction, punishable as a moving violation as provided in ch. 318, F.S. The statutory base fine
is $60, but with additional fees and court costs, the total fine may be up to $158.
8
III. Effect of Proposed Changes:
The bill provides an additional exception to the prohibition on a person driving a motor vehicle
at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.
Specifically, the bill allows a motor vehicle, boat, or other conveyance to operate at what would
normally be considered an impermissibly slow speed if the street is flooded or inundated and if
there is a local ordinance permitting such operation.
The bill will take effect upon becoming a law.
2
Pursuant to ch. 316, F.S., and Rule 14-15.010, F.A.C., the Florida Department of Transportation is authorized to establish
speed limits on state highways up to the following maximums: 70 mph on Interstates, 65 mph on a four-lane divided highway
outside an urban area (with a population of 5,000 or more), and 60 mph on other state highways.
3
Section 316.008(1), F.S., authorizes local authorities to alter or establish speed limits with respect to streets and highways
under their jurisdiction.
4
Section 316.183(2), F.S.
5
Id.
6
Section 316.183(4), F.S.
7
Section 316.183(5), F.S.
8
Florida Association of Clerks of Court, 2023 Distribution Schedule, p, 42.
https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.flclerks.com/resource/resmgr/publicationsanddocuments/2023_Distribution_Schedule_e.pdf
(last visited March 7, 2025). BILL: CS/SB 350 Page 3
IV. Constitutional Issues:
A. Municipality/County Mandates Restrictions:
None.
B. Public Records/Open Meetings Issues:
None.
C. Trust Funds Restrictions:
None.
D. State Tax or Fee Increases:
None.
E. Other Constitutional Issues:
None.
V. Fiscal Impact Statement:
A. Tax/Fee Issues:
None.
B. Private Sector Impact:
None.
C. Government Sector Impact:
The bill does not appear to have a fiscal impact on state or local governments.
VI. Technical Deficiencies:
None.
VII. Related Issues:
None.
VIII. Statutes Affected:
This bill amends section 316.183 of the Florida Statutes. BILL: CS/SB 350 Page 4
IX. Additional Information:
A. Committee Substitute – Statement of Changes:
(Summarizing differences between the Committee Substitute and the prior version of the bill.)
CS by Transportation on March 12, 2025:
The committee substitute allows in addition to a motor vehicle, a boat, or other
conveyance to operate at would be considered an impermissibly slow speed if the street is
flooded or inundated, and if there is a local ordinance permitting such use.
B. Amendments:
None.
This Senate Bill Analysis does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill’s introducer or the Florida Senate.