Five Reasons to Use FDOT’s 511 When Traveling in Florida

Road tripping in the Sunshine State? Here are five reasons to use the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) 511 when traveling in Florida.

Reason #1
It’s a real-time, traffic resource provided by FDOT, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Reason #2
Traffic updates cover anything from construction and crashes to lane closures, congestion, severe weather and detours on all of Florida’s interstates, toll roads and major metropolitan roadways.

Reason #3
There are four ways to access the 511 Traveler Information System

Dial 511 for updates in English and Spanish
Visit FL511.com for interactive maps and live traffic cameras
Download the free mobile app available on Google Play and iTunes
Follow one of the 12 regional and roadway-specific Twitter feeds.

Reason #4
Receive personalized alerts and pre-program your most frequently used routes by registering through My Florida 511. Alerts can even be sent directly to your phone via email, phone call or text message.

Reason #5
Best of all, 511 is free to access and use! (Of course, if you don’t have unlimited data and messaging, message and data rates apply depending on your phone carrier.)

Since I’m frequently on Florida’s roadways, I have 511 on my iPhone to stay informed about traffic conditions and make smarter driving decisions. With the holidays coming up, it’s a smart idea to add it to your device sooner than later, before you get caught up in the holiday mayhem.

Are you a visitor planning a trip to the Sunshine State? Come prepared! Download 511 and be sure to stop at a Florida Welcome Center for your cup of orange or grapefruit juice.

Happy and safe travels!

Jenn

Jennifer A. Huber is an award-winning travel and outdoor blogger and writer in Southwest Florida. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., a hiking trail led her to a career path in the tourism industry for more than 30 years. She spent a decade with a park management company in Yellowstone, Death Valley, and Everglades National Parks. She founded the travel blog, SoloTravelGirl.com with the goal of inspiring others to travel alone, not lonely. The unexpected death of her former husband in 2008 reminded her how short life is. His passing was a catalyst for sharing her experiences with the goal of inspiring and empowering others to travel solo. Jennifer holds a Travel Marketing Professional certification from the Southeast Tourism Society, is a certified food judge, member of the NASA Social community, and alum of the FBI Citizens Academy. When not traveling, she is either in the kitchen, practicing her photography skills, or road tripping with her dog, Radcliff.