The open roads of Florida have long been a haven for speed enthusiasts, but a recent incident in St. Johns County has brought the dangers of excessive speeding into sharp focus. A Corvette driver was arrested after being clocked at a staggering 130 mph in a 45 mph zone, sparking a conversation about road safety and the enforcement of Florida’s new Dangerous Excessive Speeding law.
The incident, captured on a deputy’s bodycam, shows the moment a St. Johns County Sheriff’s deputy approached the vehicle. The deputy’s first words, “What the hell are we doing?” encapsulate the shock and disbelief at the driver’s reckless behavior. The Corvette was reportedly traveling 85 mph over the posted speed limit, a violation that falls under the state’s new, more stringent speeding laws.
The Incident and the Law
On July 14, 2026 a black mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette was stopped on County Road 13 North near Joe Ashton Road. The driver was arrested at the scene and transported to the St. Johns County Jail. The bodycam footage released by the sheriff’s office shows the deputy’s interaction with the driver, highlighting the severity of the offense.
The arrest was made under Florida’s Dangerous Excessive Speeding law also known as the “Super Speeder” law. This legislation, which took effect on July 1, 2026 makes it a criminal offense to exceed the posted speed limit by 50 mph or more, or to drive faster than 100 mph in a manner that endangers people or property. The Corvette driver allegedly met both criteria, leading to immediate arrest.
The Consequences of Speeding
Driving at such high speeds poses significant risks not only to the driver but also to other road users. At 130 mph a vehicle covers approximately 190 feet every second leaving minimal time to react to potential hazards. The new law aims to curb such behavior by imposing severe penalties. A first conviction can result in up to 30 days in jail a $500 fine or both. Repeat offenders face even harsher penalties, including up to 90 days in jail a $1,000 fine or both. Additionally, drivers convicted of two or more violations within five years may have their driving privileges revoked for at least 180 days.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office has been proactive in enforcing the new law, reminding drivers of the potential consequences of reckless speeding. The agency’s social media posts emphasize the importance of obeying speed limits to ensure road safety. “Help keep our roads safe, slow down, and obey speed limits,” the sheriff’s office stated on Facebook.
The Broader Impact
This incident is not an isolated case. Since the implementation of the Dangerous Excessive Speeding law, there have been several similar arrests across Florida. In June, Port St. Lucie police arrested a motorcyclist accused of traveling 110 mph in a 45 mph zone. Another driver was arrested in May for allegedly reaching 90 mph in a 40 mph zone. These cases underscore the law’s impact and the increased enforcement efforts by law enforcement agencies.
The St. Johns County arrest serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of excessive speeding and the importance of adhering to traffic laws. As Florida continues to enforce its new speeding regulations, drivers are urged to prioritize safety and responsibility on the roads.
