Florida House passes bill banning left-lane driving except for passing, turning

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Lawmakers voted on Thursday to prevent Florida drivers from hogging the left lane unless they’re passing, taking an exit or pulling over for an emergency vehicle.

The potential new law applies to roadways with two or more lanes and with a speed limit of at least 65 miles per hour.

The Florida House of Representatives passed the bill 113-3.

HB 317‘s sponsor is Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers.

Persons-Mulicka said her legislation will improve the flow of Florida’s interstate roadways.

Violators would face fines as defined by current state law for a moving violation.

It does not apply to high occupancy vehicle lanes, as outlined under existing law. It also exempts lanes already designated as left-turn lanes.

Emergency vehicles and maintenance or construction vehicles are additionally exempt.

The Senate must still approve the bill before it heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis for final signature.

The companion bill is SB 258, sponsored by Sen. Keith Perry, R-Gainesville.

The Senate version of the legislation has already passed all of its assigned committees and is pending a final vote.

If passed fully, it would take effect Jan. 1, 2025.