New Florida Bill Would Fine Slow Drivers in Left Lane

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A new bill filed in the Florida state legislature would impose fines on drivers who move slowly in the left lane on major roads. Long a headache for highway travelers in Florida, the bill would bring accountability to a common traffic folly. The bill was introduced concurrently in the Florida state Senate and House of Representatives by Florida Senator Keith Perry (R-Gainesville) and Representative Jenna Persons-Mulicka (R-Fort Myers), to be considered in next year’s first legislative session. The text of the bill states that on roads with two or more lanes and a speed limit of 65 miles per hour or greater, drivers are prohibited from driving under the speed limit in the furthest lane to the left. An exception is carved into the policy for when drivers are passing another vehicle, being directed to the left lane by an official marker, or preparing to exit the road. Emergency vehicles are also exempt, as are highway maintenance vehicles, and construction vehicles when they’re at work. Those found in violation would be subject to fines as applicable in a noncriminal traffic infraction. As of this month, the bill is in the Infrastructure Strategies Committee in the state House and awaiting review by the Transportation, Criminal Justice, and Rules committees in the state Senate. It has not received a formal vote in either chamber, either in a committee or on the floor. If made into a law, the bill would go into effect at the start of 2025.