A bill introduced by Pinellas County lawmakers that would prohibit drivers from creating large wakes on flooded streets is now on Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk after passing both legislative chambers last week.

State Sen. Nick DiCeglie, a Republican from Indian Rocks Beach who sponsored the bill in the Senate, said local law enforcement needed more authority to respond to reckless driving in flood-prone areas. “This bill simply allows the local government, local law enforcement, to address an issue,” he said.

The bipartisan measure was carried in the House by Rep. Lindsay Cross, a Democrat from St. Petersburg. To secure passage, DiCeglie added the proposal to Senate Bill 462, a broader transportation package.

“It’s always good to take a specific issue in a community and turn it into meaningful legislation,” DiCeglie said, “not just for now, but for years to come.”

Cross said she first heard complaints from residents of Shore Acres and Riviera Bay during Tropical Storm Eta in 2020, when vehicles sent floodwaters into homes that had otherwise remained dry.

“People’s homes weren’t being flooded by the storm itself, but by speeding drivers sending wakes into them,” she told Bay News 9. “In some cases, the damage was in the tens of thousands of dollars.”

Kristen Detroia, a 29-year-old Riviera Bay resident, said she’s had water pushed into her garage by vehicles driving through flooded streets. She supports the legislation. “I’m super excited,” she said. “Any help we can get with water issues, infrastructure, or just people joyriding through flooded areas — I’ll take it.”

The St. Petersburg Police Department and Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office have both expressed support for the law. Similar ordinances exist in Louisiana and South Carolina, where vehicles are restricted to 5 mph on flooded roads.

Florida’s version is expected to be signed by DeSantis and would take effect July 1.

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