Florida Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Challenge
Important Dates
- •Application Window: January 1, 2026 – March 31, 2026
- •Submission Deadline: March 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
- •Notification to Placing Agencies: May 2026
- •Training & Recognition Event: July 30–31, 2026 (Orlando, Florida)
For assistance preparing your application or gathering data, contact your District LEL.
About the Challenge
The Florida Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Challenge recognizes agencies for the effectiveness of their traffic safety efforts. The Challenge promotes a comprehensive, data-driven approach that encompasses policy, training, public education, officer recognition, enforcement, and participation in Florida Law Enforcement Liaison (LEL) Program initiatives. Awards honor agencies with outstanding traffic safety programs, innovative practices, and the "best of the best" in traffic safety across Florida.
The Challenge began in 2000 and is conducted annually to increase data-driven traffic safety education and enforcement to reduce motor vehicle crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities upon Florida's roadways. The Challenge complements other traffic safety training and public information programs following the format of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) National Challenge Program and the Florida Strategic Highway Safety Plan.
Eligibility
State, county, municipal, and college or university law enforcement agencies involved in traffic enforcement in Florida are eligible to participate.
Benefits & Scoring
The Challenge helps agencies elevate attention to traffic safety using a comprehensive, data-driven approach to the countermeasures of education and enforcement. It provides opportunities for public recognition, supports the continuation of effective initiatives, and encourages documentation of outcomes using data.
Participating agencies are scored using a points-based system across the following categories:
Policy & Guidelines
Implementation and adherence to traffic safety and enforcement policies.
Training of Officers
Comprehensive traffic safety training for officers.
Officer Recognition
Recognition of officers' contributions to traffic safety through education, outreach, or enforcement.
LEL Program Participation
Engagement with your District LEL and the LEL Program and participation in campaigns such as Click It or Ticket and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
Public Information & Education
Outreach, social media, and media coverage to educate the public.
Traffic Enforcement Activity
Active enforcement of traffic laws.
Traffic Safety Effectiveness
Measurable impact via reductions in crashes, serious injuries, and fatalities within the agency's jurisdiction.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the Florida LEL Program website during the official application period. Submissions highlight traffic safety efforts from the previous calendar year. The application period typically runs from January 1 through March 31. Contact your District LEL if you have any questions or need further guidance.
Agency Categories
Awards & Recognition
The top three agencies in each category receive an official placement letter, plaque, challenge coins, and lodging for the annual Training & Recognition Event held in Orlando each July. Each placing agency is provided up to five rooms, covered by the Florida Law Enforcement Liaison Program.
The top agency in the Champions Class is awarded the Champions Cup, a perpetual trophy engraved with the agency's name and retained for one year, along with a smaller version for permanent display at the winning agency.
Applications are accepted from agencies January 1 through March 31 each year and highlight traffic safety efforts from the previous calendar year. To prepare and ensure your agency receives maximum points, review the scoring criteria.
Have questions or need assistance with your agency's application? Contact your District LEL.
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