Custom & Specialty Florida License Plates
The Florida 511 Travel Information System is a statewide traffic information service operated by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). It provides real-time travel and roadway conditions to help drivers make informed decisions before and during trips across Florida.
The system is available online, by phone, and through mobile-friendly platforms, making it one of the primary official sources for traffic updates in the state.
Purpose and Overview
Florida 511 was created to improve roadway safety and reduce congestion by giving the public access to accurate, up-to-date travel information. The system covers major highways, interstates, toll roads, and many state-managed routes throughout Florida.
It serves commuters, long-distance travelers, truck drivers, emergency responders, and transportation planners.
Real-Time Traffic Information
Florida 511 provides live traffic data that includes:
Traffic speed and congestion levels
Incidents such as crashes and disabled vehicles
Road construction and maintenance activity
Lane closures and work zones
Weather-related road impacts
Traffic conditions are displayed on an interactive map, allowing users to quickly assess problem areas and plan alternative routes.
Interactive Map and Tools
The Florida 511 website features an interactive map where users can:
Zoom into specific regions or road segments
Click on incidents for detailed descriptions
View camera feeds in select locations
Filter by traffic type, construction, or weather
These tools help users visualize traffic patterns them.
Phone and Mobile Access
In addition to the website, Florida 511 can be accessed by dialing 511 from within Florida. The phone system provides voice-guided traffic updates by region or route.
The service is also optimized for mobile browsers, allowing drivers to check conditions safely before starting a trip or during rest stops.
Role in Trucking and Freight Movement
Florida 511 is particularly useful for commercial drivers and logistics operations. Truck drivers can use the system to:
Monitor congestion on major freight corridors
Identify construction zones that may affect travel time
Plan routes around incidents or lane restrictions
While the system provides general traffic data, it does not offer truck-specific routing based on height, weight, or hazardous material restrictions.
Data Sources and Reliability
Information displayed on Florida 511 comes from multiple sources, including:
Traffic sensors and cameras
Law enforcement and emergency services
Road maintenance and construction reports
Weather monitoring systems
Because the system is managed by FDOT, it is considered an authoritative and reliable source of traffic information for Florida roadways.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Florida 511 free to use?
Yes, Florida 511 is completely free for all users.
How can I access Florida 511?
You can access it through the official website or by dialing 511 on a phone within Florida.
Does Florida 511 show real-time traffic?
Yes, it provides live traffic speeds, congestion levels, and incident updates.
Does Florida 511 include accident information?
Yes, crashes and traffic incidents are reported and displayed on the map when available.
Can I see road construction on Florida 511?
Yes, active construction zones, lane closures, and work areas are shown.
Does Florida 511 provide traffic camera views?
Yes, traffic camera feeds are available in select locations.
Is Florida 511 available on mobile devices?
Yes, the website is mobile-friendly and works on smartphones and tablets.
Can truck drivers use Florida 511?
Yes, truck drivers commonly use Florida 511 to monitor congestion and road conditions.
Does Florida 511 offer truck-specific routing?
No, it does not provide routing based on truck height, weight, or hazmat restrictions.
Does Florida 511 show weather-related road conditions?
Yes, it may include weather impacts such as flooding, fog, or storm-related closures.
How often is Florida 511 updated?
Traffic data is updated continuously as new information becomes available.
Can users report traffic issues to Florida 511?
Reports typically come from official sources; public user reporting is limited.
Is Florida 511 reliable for trip planning?
Yes, it is considered an authoritative source for Florida roadway conditions.