Two bills introduced in the Florida Legislature aim to increase the maximum speed limit on some interstates and turnpikes from 70 to 75 mph. Additionally, on four-lane divided highways in rural areas, the speed limit could rise from 65 to 70 mph.

The proposed legislation, Florida House Bill 567 and Senate Bill 462, would allow these speed limit changes—but only with approval from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), which would conduct a study to assess the feasibility of the increases.

State Sen. Nick DiCeglie, sponsor of the Senate bill, clarified that the change is not automatic. “Other states have 75 mph or higher speed limits on their roads, and I’ll say right off the bat that this doesn’t automatically raise the speed limit. It gives FDOT the option to evaluate it. They have to conduct a study,” DiCeglie said.

If approved, the changes may not apply universally. “Safety is our top priority, so I would expect certain roads, like I-275, I-4, and I-95, to have segments where FDOT would choose not to raise the speed limit,” he added.

However, some oppose the proposed changes. Jessica Wiggins, whose daughter Paige Howard was tragically killed in a Tampa crash in early January, argues that raising the speed limit could lead to more dangerous driving. Howard’s vehicle was struck by a driver allegedly speeding over 100 mph in a 45-mph zone. The suspect, 67-year-old Gary Manist, faces a felony charge of vehicular homicide. Wiggins, who is now raising four children without her daughter, believes the speed limit increase could cost more lives.

“Raising the speed limit will just lead to more accidents, more problems, and more people thinking, ‘If I go 75, I can go 85.’ Just that 5 mph could save or take a life,” Wiggins said.

Wiggins and her family continue to cherish the memories of Paige, who was known for her big heart and dedication to her children.

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