On Thursday, June 13, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that “removes unnecessary obstacles that hinder the development of autonomous vehicle technology.”

The bill, CS/HB 311: Autonomous Vehicles, removes barriers to the advancement of autonomous vehicles, and establishes a statewide statutory framework.

“Signing this legislation paves the way for Florida to continue as a national leader in transportation innovation and technological advancement,” Governor DeSantis says.

“I would like to thank the bill sponsors, Senator Jeff Brandes and Representative Jason Fischer, for their work in making Florida the most autonomous vehicle-friendly state in the country.”

Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kevin Thibault says, “autonomous vehicles are the way of the future and Florida is leading the charge through the research, testing and development of autonomous vehicles. And now with this bill signed into law by Governor DeSantis, Florida is ready to lead the nation with this innovative transportation advancement.”

The bill was signed at the SunTrax facility in Polk County, Florida. The signing of the bill celebrated the completion of Phase One of the facility, which is America’s newest autonomous vehicle test track.

SunTrax is a national center for the research and development of advanced mobility technologies, and will be the only high-speed autonomous vehicle testing facility in the southeastern United States.