Need for Speed? Jeff Brandes Files Bill to Raise Florida Highway Speed Limit

Florida drivers may be able to drive a little faster on the highways thanks to a new bill being filed Tuesday by Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg.

Brandes' bill would add an extra 5 mph to Florida highways and is being co-sponsored by Sen. Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth.

Seventeen other states already allow speed limits above 70 (mph), Brandestold Noah Pransky of WTSP/10 News Investigates.Its time that Florida review its laws, and we look to see if another 5 miles per hour will help Florida drivers get (to their destinations) a little quicker.

Other states have already raised the speed limits on four-lane highways. Starting July 1, Kansas raised the speed limit on four-lane highways to 75 mph. Louisiana also increased rural interstates to 75 mph.

A bill in Texas awaiting Gov. Rick Perry's signature will change highway speed limits in West Texas to 85 mph.