Florida's Rail Crossing Standards


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Florida Rolls Out Nation-Leading Rail Crossing Safety Guidelines, Encourages Safe Behaviors During Rail Safety Week

Florida Rail Safety Coalition

Operation STRIDE

Florida Railroad Contacts

Welcome

Florida’s enhanced Rail Crossing Standards, which have been developed and refined by FDOT over the last two years, were rolled out in September 2025 as a strategic commitment to help better prevent and reduce conflicts between pedestrians, vehicles, and trains at rail crossings throughout Florida. This new set of rigorous safety standards have been developed and refined by FDOT over the last two years and will feature the most advanced safety countermeasures and latest technology options in the U.S. These enhancements to Florida’s Rail Crossing Standards supersedes national guidelines and will be required on projects involving at-grade crossings on state and local roads that are installed or improved after January 1, 2026.

As part of this announcement, FDOT is committing $60 million to immediately begin equipping all state-owned rail crossings with these new safety standards. In the coming months, FDOT will work with local municipalities and railroad companies on their plans to bring their respective rail crossings into compliance with the updated design requirements.

Enhanced Safety Features Included in Florida's Minimum Rail Crossing Standards

Some examples of enhanced safety features include:

Upgrade of pedestrian-activated warning systems at pedestrian rail crossings, including lights, gates, and audible warnings for pedestrians.

Refinement of pavement markings at crossings to ensure that only rail-related markings are used, including Dynamic Envelopes, to provide motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists with clear and consistent visual cues.

Installation of overhead-mounted signals at crossings to enhance motorists’ awareness of rail crossings.


Enhancement of lighting at crossings to heighten the visibility of rail crossings for pedestrians and motorists.



Installation of LED-enhanced “DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS” signage at crossings to reinforce safe driving behaviors for motorists.

Installation of “ANOTHER TRAIN COMING” warning signs at locations with at least two tracks to help prevent potential conflicts with pedestrians, vehicles, and an unexpected additional train.

Installation of physical barriers, such as double gates, to further deter motorists from going around rail crossing gates.

 

What Will Florida's Rail Crossings Look Like?

NewCrossingStandards

 

While Florida’s at-grade rail crossing standards already meet or exceed national safety standards, FDOT’s new heightened standards is among the most rigorous in the nation and reflects the Department’s commitment to data-informed decision-making to achieve its target of zero injuries and fatalities across the state’s transportation system.

Reducing Preventable Behavior-Based Tragedies

Human behavior is the leading cause of all rail-related incidents across the nation and in Florida. With this in mind, Florida's rail crossing standards are specifically designed to better prevent and help reduce conflicts with pedestrians and vehicles with trains at rail crossings.

 

Aid in further deterring vehicles from illegally bypassing active rail crossing gates

Increase heightened awareness of nearby trains and tracks by providing motorists and pedestrians with additional warning systems

Help reinforce positive behaviors around trains and tracks

 

Staying Safe Near Trains and Tracks: Tips for Motorists & Pedestrians

  • Only cross at designated rail crossings and ensure the ability to clear the tracks completely and safely, including attached trailers
  • Stop behind the Dynamic Envelope markings each time you’re at a crossing. If you’re stopped within these markings, your vehicle isn’t fully cleared from the tracks and has the potential to be struck by a passing train.
  • Never stop a vehicle on tracks or attempt to drive around lowered gates
  • Do Not Trespass: Never go on or near tracks, including driving, walking along, or taking photos
  • Stay Alert: Refrain from using headphones, cell phones, or distractions in the vicinity of tracks
  • Don’t Risk It: Trains can’t easily stop for you. The average freight train weighs over 400,000 pounds, and when traveling at 55 mph, it can take over a mile – or the length of 18 football fields – to come to a complete stop.
  • Always expect a train. Trains are much faster than they appear and may come from any direction.
  • Never assume that there is only one train coming from a single direction, as a second train may be close behind. Multiple tracks may mean multiple trains.
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