Florida is gearing up for what promises to be a historic Memorial Day weekend. The American Automobile Association (AAA) forecasts that nearly 2.7 million Floridians will journey at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and the holiday Monday, setting a new state record for this occasion.
The travel period spans from Thursday through Monday, May 25. In recent hours, the airports and highways in South Florida have already begun to experience the impact of the increased traveler volume.
"Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and for most Americans, it's a long three-day weekend," stated Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. "Despite rising fuel prices, the demand for leisure travel remains robust, with many prioritizing vacations during the holiday," she added.
Nationally, it's anticipated that 45 million Americans will travel during Memorial Day 2026, another record-breaking number for this holiday. Of these, 39.1 million will be traveling by car, while 3.66 million are expected to fly.
Travel Preferences in Florida
In Florida, the vast majority will opt for road travel, with over 2.3 million hitting the roads, about 23,000 taking to the skies, and roughly 75,000 using alternative modes such as buses, trains, or cruises.
The Miami International Airport is preparing to welcome more than 900,000 passengers by Tuesday, May 27, averaging approximately 156,000 travelers daily, similar to last year's record.
Even with fuel prices soaring to $4.34 per gallon in Florida in early May, travelers have not altered their plans. "People want to travel, and travel doesn't necessarily mean spending a lot of money. However, the gas prices certainly have an effect," explained Aixa Díaz, a spokesperson for the AAA, to Telemundo 51.
The average price for domestic round-trip flights stands at $800, a 6% decrease from the previous year, contributing to sustained high demand.
Heightened Road Safety Measures
The increase in travelers is accompanied by enhanced road safety measures. Law enforcement agencies in South Florida have announced a zero-tolerance campaign targeting illegal street racing and reckless driving over the long weekend.
Bill Schultz, Chief of the Fort Lauderdale Police, has indicated that transit units, aerial resources, real-time traffic monitoring, and targeted patrols will be deployed in historically problematic areas. Authorities will be keeping a close watch on cars, motorcycles, ATVs, and e-bikes operated recklessly.
"Expect to be stopped, arrested, and either jailed or prosecuted," Schultz warned.
Since January 2022, Fort Lauderdale police have made 118 arrests related to illegal racing, with 343 misdemeanor charges and 149 felony charges. Statewide, the Florida Highway Patrol reported issuing 13,835 citations for reckless driving from 2020 to 2026.
Optimal Travel Times
For those still planning their trips, AAA and INRIX have identified Friday between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM as the worst time to travel by road. On the return journey Monday, traffic congestion is expected to peak between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM. It's advisable to start the journey home before 11:00 AM to avoid the heaviest traffic.
Orlando is also among the top five travel destinations in the United States for this Memorial Day, along with Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Denver, and Boston, which suggests additional pressure on the state's roads throughout the weekend.
FAQs About Memorial Day Travel in Florida
How many Floridians are expected to travel during Memorial Day weekend?
Nearly 2.7 million Floridians are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the Memorial Day weekend.
What are the busiest travel times on the road during Memorial Day weekend?
The busiest travel times on the road are expected to be Friday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM and Monday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
What measures are being taken to ensure road safety?
Law enforcement agencies in South Florida have announced a zero-tolerance campaign targeting illegal street racing and reckless driving, with increased patrols and monitoring.