A proposal to raise speed limits on some Florida highways advanced in the Senate on Tuesday, receiving unanimous approval from the Committee on Fiscal Policy with a 19-0 vote.

The measure, part of a broader transportation bill sponsored by Sen. Nick DiCeglie, seeks to increase the maximum allowable speed on limited-access highways from 70 to 75 miles per hour. Additionally, it would raise the speed limit on divided highways outside urban areas with at least four lanes from 65 to 70 miles per hour. The bill also authorizes the Florida Department of Transportation to set speed limits of up to 65 miles per hour on other state roadways currently capped at 60 miles per hour.

In addition to adjusting maximum speeds, the legislation directs the Department of Transportation to determine minimum speed limits on interstate highways with four or more lanes based on safety and advisability.

Current law sets these minimums at 40 miles per hour, or 50 miles per hour when the posted speed is 70 miles per hour. Under the proposed bill, the department would have the discretion to establish minimum speeds following its evaluations.

The proposed changes are part of CS/CS/SB 462, a wide-ranging bill that includes provisions related to transportation funding, project planning, and airport development. The legislation previously advanced through the Transportation and Regulated Industries committees.