The autonomous vehicle industry is pressing forward, full speed ahead. The conveniences and efficiencies created by shifting to self-driving vehicles are expected to drive vast economic growth and generate widespread consumer demand. Given the potential benefits, it is no wonder that autonomous technologies are now being embraced by a variety of market players—ranging from small start-up tech companies to perennial automotive giants. While a number of states are grappling with how best to regulate this growing industry, Florida’s focus has been on reducing regulatory barriers in order to fuel further innovation and market growth. But the more Florida encourages such innovation, the more the insurance market needs to keep pace with its own innovations.
In 2012, Florida became only the second state in the nation to authorize autonomous vehicle testing. In 2016, it became the first state to authorize autonomous vehicle testing without a driver behind the wheel. Lawmakers have also proposed legislation removing the requirement that the person operating a vehicle in autonomous mode possess a valid driver’s license. Instead, the autonomous technology would supplant the role of the driver, and that technology would be deemed the licensed entity. And just this year, the U.S. Department of Transportation designated Orlando’s Central Florida Autonomous Vehicle Partnership as one of 10 proving ground pilot sites for autonomous vehicle technologies. The goal is to develop a proving ground for use in optimizing vehicle safety and roadway management strategies for autonomous vehicles, including through the use of sensor technologies and big data.
