A driver in DeSoto County was arrested Aug. 1 after a deputy said he recorded the vehicle traveling at 110 mph in a posted 60-mph zone, according to the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office. The driver, identified in agency materials as Gavin Ames, was taken into custody under Florida's "super speeder" law, which elevates certain extreme-speed cases to criminal offenses.
What deputies say happened
The sheriff's office released body-worn camera footage and arrest details showing the enforcement stop took place around 12:47 a.m. A deputy said the patrol speed measurement indicated Ames was traveling 50 mph over the posted limit, a threshold that triggers the state's enhanced penalty provision.
"I’m just in shock right now," Ames can be heard saying on the body camera, according to the sheriff's release.
After the speed was confirmed, the deputy ordered Ames to step from the vehicle, handcuffed him and informed him he was under arrest for excessive speed, the agency said. The sheriff's office provided the footage, a mugshot and a public statement to local media.
How Florida's "super speeder" law applies
The statute cited by deputies took effect July 1, 2025. It classifies driving at least 100 mph or at least 50 mph over the posted limit as a criminal offense. The law requires a mandatory court appearance for first-time offenders and carries potential penalties including county jail time and fines.
| Threshold | Possible penalties |
|---|---|
| 100 mph or 50+ mph over limit | Mandatory court appearance; up to 30 days in jail; $500 fine (first offense) |
Public information and outstanding questions
The sheriff's office release did not disclose whether Ames was released on bond or when his initial court date will occur. The agency also did not provide additional details about any potential related charges or whether alcohol or other factors were involved in the stop.
According to the materials provided by law enforcement, when the deputy advised Ames of the specific criminal provision, the driver continued to explain his reason for speeding, telling the deputy he was rushing to what he described as his cheating girlfriend's home.
Local impact and enforcement context
The arrest illustrates how law enforcement agencies across Florida are implementing the 2025 statute. Prosecutors and law-enforcement officials have said the law was intended to hold drivers accountable for extreme, high-risk speeding that historically resulted in serious crashes and fatalities.
- Enforcement reminder: Exceeding 50 mph over a posted limit can now lead to criminal charges in Florida.
- Possible consequences: Mandatory court appearance and the possibility of county jail time for a first offense.
- Public safety angle: Agencies say the measure aims to deter the most dangerous speeding behaviors.
Traffic safety advocates have emphasized that even if a driver believes they have an urgent personal reason for speeding, the criminal statute applies based on measured speed, not motive. Law enforcement agencies have increased nighttime patrols and speed enforcement in some counties since the law went into effect.
What drivers should know
Motorists should be aware that devices used by deputies to measure speed, such as radar or lidar, can lead to an arrest when a driver exceeds the statutory threshold. Those stopped and charged under the law will face a mandatory court appearance and should consult legal counsel about the process. Local sheriff's offices generally provide public records and media releases when arrests are made under the statute.
Details on Ames' case — including whether formal charges were filed in court, bond conditions or any scheduled proceedings — were not included in the sheriff's office release and remain pending updates from the agency or the local clerk of court.
Reporting for WE NEWS remains in contact with the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office and will provide updates if prosecutors file formal charges or if court records become available.
