Tampa, Fla. (Bloom) – Not a while ago, dashboard cameras were considered a niche tool. This was primarily used by truckers, law enforcement, or auto enthusiasts who wanted to relive their scenic drives. However, in Florida, dash cams are rapidly becoming a quiet need for everyday drivers.
From documenting conflicts to detering theft and handling disputes with insurance companies, more Floridians have installed video systems in their cars for the heart behind the wheels.
“It’s wise to record what’s going on on the road between hurricanes, hit-and-runs and the occasional crocodile intersection,” said Ryan Wells, a St. Petersburg driver who installed the dash cam after a minor accident caused a months-long insurance headache.
Data from the Florida Highway Safety and Automobile Division shows that in 2024 alone the state saw more than 110,000 hit and rank rushes. With so many cases unresolved, having video evidence can make the difference between closed cases and expensive trials.
Technology is also evolving to meet demand. One recent example is the Viofo A229 Ultra, a new dash cam system with dual 4K cameras for the front and rear, plus a full HD interior camera for parents who need ride-share drivers or full cabin visibility. It also includes features such as night vision, GPS tracking, buffer parking mode, and voice control.
Not everyone needs a high-end system, but the range of options now includes everything from budget-friendly single-lens models to multi-channel setups with cloud backup and AI-powered alerts.
Some Florida drivers use dash cams to challenge speeding tickets and document unexpected encounters with wildlife. Others simply want a fair account for daily commutes. “I’m not driving differently because of that,” Reyes added. “But if something happens, I know I have footage.”
As cameras in the car become more modest, affordable and easier to use, they may continue to appear on dashboards throughout the state, not as flashy gadgets, but as another layer of protection for Florida’s unpredictable roads.
About the VIOFO A229 Ultra Dash Cam
The VIOFO A229 Ultra is a new triple-channel dash cam system, recorded in dual 4K on both the front and rear cameras, along with an interior cabin camera equipped with full HD infrared. Built using the Sony Starvis 2 sensor, the system is designed to provide better night vision, a wider dynamic range, and clearer imagery in low light conditions. This is a feature that is particularly relevant for drivers navigating heavy rain, bright sunlight and night driving in Florida.
Other important features include:
210° wide Fisheye interior camera for full cabin and side window coverage buffered parking mode. Capture motion event loop recording and before and after the G-sensor, and automatically save 5GHz Wi-Fi and USB-C for fast file transfers to automatically save footage from accidental 5GHz Wi-Fi and USB-C for fast file transfers, which automatically saves footage from accidental 5GHz Wi-Fi and USB-C in Florida’s storm-prone climates.
The A229 Ultra is available in two camera configurations and three camera configurations. The Early Bird Promotion includes a free 256GB VIOFO memory card for purchases made until August 8, 2025.
Why more Florida drivers are turning their eyes to dash cams
Driving in Florida has its own set of challenges, including seasonal downpours, dense traffic, snowbird travel patterns, and one of the highest percentages in the country. More than 110,000 hit and run incidents have been reported statewide in 2024, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
At the same time, Florida’s disability-free insurance laws can create complex claim scenarios. For ride-share drivers, insurance adjusters, and everyday commuters, dash cams have become a practical tool for resolving disputes, reviewing statements and leaving them protected.
It is also used beyond crash documents.
Hurricane Preparation: To monitor vehicle conditions before and after stormy roads and traffic stops, encounter stops: provide an unbiased record of events Wildlife intersections or strange occurrences: Includes everything from loose livestock to landings in traffic lanes (yes, it happened)
Models like the VIOFO A229 Ultra provide high-resolution footage, parking surveillance and cabin vision, not just Gearhead gadgets, but Florida drivers are increasing as Florida drivers are increasing.
