Every summer, from July 14 to July 19, 2025, law enforcement agencies across the southern U.S. ramp up enforcement efforts in an initiative called Operation Southern Slow Down. This yearly campaign, now in its ninth year, targets speeding and aggressive driving on major highways throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee.
What It Means for Florida
In Florida, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), in partnership with FDOT and other agencies, is joining this regional crackdown to curb reckless driving and save lives . On July 14, statewide press conferences launched the week‑long campaign, with officers ready to issue warnings, citations and engage in public education about the dangers of speeding.
Locally, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (and other local departments) are fully committed as well. While last year’s “Operation Summer Slowdown” in Hillsborough yielded over 4,000 traffic stops, 301 citations and 47 arrests, this year they’re diving back in—reminding drivers to watch their speed and their habits behind the wheel.
Other Counties with announcements include:
Why It Matters
- Unsafe Speeding Factor In Traffic Accidents. Nationwide in 2023, almost 30 % of traffic deaths involved speeding, and in the Southeast, speeding fatalities rose 13 % from 2019 to 2023.
- Teens and young drivers are hit hardest: about 37 % of males aged 15–20 involved in fatal crashes were speeding.
- Last year’s campaign across five states led to over 62,000 citations and warnings, including nearly 50,000 for speeding .
Florida’s Local Strategy
- FHP Troopers will patrol interstates and major routes, especially those with high crash rates.
- Public awareness efforts such as press events, social media, and signage—will remind drivers: slow down, buckle up, avoid aggressive maneuvers.
- Florida Law Enforcement Liason Program is even maintaining a website for local departments to sign up, share media assets and submit their results.
- Local Law Enforcement, many other agencies like the Hillsborough County Sheriff department are making their own announcements that they will be adding resources to the campaign and warning drivers to slow down.
What to Expect in Florida During Operation Southern Slow Down
Get ready for a heavy police presence on Florida’s roads between July 14 and July 19. This isn’t business as usual; it’s an all-hands-on-deck effort to catch speeders and aggressive drivers.
- Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) will deploy extra troopers along interstates, toll roads, and other high-crash corridors. They’ll be watching for drivers exceeding the limit even by a few miles per hour.
- Marked and unmarked patrol cars will be scattered across key routes. You might think you’re in the clear, only to discover the car next to you belongs to law enforcement.
- Local agencies like the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office are joining in. Hillsborough deputies plan saturation patrols—meaning more deputies in fewer miles, working together to catch violations quickly.
- Expect zero tolerance for speeding. Officers won’t be inclined to let small infractions slide. They’ll be citing drivers for:
- Speeding—even modest overages
- Aggressive lane changes
- Tailgating
- Racing or stunt driving
- Roadside speed traps are likely in construction zones, rural stretches, and known trouble spots where crashes spike.
- Motorcycle units may be deployed because they’re harder for drivers to spot in traffic and perfect for sneaking up on speeders.
- Traffic enforcement details might be announced on social media in real time. Check FHP and local sheriff’s pages before heading out, or you might stumble into an enforcement zone unknowingly.
- Don’t count on warnings. This campaign is designed for enforcement, not leniency.
Operation Southern Slow Down in Florida will be impossible to miss if you’re on the highway or even county roads. The goal is simple: slow people down and save lives. But it’s going to mean a lot more tickets for those who don’t heed the warnings.
What To Do If You Get a Ticket
If you’re stopped during Operation Southern Slow Down and walk away with a citation, don’t panic. Don’t pay it without exploring your options because even a single speeding ticket can mean:
- Steep fines
- Points on your license
- Increased insurance rates
- Possible license suspension if you have prior violations
Call The Ticket Clinic right away. We’re at your service, and consultations are free. Our lawyers know Florida’s traffic laws, local courts and how to spot weaknesses in speeding cases. It could save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars down the road. We have over 5,000,000 successful case results across the nation and 35+ years in the business. Text 305305, call, or use our online tools to get started.
