OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) is celebrating 85 years of service from its the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) division in 2024.

Established in 1939 under the guidance of then-Governor Fred P. Cone, a member of the Executive Board of the Department of Public Safety, the FHP has grown from its first graduating class of 32 patrolmen to a robust workforce of 2,485 full-time employees. In its inaugural year, the agency counted 59 members—an extraordinary transformation reflecting Florida’s explosive growth from under two million residents in 1939 to 21.5 million today.

“The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, along with the Florida Highway Patrol, have made significant progress this year—progress that would not have been possible without the unprecedented support of Governor Ron DeSantis,” said Executive Director of FLHSMV Dave Kerner. “The Florida Highway Patrol and law enforcement agencies across the state are empowered to protect our communities and uphold justice as a law-and-order state. This dedicated effort ensures that criminals are held accountable for their actions and reinforces our collective commitment to public safety.”

The department has outlined the number of accomplishments it has made this year to commemorate the 85-year milestone:

Law Enforcement and Public Safety
  • Led a multi-agency law enforcement investigation into an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, resulting in felony charges filed by Attorney General Ashley Moody.
  • Provided security at Jewish faith institutions in response to a terrorist attack in Israel under Executive Order 2024-260.
  • Coordinated with local authorities to ensure peaceful anti-Israel protests on college campuses did not disrupt activities.
  • Deployed statewide enforcement for Spring Break, ensuring public safety while supporting Florida’s economy.
    • FHP says Spring Break 2024 was “successful” from both a public safety standpoint and as an economic boost for businesses statewide.
  • Supported Operation Lone Star at the southern border and Operation Vigilant Sentry in the Florida Keys to curb illegal immigration and human trafficking.
  • Launched the ‘Desk Trooper’ pilot program in partnership with Central Florida Expressway Authority, enabling troopers to virtually respond to minor crashes, reducing traffic disruption.
  • FHP, the Florida National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Sheriff’s Departments statewide participated in six interdiction operations as part of a multi-agency task force initiated by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022, previously known as Operation Safe Highways-now titled B.I.T.E. (Border integrity Trafficking Enforcement).
    • In 2024, the B.I.T.E. taskforce reportedly conducted over 420 traffic stops resulting in over 85 felony charges, 48 misdemeanor charges and 53 arrests resulting in the recovery of 9 guns, 7 vehicles, 67 pounds of marijuana, 56 grams of cocaine, 363 grams of other drugs, and 1 gram of fentanyl.
  • The Florida Highway Patrol conducted proactive enforcement efforts focused on street racing, roadway takeovers, vehicle theft, speed enforcement, human trafficking, driving under the influence, and brake inspection and enforcement of commercial vehicles.
  • During the 2024 hurricane season, FHP completed over 115 missions, including escorting fuel tankers, clearing debris, conducting high-water rescues, and providing additional patrols to deter criminal activity in evacuated areas.
The Florida Highway Patrol’s photo entry won with 28,995 votes. Courtesy: FHP
FHP snapped an entire photoshoot to go along with their photo submission. Courtesy: FHP
FHP snapped an entire photoshoot to go along with their photo submission. Courtesy: FHP
FHP snapped an entire photoshoot to go along with their photo submission. Courtesy: FHP
FHP snapped an entire photoshoot to go along with their photo submission. Courtesy: FHP
Photographer Sean Stoltz captured the final takeoff for Delta IV Heavy rocket with the Florida Highway Patrol cruiser front and center for an “out of this world” submission to the “Best-Looking Cruiser” contest. Courtesy: FLHSMV/Sean Stoltz
  • In July, the Florida Highway Patrol won the American Association of State Troopers (AAST) national best-looking cruiser competition for the second consecutive year.
Customer Service
  • In 2024, Florida Licensing on Wheels (FLOW) made “significant strides” according to FHP. Partnering with various organizations, FLOW reached underserved communities, attending over 671 events and assisting more than 15,785 individuals across correctional facilities, military bases, homeless shelters, and disaster recovery centers.
    • Following Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton, FLOW processed 972 driver licenses and ID cards and 369 vehicle title and registration transactions across 15 counties. FLOW also deployed units to Hillsborough County for four days in response to the situation in Israel.
System Upgrades and Modernization
  • Implemented the Exclusive Electronic Exchange (EEE) system for streamlined handling of Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) records.
  • The new randomly generated driver license/identification card number system was launched to enhance identity security, as required by Florida law.
  • Collaborations with school districts and camera system vendors further modernized enforcement efforts for automated School Bus Stop Arm and School Zone speeding violations under SB 994 and HB 1363.