Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation last week that removes obstacles that hinder the development of autonomous-vehicle technology and also establishes insurance requirements for autonomous vehicles.
The bill removes the need for a human operator in an autonomous vehicle. The vehicles must have hardware and software installed that allows a remote human operator to supervise.
DeSantis signed the bill at SunTrax in Polk County. The facility is a national center for the research and development of advanced mobility solutions.
“I applaud the governor for his continued commitment to invest in emerging transportation technologies,” Kevin Thibault, Florida Department of Transportation secretary, said. “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 legislation will ensure Florida continues to be a leader in transportation innovation and technological advancement, DeSantis said.
The signing of the bill corresponded with the completion of SunTrax’s phase one, autonomous-vehicle test track.
When the facility is completed, it will be the only high-speed autonomous-vehicle testing facility in the Southeast.
Phase two of construction is underway.