Following a historic winter blast in early 2025 that shattered snowfall records across the Gulf Coast and Florida Panhandle, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has strengthened its winter-weather response efforts.
Though hurricanes, heavy rainfall, flooding, and heat waves are far more common in the Sunshine State, FDOT officials said they take an “expect the unexpected” approach to all weather scenarios, including snowstorms.
This winter, the department added 10 heavy truck-mounted snowplows, 10 dump-truck-mounted snowplows, and dozens of other pieces of equipment to prepare for potential frozen precipitation. Florida has always maintained a limited amount of snow-removal equipment compared to northern states, but last January’s blizzard underscored the need for additional resources.
“FDOT’s mission is clear: keep Florida moving safely, no matter the challenge,” a spokesperson said.
During the January snowstorm, nearly a foot of snow fell outside Pensacola, forcing the extended closure of Interstate 10, which halted traffic for hours. Officials reviewed the response afterward to identify improvements for future events.
Some counties and local jurisdictions along the Interstate 10 corridor maintain their own snow-removal equipment, including major airports equipped with de-icing machines, though Florida airports lack the large-scale winter operations found in northern hubs like Minneapolis or Charlotte. Airlines often cancel or reroute flights to avoid stranding passengers.
Unlike northern states that use salt or brine, some Florida municipalities use sand on roadways to improve traction, focusing first on bridges and overpasses, where ice forms more quickly.
Meteorological winter runs from December through February, with January typically the coldest month. While Florida rarely sees significant snowfall, snow flurries have been spotted as far south as Miami, a reminder that the Sunshine State is not immune to winter weather.