Florida ITS Operations Network

The Florida Department of Transportation operates the Florida ITS Operations Network (FION), a statewide communications system that links Florida's Regional Transportation Management Centers (RTMCs). These centers monitor traffic conditions and manage roadside technology such as cameras, message signs, and sensors.

What FION Does
FION allows RTMCs to quickly and securely share:

  • Statewide Live Traffic Video Distribution

    Transports more than 4,000 live traffic camera feeds to Florida 511, the state's official traveler information system, supporting delivery of over 35 million hours of video each year.

  • Real Time Traffic Information Sharing

    Instantly shares crash and congestion information between RTMCs. For example, a major crash on I-95 in Jacksonville can immediately alert Orlando's RTMC to adjust traveler messages, update signs, or recommend alternate routes.

  • Live Video Support for State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC)

    Enables the SEOC to view live camera feeds, such as from the Florida Keys, during hurricane evacuations or statewide emergency responses.

Diagram of a microwave tower used in FDOT communications infrastructure
Why FION Matters

By connecting RTMCs across all FDOT Districts, including Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, the FION helps:

  • Improve safety and mobility on Florida roads
  • Coordinate how traffic is managed from region to region
  • Support faster, more organized responses to crashes, storms, and emergencies

How FION Works

FION is managed by network staff who provide oversight and provisioning of the system, along with a maintenance contractor that provides around-the-clock monitoring and response services. To connect the entire state, FION uses a combination of:

  • Statewide Microwave System (SMS) – similar to a series of wireless relay towers, operating at speeds comparable to home broadband internet.
  • Optical Transmission Network (OTN) – a statewide fiber‑optic network using existing FDOT fiber lines, operating at speeds comparable to high‑speed business internet.
Future Improvements

FDOT is upgrading the statewide Optical Transmission Network as part of the Phase 4 FION OTN Upgrade Project, awarded in late 2025. When completed in late 2027, this upgrade will increase the network to 100 Gbps capacity, enabling significantly more video, data, and device connections. This investment strengthens Florida’s ability to manage traffic and emergencies as the state continues to grow.

What FDOT Maintains

To keep the system reliable, FDOT installs and maintains:

  • Communications towers
  • Equipment shelters and backup generators
  • Microwave radios and fiber‑optic hardware
  • Network timing and synchronization equipment
  • Network management systems
  • Lightning protection and grounding systems

These components ensure that the network remains operational even during severe weather or widespread power outages.

statewide microwave system collage
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