Florida governor Ron DeSantis has signed a new item of legislation in a bid to make Florida “the most autonomous vehicle-friendly state in the country”.
‘CS/HB 311: Autonomous Vehicles’ looks to remove some of the biggest barriers facing the advancement of autonomous vehicles, including allowing autonomous vehicles to operate without a human presence on board, providing all insurance parameters have been met.
“Signing this legislation paves the way for Florida to continue as a national leader in transportation innovation and technological advancement,” said DeSantis. “I would like to thank the bill sponsors, Senator Jeff Brandes and Representative Jason Fischer, for their work in making Florida the most autonomous vehicle-friendly state in the country.”
The bill signing took place at the SunTrax facility in Polk County, Florida, which is a national center for the research and development of advanced mobility solutions. The event celebrated the completion of phase one of the facility, making it the only high-speed autonomous vehicle testing facility in the southeastern USA.
“Over the next 10 years we will see more innovation in the transportation industry than we have seen in the last 50 years,” said Senator Brandes. “Since 2011, Florida has been a national leader in self driving transportation policy. With the signing of this legislation we reaffirm our bold commitment to lead the country as we transition to a shared, electric and driverless future.”
Kevin Thibault, secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation, added, “Autonomous vehicles are the way of the future and Florida is leading the charge through the research, testing and development of autonomous vehicles. And now with this bill signed into law by Governor DeSantis, Florida is ready to lead the nation with this innovative transportation advancement.”