The Florida Law Enforcement Liaison (LEL) Program operates under the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM) through grant funding provided by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The primary mission of the Florida LEL Program is to support and partner with law enforcement agencies across the state to enhance traffic safety. By promoting participation in national and state traffic safety campaigns, the program aims to reduce crashes, fatalities, and serious injuries. Key initiatives include the annual Florida Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Challenge, which recognizes outstanding traffic safety programs statewide and fosters engagement in safety efforts.

Established in 2000, the Florida LEL Program prioritizes highway safety while fostering active law enforcement involvement. It is staffed by seasoned law enforcement professionals, including retired officers and those continuing to serve as reserve or part-time officers. Each of Florida’s seven FDOT districts is supported by a dedicated full-time LEL, with program coordination and management by the LEL Coordinator. A core responsibility of the program is to recruit and encourage state and local law enforcement participation in traffic safety mobilizations, promoting a culture of effective and sustained traffic enforcement.

LELs also play an active role in Florida’s traffic safety coalitions and district Community Traffic Safety Teams (CTSTs). They assist agencies in securing grants to address traffic safety challenges and expand programs, while facilitating the exchange of critical information, such as officer training, crash data, safety and sobriety checkpoints, and legal updates. LELs also foster interagency coordination and organize quarterly traffic safety meetings to address local issues, provide training, and implement safety campaigns such as Click It or Ticket, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, and Operation Southern Slow Down.

The Florida LEL Program has significantly increased law enforcement participation in traffic safety activities across the state. This increased engagement has directly supported efforts to reduce crashes, improve roadway safety, and save lives.