Start the new year safely with FDOT Travel Tips

FL_511_Sign_1 copyLearn How 511 Can Help You Navigate Back-To-School Traffic.

As millions of students and educators across Florida prepare for the new school year, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) reminds parents, students and employees to stay safe and avoid traffic by using its free 511 Traveler Information System.

FDOT’s 511 system provides real-time traffic information for the entire state through the phone, FL511.com website, Android and Apple mobile apps, and Twitter feeds. The system is updated with traffic information, including crashes, commuter travel times, congestion, lane closures, severe weather, construction and emergency evacuation information on all interstate highways, toll roads and many other metropolitan roadways.

Travelers can sign up for route-specific email, text and phone alerts on the FL511.com website. Alerts can be customized by choosing the time of day, day-of-week, and type or severity of incidents. Check traffic using the roadway-specific FL511 Twitter account (#FL511) when driving back to Stetson University (#stetsonu). The 511 system is available from cell phones and landlines; however, standard cell phone minutes, text and data rates may apply.

Florida 511 Features

  • Traffic information on all interstate highways and toll roads including Florida’s Turnpike and many other major metropolitan roadways
  • Commuter travel times and reports on crashes, lane closures, construction and severe weather affecting travel
  • Access public transit, airport and seaport information
  • AMBER, Silver and LEO alerts, and emergency evacuation information. Silver Alerts notify the public when law enforcement agencies are searching for missing adults or citizens with cognitive impairments, including Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) Alerts notify the public when law enforcement officers are searching for an offender(s) who has seriously injured or killed a law enforcement officer.
  • Visit FL511.com for travel information, traffic camera views and to set up route-specific personal alerts
  • Voice-activated and touch-tone navigation available
  • 511 call and FL511.com website available in English and Spanish
  • A free resource of the Florida Department of Transportation; standard cell phone minutes or text and data charges may apply.

Florida 511 Benefits

  • Helps drivers avoid traffic congestion and road construction
  • Reduces frustration and relieves stress for travelers
  • Helps users make informed travel choices
  • Allows users to change their travel behavior including altering their routes and departure times
  • Reduces time spent idling in traffic which reduces emissions
  • Information available on the website as well as Android and Apple mobile devices
  • Increases driver convenience by delivering traffic information to users when they want it.