Bradenton Police Enforce Operation Southern Slow Down as New “Super‑Speeder” Law Kicks In
The Bradenton Police Department has joined law enforcement agencies across the Southeast for Operation Southern Slow Down, a week-long campaign aimed at reducing speed-related fatalities and serious injury crashes.
On Sunday, Bradenton officers conducted over a dozen traffic stops as part of the campaign. One driver was clocked traveling at 66 mph in a 35 mph zone—more than 30 mph over the limit—resulting in a citation. Speeding 30 + mph beyond the posted limit now triggers a mandatory court appearance.
Adding to the heightened enforcement, Florida’s new “Super‑Speeder” law—House Bill 351—went into effect on July 1, 2025. Under this statute, “dangerous excessive speeding” becomes a criminal misdemeanor if a driver:
Exceeds the posted limit by 50 mph or more, or
Reaches 100 mph or higher, regardless of the zone.
Penalties under the new law include:
First offense: up to 30 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.
Second or subsequent offense within 5 years: up to 90 days in jail, up to a $1,000 fine, and a driver’s license revocation for six months to one year.
Every offense under this law mandates a court appearance, reflecting a shift from handling such cases purely through civil citations. Judges and police now have the authority to impose both criminal and civil penalties, especially for excesses of 30 mph or more.
Two other incidents were reported on Sunday: one motorist was arrested for a second-offense DUI, with a blood alcohol content more than twice the legal limit, no valid license, and in possession of cocaine. That person now faces severe charges on multiple fronts.
Operation Southern Slow Down will continue throughout the week, with an added emphasis on enforcing Florida’s revamped speeding laws. The campaign and new legislation together send a strong message: extreme speeding and impaired driving carry serious criminal, legal, and safety consequences.
