Every year, when the holidays roll around in Florida, there is a familiar but unwelcome ritual: law enforcement ramps up on highway patrols and checkpoints. As more people hit the road, including vacationers and families visiting relatives, the risk of a traffic ticket or even a criminal traffic charge goes up. At the same time, the risk of a car accident increases. If you are driving this season, you should know what’s happening and how to stay safe.
Because millions of Floridians travel over Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years the roads become crowded, and cops prepare accordingly. Agencies often announce extra enforcement during the holiday stretch, adding more troopers on interstates, DUI checkpoints, saturation patrols, and stricter adherence to traffic laws.
Look Out For Extra Speed Traps On Major Routes
If you are weaving your way down major routes like I‑95 or Florida Turnpike, you should know: speed traps and increased enforcement are more likely.
You could even encounter “Officer Grinch.” In 2023, deputies from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office dressed as the green holiday character and set up speed traps along the Keys Overseas Highway. Drivers found going just a little over the limit got a choice: a citation or an onion. That odd move grabbed headlines but made drivers pause, it sent the message that holiday speeding won’t be tolerated.
For many drivers, the speed trap encounter isn’t so whimsical and fun. To assume that FHP is on holiday break is a big mistake when tempted to speed on those long highway stretches.
Just before Thanksgiving, Orange County Sheriff Department posted that they gave out 55 tickets to drivers going +80 mph in one day.
Florida DUI Enforcement Always Spikes During The Holidays
Beyond speed enforcement, there is often a surge in DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols. Holiday parties, festive events, and more alcohol consumption all lead police to focus on impaired driving. Florida law enforcement are never shy about letting the public know they are looking for impaired drivers in force.
For July 4th, Hillsborough County reported many arrests during its focused campaign.
More recently, Coral Gables Police in Miami conducted a rare DUI checkpoint on Nov 21, 2025.
Deerfield Beach also conducted a DUI checkpoint during Thanksgiving 2025.
DUI checkpoints must be announced by the law enforcement agency beforehand. The best way to stay informed is to watch the local news and follow social media accounts from police departments. However, the best way to avoid a DUI is to never drive impaired under any circumstances.
The Latest Enforcement Trend: Handicap Parking Permit Misuse
There is also increased scrutiny of other violations. Handicap parking enforcement or other infractions might be more enforced in certain cities or counties. A recent post from Mt. Dora shows police proudly displaying dozens of confiscated permits.
While using your grandma’s handicap permit while you run into a store might seem like a time saving idea, it could lead to a large fine and the permit being confiscated. Grandma can be denied another permit for a whole year because you tried to save a couple of minutes.
Car Accidents Trend Higher In November, December.
Meanwhile, the risk of car accidents climbs. More vehicles, holiday stress, tired or impaired drivers, and distracted or drowsy driving all combine to create dangerous conditions. In Florida, holiday crashes and fatalities rise compared with the average.
Because the holiday season tends to combine heavy traffic, party‑going, and disoriented drivers it has become one of the most dangerous times of the year on Florida roads.
Stats show that alcohol is a more of a factor in traffic fatalities that occur during the holidays.
General Tips To Survive The Holiday Season On Florida Highways
If you want to avoid a ticket or worse, here are some tips that can make a real difference.
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- Drive the appropriate speed limit. On highways like I‑95 or the Turnpike this matters a lot this time of year. Law enforcement are not on vacation and the police may jump out of nowhere.
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- Avoid driving impaired or even drowsy. If you plan to drink at a holiday gathering use a designated driver or rideshare. Fatigue is also dangerous.
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- Minimize distractions. Program your GPS before you go, avoid texting or fiddling with your phone, keep your focus on the road.
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- Be especially cautious on busy travel days — mornings, evenings, or right after a holiday event — when traffic swells and drivers may be stressed or distracted.
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- Give yourself extra travel time. Rushing makes speeding and reckless driving more tempting, and those are what patrols target.
The holidays should be a time of joy — not ruined by a traffic stop or a crash. If you feel overwhelmed by what enforcement might mean for you, or if you end up with a ticket or charge and want help, contact The Ticket Clinic. They have helped many people navigate the complicated aftermath of holiday traffic enforcement.
Drive safe, stay alert, and enjoy the season.
