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Florida left-lane bill returns, makes left lanes passing-only. What to know about HB 351

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Florida left-lane bill returns, makes left lanes passing-only. What to know about HB 351


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  • Florida lawmakers are proposing a bill that would fine drivers who use the far-left lane for anything other than passing.
  • The bill, which is similar to one vetoed by Governor DeSantis last year, aims to improve traffic flow and safety on highways.
  • The bill includes exceptions for emergency vehicles, road hazards, and specific traffic conditions.

Heads up, drivers. Florida’s left-lane bill is back.

Last year, the Florida Legislature passed a law that would fine anyone using the far-left lane on roads with speed limits of 65 mph or more for anything besides passing other vehicles, with some exceptions. But Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed it, saying the language was too broad and could lead to people being unnecessarily pulled over.

“In addition, the bill could potentially increase congestion in Florida’s urban areas as drivers may decide to not utilize the furthest left-hand lane at all for fear of being ticketed,” DeSantis said.

In February, the sponsor of the last bill, Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers, filed HB 351, a virtually identical bill with a bit more clarification. Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers, filed an identical bill, SB 636.

“All of us who travel back and forth to Tallahassee experience frustration on the major highways and frustration caused by drivers impeding the flow of traffic in the left lane,” Persons-Mulicka said last year. “This creates a dangerous situation, when drivers unnecessarily camp out in the left lane. It leads to blocking traffic flow, less predictability, more encounters, more passing maneuvers and more opportunities for accidents.”

Current Florida law already prohibits drivers from using the left lane unless they are passing a slower-moving vehicle, directed to by authorities or required to by conditions. The bill defines what a left-hand lane is as far as the law is concerned and specifies exactly under what conditions left-hand lane use is allowed.

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Over 84% of Florida drivers admit to misusing the left lane, according to legal firm Anidjar & Levine. There were 12,970 tickets issued for it in 2024, according to the firm, and each one carried a maximum fine of $75 and 3 points on your license. But enforcement was moderate, the firm said in an email.

The firm examined state laws on left-lane driving and found that the severity of the punishments and the inconsistency of their enforcement can be a problem. The strictest state was Virginia, where misusing the left lane can mean up to $2,500 in fines and potential jail time.

What is HB 351? Does it ban driving in the left lane in Florida?

Under the proposed bill, drivers would be prohibited from driving in the far left-hand lane or a roadway with two or more lanes and a posted speed limit of at least 65 mph unless:

  • You are overtaking and passing another vehicle
  • You’re about to exit the road, street or highway
  • You’ve been directed to by law enforcement or an official traffic control device
  • New this year: You’re required to do so due to the approach or presence of an authorized emergency vehicle, sanitation or utility service vehicle, wrecker, road and bridge maintenance or construction vehicle, or the presence of a disabled motor vehicle
  • New this year: Environmental or traffic conditions dictate it

This does not apply to emergency, maintenance or construction vehicles, and drivers would still be permitted to use the left lane to avoid obstructions in the road.

Under this year’s version of the bill, the Department of Transportation will designate the areas of roadways where the law applies and install signage letting motorists know about it.

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When would Florida’s left-lane law take effect?

If it passes the legislature and the governor doesn’t veto this one, HB 545 would take effect Jan. 1, 2026.



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Florida Lottery Mega Millions, Jackpot Triple Play results for April 10, 2026

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Florida Lottery Mega Millions, Jackpot Triple Play results for April 10, 2026


The Florida Lottery offers several draw games for those hoping to win one of the available jackpots.

Here’s a look at the winning numbers for games played on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Winning Mega Millions numbers from April 10 drawing

03-18-36-42-49, Mega Ball: 06

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Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Jackpot Triple Play numbers from April 10 drawing

13-18-21-28-35-38

Check Jackpot Triple Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from April 10 drawing

Midday: 11-16-27-31-35

Evening: 12-13-14-19-24

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Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 10 drawing

Morning: 12

Matinee: 04

Afternoon: 02

Evening: 03

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Late Night: 05

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

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Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win

Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.

Just the FAQs, USA TODAY

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Winning Pick 2 numbers from April 10 drawing

Midday: 7-8, FB: 0

Evening: 1-6, FB: 7

Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 10 drawing

Midday: 8-0-6, FB: 0

Evening: 5-1-8, FB: 7

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Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 10 drawing

Midday: 6-7-1-2, FB: 0

Evening: 4-3-9-0, FB: 7

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from April 10 drawing

Midday: 7-5-1-2-1, FB: 0

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Evening: 1-7-9-4-3, FB: 7

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Where can you buy Florida Lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at any authorized retailer throughout Florida, including gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. To find a retailer near you, go to Find Florida Lottery Retailers.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

  • Prizes of $599 or less: Claim at any authorized Florida Lottery retailer or Florida Lottery district office.
  • Prizes for $600 to $1 million: Must be claimed in person at any Florida Lottery district office for games that do not offer an annual payment option.
  • Prizes greater than $1 million and all prizes with an annual payment option: Must be claimed at Florida Lottery headquarters, except Mega Millions and Powerball prizes, which can be claimed at any Florida Lottery district office.

You also can claim your winnings by mail if the prize is $250,000 or less. Mail your ticket to the Florida Lottery with the required documentation.

Florida law requires public disclosure of winners

If you’re a winner, Florida law mandates the following information is public record:

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  • Full name
  • City of residence
  • Game won
  • Date won
  • Amount won
  • Name and location of the retailer where the winning ticket was purchased.

When are the Florida Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Florida Lotto: 11:15 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Jackpot Triple Play: 11:15 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Fantasy 5: Daily at 1:05 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.
  • Cash Pop: Daily at 8:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 2:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 11:45 p.m.
  • Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: Daily at 1:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Florida digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.



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New details in nearly $200,000 Florida embezzlement case

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New details in nearly 0,000 Florida embezzlement case


Twenty checks were recorded paid to “Farmer and Irwin,” but Martin County Sheriff’s investigators reported the $85,410 in payments actually went to Alexandra Gonzalez and were used for personal expenses, including travel and retail purchases.

The details are in court records supporting the April 9 arrest of Gonzalez, 46, who is accused of embezzling nearly $200,000 in total from The Dune of Hutchinson Island Condominium Association and the Whitemarsh Reserve Homeowners Association.

Gonzalez, identified as a community association manager who worked for a property management company, was held April 10 in the Martin County jail on 124 charges with more than $1.2 million bond, records show.

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Sheriff’s officials in February began investigating after association representatives reported the suspected fraudulent or theft activity, which at Dune of Hutchinson Island occurred beginning in October 2025 and at Whitmarsh Reserve started in February 2025, according to statements in records.

In the Dune of Hutchinson Island case, the owner of the property management company that employed Gonzalez told sheriff’s officials that Gonzalez “exploited the system by creating and altering vendor profiles, specifically a vendor identified as ‘Farmer and Irwin,’ to conceal fraudulent transactions,” according to records.

Checks — 20 in total representing $85,410 — recorded as payments to Farmer and Irwin corresponded to checks issued to Gonzalez, according to statements in records. The checks had a forged signature of a Dune of Hutchinson Island association vice president.

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Meanwhile, in the Whitemarsh Reserve case, investigators found 39 checks totaling $111,980 fraudulently issued to Gonzalez. Investigators found Gonzalez “issued fraudulent checks payable to herself, and made corresponding false entries in the association’s accounting system to conceal those transactions…,” records show.

Investigators reported records showed the money was used for personal expenses, including travel, cosmetic and medical procedures and retail purchases.

In speaking with investigators, Gonzalez expressed regret and said she’d be willing to repay the amounts “to avoid legal consequences.”

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Gonzalez ultimately reported going through financial challenges during the time when the checks were issued.

“When asked if her financial situation was the reason she issued checks to herself, Gonzalez admitted that it was,” records show.

Will Greenlee is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Will on X @OffTheBeatTweet or reach him by phone at 772-267-7926. E-mail him at will.greenlee@tcpalm.com.





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NEWS 6 TONIGHT | Daily Florida News with Perspective

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NEWS 6 TONIGHT | Daily Florida News with Perspective


If you need help with the Public File, call (407) 291-6000

At WKMG, we are committed to informing and delighting our audience. In our commitment to covering our communities with innovation and excellence, we incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance our news gathering, reporting, and presentation processes. Read our article to see how we are using Artificial Intelligence.



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