Florida

[Beltway]

The issue with the Wildwood to Ocala stretch of I-75 is not confined to the northbound direction. I would venture to say about 80% of freight going through the state converges on the 30 mile segment of I-75 between the Turnpike and FL 326.

So I guess 6 lanes (3 each way) is not enough on that segment. Must need 8 lanes.

I-95 between I-4 and I-295 is also 6 lanes and is busy enough IMO to need 8 lanes.

[Beltway]

are there dolphins on the new bridge

No, Florida is manatee territory.  They've been known to come to blows with dolphins over bridges.

Some people start cutting up when I am around. I know one of the root causes. . .

[Beltway]

Is there a hidden or secret route number for the connecting ramps between I-4 and US 92 west of I-95 in Daytona Beach?

No. The ramps are functionally classified as "active exclusive", which means they are effectively a part of both routes they connect. "Active on system / SHS" however does mean they have a number. This is apparently why Florida has been adding a bunch of frontage road numbers, because the FHWA change the definition of such from "active exclusive" to "active on system."

They can be considered a pair of semi-directional ramps connecting I-4 to US-92. The two highways are only about 2,000 feet apart there.

[VTGoose]

There are actually a variety of ways to go to avoid getting caught in the Wildwood to Ocala traffic. If I can, I try to get on the road by 4AM; this gets me past Tampa before rush hour, through the Wildwood and Ocala areas before traffic starts, and also Gainesville (if I'm not already cutting over to US 301 north of Ocala) before traffic there picks up too! I'm figuring you're probably heading over to I-95, picking it up near JAX Airport or in Yulee, so your bests bets for cutting over to US 301 are at US 27 in Ocala or the FL331/FL 24 corridor from Gainesville to Waldo. I would not recommend cutting over on FL 326, as there are truck stops on all 4 corners of the interchange with I-75, and you can be waiting up to 10-15 minutes just getting down the off ramp.

If traffic through Ocala isn't too bad, we do cut over to U.S. 301 at Zuber. If it's heavy, I have cut over on U.S. 27, with Waze routing us up 35th Ave. Rd. to 35th St. as a little more direct. We have also been around and through Ocala on various roads and routes. U.S. 301 has gotten better since the Stark and Baldwin bypasses have gone in. We go all the way to Yulee and avoid Jacksonville.

If leaving that early isn't your style, you can always take the Veterans/Suncoast up to the end between Crystal River & Beverly Hills, then taking CR 486 out to FL 200 in Hernando. FL 200 beelines straight to Ocala, but the last 10 miles before you get to I-75 are a lot of stoplights and local traffic. If you have some time to kill, taking a leisurely drive up US 41 in Hernando and Citrus counties can be another alternative.

We tried that after Christmas. The toll road was great, but it was a drag getting from the end over to Ocala on two-lane roads with slow local traffic. We did avoid a mess on I-75 by continuing all the way on FL 200 to U.S. 301. We used to drive the trip in one day when our son moved to Apollo Beach, but the last few years we have been doing it in two days, with Savannah or Columbia as our northbound stopping point. So "leisurely drive" really isn't in the cards.

On this trip, since we were leaving mid-afternoon, we did take the Veteran's Expressway to Lutz to avoid downtown Tampa on I-275. It actually wasn't too bad.

Another option is taking I-75 out of Tampa, but going east on FL 50 from Brooksville over to Groveland, then picking up FL 19 and taking that all the way up to Palatka. There is a lot of old school natural Florida beauty on this highway, from the rolling hills of Lake County to the heart of Ocala National Forest. From Palatka, you can either cross the river in Palatka and take FL 207 north to I-95 near St. Augustine, take US 17 up to Green Cove Springs and cross the river into St. John's county and follow the eastern shore of the river up to JAX, or take US 17 along the western shore of the river up to the JAX area.

Some of that sounds like the reverse of our route back in the summer. We would make a Buc-ee's stop in St. Augustine, then take FL 16 west to U.S. 17, then pick up FL 20 to U.S. 301 at Hawthorne. But this trip, Waze sent us down FL 19 and on a variety of other roads to hit I-75 south of Ocala. It was a nice drive but not one I could duplicate. Thankfully there is now a Buc-ee's in Brunswick so it is an "on the way" stop instead of adding time and distance. The main reason we stop is because the kids like their jerky selection.

If you take I-75 into GA, you can still avoid everything south of I-10 by taking the Vets/Suncoast up to FL 44 in Crystal River, cutting over to US 19, and taking that north. US 129 out of Chiefland or FL 349 out of Old Town will lead you back to I-75 near Jasper, or you can continue north on US 19 all the way into GA. US 19 is a 4 lane (mostly) divided highway all the way up to Atlanta.

I encourage you to try some of these routes out, you never know which one(s) might be the best for you!!

We have tried a number of different routes in the almost 10 years since our son and girlfriend (now wife) moved south. Some were on a whim, some were to try something different, and some were offered by various navigation systems to avoid backups and wrecks.

My fictional highway dream is for I-77 to be extended south from Columbia to Valdosta, either coming direct from Columbia or across on I-20 to Augusta then south.

Someday.

Bruce in Blacksburg

[Beltway]

I read that FDOT has started a major upgrade of I‑75 between SR 44 in Wildwood and SR 326 in Ocala, adding over 31 miles of new auxiliary lanes to improve merging and reduce chronic congestion. But not any new continuous lanes, say widening I-75 from 3 lanes each way to 4 lanes each way. I see that AADT ranges from 94,000 to 115,000. Sounds like it needs 4 lanes each way thruout.

[ElishaGOtis]

Florida House passes massive Transportation Industry bill, HB 543. https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/543

Some interesting things to note:
- Allows cities and counties to lower their default residence district speed limits to less than 20mph except on state roads (previously min-capped at 20mph)
- Requires that speed cameras only be using during flashing light periods, requires speed cameras to be positioned (or repositioned by 2028) to show the flashing light
- Requires FDOT to increase perception-reaction time by 0.4 seconds
- Modifies standards regarding noise
- Explicitly that license plate frames are not in violation of Florida law

Now sent to FL Senate.

No provisions regarding speed limit increases though... I was half-expecting the previous year's bill to return regarding max allowed 75fwy/70div/65other given it was the same sponsor...   Ah well, maybe next year.

[ElishaGOtis]

How on EARTH did I miss this??? I've been informed that is not going to pass this session, but still wanted to share it...

Bill in Florida would have changed max allowed speed limits to 80 freeway / 70 all other roadways...

https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1233/

Apparently my dad found out about this and for some reason I missed it... again, it's beyond unlikely to pass this session but one can only hope for the future...   

I think it was also the FDOT agency bill (along with SB 1220 which does not contain this provision), which is likely why I didn't hear about it given it wasn't in the original request? Idk

L in the chat for 75 on 75 or 10 more on 10 before GTA VI

So close yet so far away...


EDIT: As I expected, it's been replaced with its companion bill SB 1220 which did not include the provision regarding speed limits.

EDIT 2: STRIKE ALL, NEW UPDATE!

[ElishaGOtis]

SOMEHOW, it ended up back in the senate bill in Florida!!

SB 1220 AUTHORIZES FDOT to post speed limits no higher than 80mph on limited access highways, and up to 70mph elsewhere. It's a brand-new last-minute amendment, so who knows if it'll actually go through or not, but regardless here it is:

https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1220

Where would 75-80 be put? Probably nowhere if I had to guess (as FL doesn't define design speeds above 70), but hey, at least they could if they wanted to...

THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT.

[freebrickproductions]

SOMEHOW, it ended up back in the senate bill in Florida!!

SB 1220 AUTHORIZES FDOT to post speed limits no higher than 80mph on limited access highways, and up to 70mph elsewhere. It's a brand-new last-minute amendment, so who knows if it'll actually go through or not, but regardless here it is:

https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1220

Where would 75-80 be put? Probably nowhere if I had to guess (as FL doesn't define design speeds above 70), but hey, at least they could if they wanted to...

THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT.

In your personal opinion, are there any stretches of I-10, I-75, I-95, or the Turnpike that are straight enough that 80 could be safely posted?

On the other hand, if the bill gets passed with that amendment, I suppose FDOT could start designing upgrades/widenings of Interstates and other freeways in the state to be to 80 MPH rather than 70.

[Great Lakes Roads]

SOMEHOW, it ended up back in the senate bill in Florida!!

SB 1220 AUTHORIZES FDOT to post speed limits no higher than 80mph on limited access highways, and up to 70mph elsewhere. It's a brand-new last-minute amendment, so who knows if it'll actually go through or not, but regardless here it is:

https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1220

Where would 75-80 be put? Probably nowhere if I had to guess (as FL doesn't define design speeds above 70), but hey, at least they could if they wanted to...

THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT.

In your personal opinion, are there any stretches of I-10, I-75, I-95, or the Turnpike that are straight enough that 80 could be safely posted?

On the other hand, if the bill gets passed with that amendment, I suppose FDOT could start designing upgrades/widenings of Interstates and other freeways in the state to be to 80 MPH rather than 70.

I-10: east of Pensacola to Tallahassee, Tallahassee to west of Jacksonville around US 301
I-75: Alligator Alley
I-95 and Florida's Turnpike: none?

[formulanone]

SOMEHOW, it ended up back in the senate bill in Florida!!

SB 1220 AUTHORIZES FDOT to post speed limits no higher than 80mph on limited access highways, and up to 70mph elsewhere. It's a brand-new last-minute amendment, so who knows if it'll actually go through or not, but regardless here it is:

https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1220

Where would 75-80 be put? Probably nowhere if I had to guess (as FL doesn't define design speeds above 70), but hey, at least they could if they wanted to...

THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT.

In your personal opinion, are there any stretches of I-10, I-75, I-95, or the Turnpike that are straight enough that 80 could be safely posted?

On the other hand, if the bill gets passed with that amendment, I suppose FDOT could start designing upgrades/widenings of Interstates and other freeways in the state to be to 80 MPH rather than 70.

I-10: east of Pensacola to Tallahassee, Tallahassee to west of Jacksonville around US 301
I-75: Alligator Alley
I-95 and Florida's Turnpike: none?

Turnpike from SR 70 to US 192 is completely desolate for 50+ miles with the exception of a service plaza.

I-95 north of Jupiter to St. Augustine could be 75 with some sections posted at 65-70 for Daytona, Melbourne/Cocoa Beach, Stuart where there's a few exits stacked together.

[ElishaGOtis]

SOMEHOW, it ended up back in the senate bill in Florida!!

SB 1220 AUTHORIZES FDOT to post speed limits no higher than 80mph on limited access highways, and up to 70mph elsewhere. It's a brand-new last-minute amendment, so who knows if it'll actually go through or not, but regardless here it is:

https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1220

Where would 75-80 be put? Probably nowhere if I had to guess (as FL doesn't define design speeds above 70), but hey, at least they could if they wanted to...

THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT.

In your personal opinion, are there any stretches of I-10, I-75, I-95, or the Turnpike that are straight enough that 80 could be safely posted?

On the other hand, if the bill gets passed with that amendment, I suppose FDOT could start designing upgrades/widenings of Interstates and other freeways in the state to be to 80 MPH rather than 70.

I-10: east of Pensacola to Tallahassee, Tallahassee to west of Jacksonville around US 301
I-75: Alligator Alley
I-95 and Florida's Turnpike: none?

Turnpike from SR 70 to US 192 is completely desolate for 50+ miles with the exception of a service plaza.

I-95 north of Jupiter to St. Augustine could be 75 with some sections posted at 65-70 for Daytona, Melbourne/Cocoa Beach, Stuart where there's a few exits stacked together.

Tehehehehehe

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Ia4RR_BaYyzgJq4n3JcYzkNZjLYKzGQ

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=36540.0

(Although I do plan on adding some more 80 if the senate doesn't put a stop to this provision today or tomorrow.)

[NE2]

Fictional

[ElishaGOtis]

Fictional

This^^

[Great Lakes Roads]

https://www.fdotmiamidade.com/826expresssouth

FDOT has selected Alternative 4A as their preferred alternative to the SR 826/Palmetto Expressway South PD&E Study.

It adds:
-an additional GP lane in each direction throughout the entire project length
-one express lane in each direction from SR 874 to SR 836
-dedicated express lane ramp from SR 826 NB to SR 836 EB

[ElishaGOtis]

SOMEHOW, it ended up back in the senate bill in Florida!!

SB 1220 AUTHORIZES FDOT to post speed limits no higher than 80mph on limited access highways, and up to 70mph elsewhere. It's a brand-new last-minute amendment, so who knows if it'll actually go through or not, but regardless here it is:

https://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1220

Where would 75-80 be put? Probably nowhere if I had to guess (as FL doesn't define design speeds above 70), but hey, at least they could if they wanted to...

THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT.

Senate refused to adopt House amendment, session ended before the house could respond. It could come back in the budget special session, but I'm not confident...

[Great Lakes Roads]

As of December 2025, the following tolling facilities that are still accepting cash are:
Alligator Alley (I-75)
Mid-Bay Bridge (SR 293)
Sunshine Skyway (I-275)

The Beachline West (SR 528) just switched to cashless tolling on December 7th!

Not to mention the two that only accept cash (Gasparilla Island Bridge / Boca Grande Causeway & Hammock Dunes Bridge).

What's funny is that FDOT's map shows Mid-Bay Bridge and Alligator Alley as being AET only despite neither being the case (granted, Spence Pkwy is AET but not the bridge). Skyway is depicted as Cash or SunPass.

https://floridasturnpike.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/English_MAP_NOV2025.pdf

https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/09/sunshine-skyway-florida-tolls-cashless-electronic

The Sunshine Skyway (I-275) will be the next tolling facility to go cashless in Florida. The switchover date is on/after April 14th.

[ElishaGOtis]

As of December 2025, the following tolling facilities that are still accepting cash are:
Alligator Alley (I-75)
Mid-Bay Bridge (SR 293)
Sunshine Skyway (I-275)

The Beachline West (SR 528) just switched to cashless tolling on December 7th!

Not to mention the two that only accept cash (Gasparilla Island Bridge / Boca Grande Causeway & Hammock Dunes Bridge).

What's funny is that FDOT's map shows Mid-Bay Bridge and Alligator Alley as being AET only despite neither being the case (granted, Spence Pkwy is AET but not the bridge). Skyway is depicted as Cash or SunPass.

https://floridasturnpike.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/English_MAP_NOV2025.pdf

https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2026/02/09/sunshine-skyway-florida-tolls-cashless-electronic

The Sunshine Skyway (I-275) will be the next tolling facility to go cashless in Florida. The switchover date is on/after April 14th.

It's about dang time! 

[D-Dey65]

I just saw a new design for the I-4 interchange with US 17 and 92 in Sanford. I was worried that it was going to add a bunch of unnecessary railroad crossings with the SunRail Main Line. It turns out it puts US 17-92 as well as new ramps above the railroad tracks.
https://i4beyond.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/interchanges/north/segment-3/US_1792_Interchange.pdf
Still not a fan though. It moves US 17 and 92 above I-4 and pulls the road away from the Lake Monroe Wayside Park. Also in general I'm not a big fan of the replacement of more advanced interchanges with simple diamond or even SPUI interchanges, even at parclos. It just wreaks of a downgrade.

Plus, I always found the existing interchange to be kind of fun.

[74/171FAN]

I just saw a new design for the I-4 interchange with US 17 and 92 in Sanford. I was worried that it was going to add a bunch of unnecessary railroad crossings with the SunRail Main Line. It turns out it puts US 17-92 as well as new ramps above the railroad tracks.
https://i4beyond.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/interchanges/north/segment-3/US_1792_Interchange.pdf
Still not a fan though. It moves US 17 and 92 above I-4 and pulls the road away from the Lake Monroe Wayside Park. Also in general I'm not a big fan of the replacement of more advanced interchanges with simple diamond or even SPUI interchanges, even at parclos. It just wreaks of a downgrade.

Plus, I always found the existing interchange to be kind of fun.

The bigger issue for me is having to reclinch US 17/US 92.

[Great Lakes Roads]

Another project from the FTE to rebuild and widen the Turnpike from 4 to 8 lanes (US 27 to CR 470 interchange- MP 289 to 297).

[NE2]

If you prefer text and images to videos: https://floridasturnpike.com/turnpike-projects/featured-projects/widenturnpikeus27tocr470/

[formulanone]

Florida had this issue with mile marker 420 on I-75, so per the legend, it was actually replaced with a 419.9 sign

Can confirm, spotted this on our trip home last week; this and the opposite side of I-75 must have the only decimalized mile markers in the state.

Surprised they they didn't go with 419.99 a la Colorado.

[ElishaGOtis]

Florida had this issue with mile marker 420 on I-75, so per the legend, it was actually replaced with a 419.9 sign

Can confirm, spotted this on our trip home last week; this and the opposite side of I-75 must have the only decimalized mile markers in the state.

Surprised they they didn't go with 419.99 a la Colorado.

Turnpike also uses decimal mile markers.

[Max Rockatansky]

Florida had this issue with mile marker 420 on I-75, so per the legend, it was actually replaced with a 419.9 sign

Can confirm, spotted this on our trip home last week; this and the opposite side of I-75 must have the only decimalized mile markers in the state.

Surprised they they didn't go with 419.99 a la Colorado.

County Road 420 out by Christmas hasn't had highway shields in at least a decade.