Pensacola International Airport reported 8.9 inches of snow on January 21, 2025.
Following a historic winter blast that broke snowfall records along the Gulf Coast and Florida Panhandle earlier this year, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) says it has strengthened its response plans in case another winter storm hits.
While hurricanes, heavy rain, flooding, and heat waves are far more common in the Sunshine State, FDOT officials say the agency takes an “expect the unexpected” approach to all weather events, including snowstorms.
This winter, the department purchased 10 additional heavy truck-mounted snowplows, 10 dump-truck-mounted snowplows, and dozens of other pieces of equipment to respond to frozen precipitation.
Florida has always maintained a limited amount of snow-removal equipment compared to northern states, but the January blizzard highlighted the need for more resources.
“FDOT’s mission is clear: keep Florida moving safely, no matter the challenge,” an agency spokesperson said.
Historic January 2025 snowfall totals
One of the biggest challenges during the January storm, which dropped nearly a foot of snow outside Pensacola, was the extended closure of Interstate 10 through the Panhandle, which brought traffic to a standstill. Officials said the shutdown was necessary for safety, and the response has been reviewed for improvements in future events.
Some counties and local jurisdictions along the I-10 corridor maintain their own snow-removal equipment. Major airports across Florida also have de-icing machines, though they do not operate at the same scale as northern hubs like Minneapolis, Nashville, or Charlotte. As a result, flights often face delays or cancellations, and airlines sometimes preemptively reroute or cancel flights to avoid stranding passengers.
Another key difference from northern states is that some Florida municipalities use sand rather than salt or brine to improve traction on icy roads. Bridges and overpasses are treated first since ice forms there faster than on ground-level roadways.
Meteorological winter runs from December through February, with January usually the coldest month. While no Florida community regularly sees significant snowfall, snow flurries have been spotted as far south as Miami—a reminder that even the Sunshine State is not immune to winter weather.
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