Florida launched its controversial "Super Speed" law at midnight on July 1, and it did so with a decisiveness that has sparked much discussion: at 12:02 a.m., a driver was stopped for going 167 km/h (104 mph) in a zone limited to 112 km/h (70 mph).
The scene was captured in a video and shared by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, as a direct message to those who tend to accelerate too much: "We are not going to wait."
But what has drawn the most attention is not just the speed, but the way the arrest was handled. In the released images, a person can be seen in handcuffs, although it was later confirmed that this person was neither the driver of the vehicle nor their immediate companion. The message seems more symbolic than legal: a warning with handcuffs included.
The new law tightens penalties for those exceeding 160 km/h or surpassing the established limit by more than 80 km/h. Consequences can range from 30 days in jail or a $500 fine to a one-year suspension of the license if the driver reoffends within five years.
None of this seems to have deterred the first offender, nor the more than 100 drivers who are caught speeding each month in Orange County, in the Orlando area.
For many Cubans living in Florida or with family there, this news not only sparks curiosity but also concern. With so many immigrants working early in the morning, commuting long distances, or using borrowed or low-cost cars, who is most vulnerable to these new measures?
Is more punishment the same as more security?
Not everyone in the Florida Capitol is convinced that this law is the solution. The Democratic representative from Orlando, Anna Eskamani, criticized the Legislature's tendency to "toughen penalties without clear evidence that it reduces crime." In contrast, Senator Jason Pizzo, one of the proponents of the measure, had no doubts: “You can't drive at 160 km/h and think that's not dangerous,” reports the specialized site CarBuzz.
Behind the data, the laws, and the headlines, there is a concerning reality: the risk that measures like this disproportionately impact immigrant communities, essential workers, and young people who, due to a lack of options, drive older cars or are not fully aware of the new regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Speeding Law in Florida
What does the new Super Speed law in Florida establish?
The new Super-Speeding law in Florida toughens penalties for those who exceed 160 km/h or surpass the established limit by more than 80 km/h. Consequences can include up to 30 days in jail, a fine of $500, or a one-year suspension of the license if the driver reoffends within five years.
How does this law affect immigrants in Florida?
The law could disproportionately affect immigrant communities, particularly those who drive older cars or are not fully aware of the new regulations. This is because many immigrants work early in the morning, drive long distances, or use borrowed or low-cost vehicles, which could increase their exposure to these measures.
What do legislators think about the effectiveness of the Super Speed law?
There are divided opinions among lawmakers. While Democratic representative Anna Eskamani criticizes the trend of "increasing penalties without clear evidence that it reduces crime," Senator Jason Pizzo, who supports the measure, states that "you can't drive 160 km/h and think that's not dangerous."
What impacts have immigration policies in Florida had in relation to the new traffic laws?
Immigration policies in Florida, which include harsher penalties for illegal immigrants, could further complicate the situation for those who are already facing the Super Speed law. These measures have been criticized for being unconstitutional and for disproportionately affecting immigrants, with possible legal implications if citizens or legal residents are mistakenly detained.
Filed under:
