What is Florida 511?

Florida 511 is a transportation and traffic information telephone hotline where callers are guided through the menu through a series of requests. Callers can ask for specific roadways or regions, and the system will provide information about traffic incidents, closures, weather, and other important roadway conditions.

The Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) 511 Traffic Information Service is a free phone and Internet service that provides real-time traffic information on all Florida interstate highways, Florida’s Turnpike and major roadways in the state’s major metropolitan areas. The 511 phone call is available from cell phones or landlines from anywhere within the state. The website, provides traffic information, FDOT camera views, links to transit partners, My Florida 511 Personalized Services and more.

Florida’s 511 underwent a dramatic change in 2009: the integration of five regional systems into one seamless statewide service making it easier than ever for Florida drivers to get real-time traffic information. In addition, system upgrades will allow 511 users to take advantage of the latest technology to personalize their traffic updates and receive customized traffic alerts from 511.

The new Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) delivers local 511 services through technology that is standardized and integrated statewide. The Florida ATIS features the next generation of Interactive Voice Recognition (IVR) service, with easier-to-navigate call menus that provide detailed local information. The new IVR is entirely bilingual, offering information in English and Spanish throughout the state.

While 511 services are standardized statewide, local FDOT districts continue to provide traffic updates for the new ATIS. Districts control the quality and quantity of information from their area which is posted on 511 and Fl511.com using SunGuide software.

Technological improvements to Florida’s Statewide 511 include hundreds of additional traffic cameras, thousands of roadside sensors, and more fiber optics to provide fast, accurate reporting of information used for 511 alerts.

Florida’s Statewide 511 service covers all interstate highways in the state, Florida’s Turnpike, Miami-Dade Expressway Authority roadways, Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority roadways and many other major roads throughout the state, adding key roadways in some areas, while focusing on commonly requested highways in other districts.

My Florida 511 allows Florida drivers to set up customized routes and alerts through FL511.com. The 511 system then notifies those drivers when alerts are posted on their personalized routes, through a phone call, e-mail or SMS text message. My Florida 511 users receive their alerts only during the days and times of day they choose.

The Statewide 511 Web site gives quick access to regional traffic conditions and incident reports, including traffic cameras, and allows users to sign up for My Florida 511 personalized services. The Web site features links to transit and travel partners — including transit systems — airports and seaports, and evacuation information.