Florida's recap – Highlights from around the state – September 19th
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the some of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- State records on Florida’s new texting while driving law show that 438 warnings have been issued by FHP and a total of 542 citations have been issued statewide since July 1st when the new law went into effect. On October 1st the ban on hand-held use of mobile devices kicks in for school and construction zones.
- FDOT has corrected a toll collecting error on 595 express lanes in Broward that under collected approximately $1 million in tolls over the past 15 months. The state said it will not bill customers retroactively for the under collecting of tolls during that time. FDOT released figures that show a 99.5% accuracy rate for toll collecting statewide since the Conduent issues have been resolved.
- FPL announced they’re installing 1,000 electric car charging stations at 100 locations statewide at highly trafficked areas. 17 of the 100 have been identified thus far, including several in Palm Beach County– including The Breakers, Lion Country Safari and the Port of Palm Beach. FPL stated the charging stations will be universal working for any brand or model of electric car.
- The Florida Chamber of Commerce has called for reforms to Florida’s legal system in advance of next year’s state session. They cited a study showing Florida to have the fifth worst legal climate in the country leading to higher costs for goods and services and adding additional burdens, especially for small businesses within the state.