Summary
Florida sets statutory defaults by statute and allows altered speed zones via engineering study under FDOT’s Speed Zoning procedures. Never quote a max without the statute; never set a limit without a study.
Statutory framework
#status/verify current session law — these move
- s.316.183: default 30 mph in business/residence districts; 55 mph “other locations” default.
- s.316.187/.189: FDOT (state roads) and counties/municipalities (their roads) may alter via engineering & traffic investigation — up to 70 limited-access, 65 rural divided ≥4 lanes (context per statute), 60 other state roads; minimums and residential-street provisions (25/20 mechanics for locals) per current text.
- School zones: s.316.1895; TEM implements signing/times.
Setting/changing a limit (SHS)
FDOT Speed Zoning Manual procedure — spot-speed study (85th percentile as anchor), crash history, context, roadside development; district traffic ops approves.
When I use it
Any “can we lower this to X?” request · speed studies · design-vs-posted consistency checks (target speed, FDM context class).
Example application
Resident asks city to drop a collector from 35→25: check owner (city vs state) → statute authority → agency’s study procedure → data plan. The answer is a process, not a yes/no.
Cross-links: FDOT Traffic Engineering Manual (TEM) · FDOT Design Manual (FDM) (design vs posted vs target) · Traffic Calming Toolbox (when the real ask is “make them slow down”)
Practice question
Who can change the limit on US 92 inside Lakeland city limits, and under what document?
QA/QC reminder
Statute text verified on Online Sunshine THIS year before it appears in a deliverable.