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The Florida TurnpikeThe Florida Turnpike is one of the fastest methods to drive through Florida's Central and Southeastern regions. This toll roadway will take you through the wide array of Florida's landscapes from farms and groves to cities and suburbs. Over Lakes and canals and through wide open spaces and tourist places.

Running from Miami in the South to Wildwood near Gainesville in the Central North, the Florida Turnpike intersects nearly all of the major roadways in Central and South Florida at some point along its route.

The Florida Turnpikes Route Through Florida

The Florida Turnpike runs from Wildwood to Florida City (Miami). It passes through 11 counties and is 309 miles in total length. The mainline turnpike runs 265 miles from I-95 in Miami Gardens to I-75 in Wildwood. The Homestead Extension continues South another 48 miles to US Hwy 1 in Florida City.

The Florida Turnpike runs approx 48 miles through Miami-Dade County, 24 through Broward, 45 miles through Palm Beach County, 18 miles in Martin County, another 18 miles in St. Lucie County, then a quick jaunt into Indian River County then into Okeechobee County and back again into Indian River County for a total of 40 miles. At this point, you have reached the Central Florida region and you hit the longer stretch in Osceola County which covers 56 miles. The theme park capital of the world, Orlando and Orange County is next up with 24 miles followed by Lake county with another 24 miles. The last section is Sumter County with 12 miles.

History of The Florida Turnpike

The Florida TurnpikeConstruction on The Florida Turnpike began in 1955 and the first section completed was between Miami Gardens and Fort Pierce in 1964. The original section opened in stages from 1957 to 1964 and the extension to Homestead was completed in 1974. In South Florida, the Turnpike mainly runs parallel to I-95. It takes a western turn into Central Florida where it crosses with I-4 near Universal Studios in Orlando and terminates where it intersects with I-75 in Wildwood just South of Gainesville.

Points of Interest Along The Florida Turnpike

The Florida TurnpikeSome of the points of interest you will see along The Florida Turnpike. Starting from Wildwood and running South, they include:

  • The Villages (largest retirement community in the country)
  • Universal Studios Florida
  • Gatorland
  • PGA National Golf
  • Butterfly World
  • Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
  • Hard Rock Stadium (home of the NFL Dolphins)
  • Botanical Gardens
  • Florida International University
  • Pioneer Museum

The Future of The Florida Turnpike

The future of The Florida Turnpike

The future for The Florida Turnpike is Safe, Efficient and Less Stress! Updates, repairs and additions are a constant along the Florida Turnpike. At various stages along the turnpike, you will see new interchanges, widening roads, and new ramps to improve travel efficiency and safety.

There are now 8 service plazas along the Florida Turnpike that are open 24 hours a day and offer gas, internet access, restaurants, restrooms, tourist/travel info and even a gift shop. It is Florida after all.

If you happen to break down on the road, there is a good chance there is a Road Ranger around that will provide free roadside assistance. The Turnpike's traffic management center dispatches them for accidents, debris removal, disabled vehicles or basically anything that can affect the traveling public.

Get all the latest updates on The Florida Turnpike at the The Florida Turnpike official site.

Take a Virtual Tour of The Florida Turnpike Through Miami