The Florida Senate

341.011  Florida Public Transit Act; short title.

341.031  Definitions relating to Florida Public Transit Act.

341.041  Transit responsibilities of the department.

341.051  Administration and financing of public transit and intercity bus service programs and projects.

341.052  Public transit block grant program; administration; eligible projects; limitation.

341.053  Intermodal Development Program; administration; eligible projects; limitations.

341.0532  Statewide transportation corridors.

341.061  Transit safety standards; inspections and system safety reviews.

341.071  Transit productivity and performance measures; reports.

341.101  State purchase of mass transit vehicles and facilities.

341.102  Regulation of nonpublic sector buses.

341.301  Definitions; ss. 341.302 and 341.303.

341.302  Rail program, duties and responsibilities of the department.

341.3025  Multicounty public rail system fares and enforcement.

341.303  Funding authorization and appropriations; eligibility and participation.

341.501  High-technology transportation systems; joint project agreement or assistance.

341.8201  Short title.

341.8202  Legislative findings, policy, purpose, and intent.

341.8203  Definitions.

341.821  Florida High-Speed Rail Authority.

341.822  Powers and duties.

341.823  Criteria for assessment and recommendations.

341.824  Technical, scientific, or other assistance.

341.827  Service areas; segment designation.

341.828  Permitting.

341.829  Conflict prevention, mitigation, and resolution.

341.830  Procurement.

341.831  Prequalification.

341.832  Request for qualifications.

341.833  Request for proposals.

341.834  Award of contract.

341.835  Acquisition of property; rights-of-way; disposal of land.

341.836  Associated development.

341.837  Payment of expenses.

341.838  Rates, rents, fees, and charges.

341.839  Alternate means.

341.840  Tax exemption.

341.841  Report; audit.

341.842  Liberal construction.

341.011  Florida Public Transit Act; short title.--Sections 341.011-341.061 shall be known and may be cited as the "Florida Public Transit Act."

History.--s. 1, ch. 78-283; s. 1, ch. 84-340.

341.031  Definitions relating to Florida Public Transit Act.--As used in ss. 341.011-341.061, the term:

(1)  "Public transit provider" or "provider" means a public agency providing public transit service, including rail authorities created in chapter 343.

(2)  "Fixed-guideway transportation system" means a public transit system for the transporting of people by a conveyance, or a series of interconnected conveyances, which conveyance or series of conveyances is specifically designed for travel on a stationary rail or other guideway, whether located on, above, or under the ground.

(3)  "Eligible transit operating costs" means the total administrative, management, and operation costs directly incident to the provision of public transit services, excluding any depreciation or amortization of capital assets.

(4)  "Local revenue sources" means the sum of funds received from a local government entity to assist in paying transit operation costs, including tax funds, and revenue earned from fare box receipts, charter service, contract service, express service, and nontransportation activities.

(5)  "Paratransit" means those elements of public transit which provide service between specific origins and destinations selected by the individual user with such service being provided at a time that is agreed upon by the user and the provider of the service. Paratransit service is provided by taxis, limousines, "dial-a-ride" buses, and other demand-responsive operations that are characterized by their nonscheduled, nonfixed route nature.

(6)  "Public transit" means the transporting of people by conveyances, or systems of conveyances, traveling on land or water, local or regional in nature, and available for use by the public. Public transit systems may be either governmentally owned or privately owned. Public transit specifically includes those forms of transportation commonly known as "paratransit."

(7)  "Public transit capital project" means a project undertaken by a public agency to provide public transit to its constituency, and is limited to acquisition, design, construction, reconstruction, or improvement of a governmentally owned or operated transit system.

(8)  "Public transit service development project" means a project undertaken by a public agency to determine whether a new or innovative technique or measure can be utilized to improve or expand public transit services to its constituency. The duration of the project shall be limited according to the type of the project in conformance with the provisions of s. 341.051(5)(e), but in no case shall exceed a period of 3 years. Public transit service development projects specifically include projects involving the utilization of new technologies, services, routes, or vehicle frequencies; the purchase of special transportation services; and other such techniques for increasing service to the riding public as are applicable to specific localities and transit user groups.

(9)  "Commuter assistance program" means financial and technical assistance by the department to promote alternatives to the use of automobiles by a single commuter. The term includes the following program areas:

(a)  "Ridesharing," which means an arrangement between persons with a common destination, or destinations, within the same proximity, to share the use of a motor vehicle on a recurring basis for round-trip transportation to and from their place of employment or other common destination. For purposes of ridesharing, employment shall be deemed to commence when an employee arrives at the employer's place of employment to report for work and shall be deemed to terminate when the employee leaves the employer's place of employment, excluding areas not under the control of the employer. However, an employee shall be deemed to be within the course of employment when the employee is engaged in the performance of duties assigned or directed by the employer, or acting in the furtherance of the business of the employer, irrespective of location.

(b)  "Transportation demand management," which means techniques that can be used to increase the efficiency of existing transportation systems by influencing demand on the systems and by reducing the number of automobile trips during peak hours of highway use.

(c)  "Transportation management association," which means an organization which helps solve transportation problems by encouraging businesses and governments to implement ridesharing and demand management strategies.

(10)  "Transit corridor project" means a project that is undertaken by a public agency and designed to relieve congestion and improve capacity within an identified transportation corridor by increasing people-carrying capacity of the system through the use and facilitated movement of high-occupancy conveyances. Each transit corridor project must meet the requirements established in s. 341.051(5)(d). Initial project duration shall not exceed a period of 2 years unless the project is reauthorized by the Legislature. Such reauthorization shall be based upon a determination that the project is meeting or exceeding the criteria, developed pursuant to s. 341.051(5)(d), by which the success of the project is being judged and by inclusion of the project in a departmental appropriation request.

(11)  "Intercity bus service" means regularly scheduled bus service for the general public which operates with limited stops over fixed routes connecting two or more urban areas not in close proximity; has the capacity for transporting baggage carried by passengers; makes meaningful connections with scheduled intercity bus service to more distant points, if such service is available; maintains scheduled information in the National Official Bus Guide; and provides package express service incidental to passenger transportation.

(12)  "Eligible bus carrier" or "carrier" means a private company that has operated defined intercity bus service in the state, with formal authority in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Surface Transportation Board of the Federal Department of Transportation, for a minimum of 2 years.

(13)  "Eligible intercity bus costs" means the total costs directly incident to the provision of intercity bus service, including any depreciation or amortization of capital assets purchased without public financial assistance.

(14)  "Intercity bus capital project" means a capital project undertaken by an intercity bus carrier to provide intercity bus service, and is limited to acquisition, design, construction, reconstruction, or improvement of a privately operated intercity bus service. Projects may include that portion of a governmentally owned or operated transit system designed to support privately operated intercity bus service.

History.--s. 1, ch. 78-283; s. 2, ch. 82-95; s. 3, ch. 84-340; s. 20, ch. 85-81; s. 80, ch. 90-136; s. 65, ch. 92-152; ss. 35, 62, ch. 93-164; s. 85, ch. 2002-20; s. 1, ch. 2003-291.

341.041  Transit responsibilities of the department.--The department shall, within the resources provided pursuant to chapter 216:

(1)  Develop a statewide plan that provides for public transit and intercity bus service needs at least 5 years in advance. The plan shall be developed in a manner that will assure maximum use of existing facilities, and optimum integration and coordination of the various modes of transportation, including both governmentally owned and privately owned resources, in the most cost-effective manner possible. The plan shall also incorporate plans adopted by local and regional planning agencies which are consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with adopted strategic policy plans and approved local government comprehensive plans for the region and units of local government covered by the plan and shall, insofar as practical, conform to federal planning requirements. The plan shall be consistent with the goals of the Florida Transportation Plan developed pursuant to s. 339.155.

(2)  Formulate a specific program of projects and project financing to respond to identified transit and intercity bus service needs as part of the work program.

(3)  Develop, publish, and administer state measures concerning system management, performance, productivity, cost distribution, and safety of governmentally owned public transit systems and privately owned or operated systems financed wholly or in part by state funding. Such measures shall be developed jointly with representatives of affected publicly owned transit systems and in coordination with affected privately owned systems, with full consideration given to nationwide industry norms.

(4)  Provide technical and financial assistance to units of local government and intercity bus carriers, based on an analysis of public transit and intercity bus service problems and needs, to assist in establishing and implementing effective transit systems and related support programs. In providing such assistance, the department may assist public agencies that provide public transit and intercity bus carriers that provide intercity bus services by making department-owned transit vehicles and appurtenances available for lease to such agencies for special needs of limited duration.

(5)  Coordinate activities between the public entities and private entities on matters relating to public transit and intercity bus services.

(6)  Assist in the development and implementation of marketing and passenger information programs for public transit and intercity bus services.

(7)  Provide transit service through contracts with existing publicly or privately owned transit systems, where such service represents the transit element of a corridor project designed to relieve urban traffic congestion.

(8)  Provide intercity bus service, as defined in s. 341.031, to support projects that serve to maintain and enhance statewide intercity bus service. The department shall use and dedicate federal funds apportioned to intercity bus service according to federal requirements to support a statewide intercity bus network.

(9)  Provide new transit service and equipment where a public need has been determined to exist pursuant to the transportation planning process and where all of the following conditions occur:

(a)  No other governmental entity of appropriate jurisdiction exists.

(b)  The service cannot be reasonably provided by a governmentally owned or privately owned public transit provider.

(c)  The cost of providing the service does not exceed the sum of revenues resulting from user fares, special transit services such as charter operations, local fund participation, and specific legislative appropriation for this purpose.

The department may buy, sell, own, lease, and otherwise encumber facilities, transit vehicles, and appurtenances thereto, as necessary to provide such service; or the department may provide service by contracts with governmentally owned or privately owned service providers.

(10)  Provide public transportation service where emergency service is required, provided that no other private or public transportation operation is available to provide needed service and that such service is clearly in the best interests of the people or communities being served. Such service shall be provided by contractual services, actual operation of state-owned transit equipment and facilities, or any other means deemed appropriate by the department and shall be limited to a period not to exceed 2 years.

(11)  Administer federal and state commuter assistance programs and related federal-aid funds apportioned to the department, which promote the use of ridesharing arrangements and transportation demand management strategies, and the creation of transportation management associations. Public agencies, and private organizations established pursuant to chapter 617 and approved by the local government and the department as being consistent with local, regional, and state transportation plans, are eligible to receive funds under this program. The department shall establish adequate insurance requirements based on passenger capacity for each vehicle used in ridesharing.

(12)  Assist local governmental entities and other transit operators in the planning and development of transit programs and procedures and in the identification of alternatives for achieving the most effective use of available transportation resources and increasing revenue sources as needed so that Florida's transit systems can move toward becoming fiscally self-sufficient. The department may also advance, on a matching basis, state funds for capital improvements to transit properties in accordance with the following:

(a)  Candidate programs may include, but are not limited to, the development of terminal facilities for lease by interfacing modes, the acquisition and development of adjacent land for lease or sale to public and private entities, and the acquisition and development of air rights.

(b)  The criteria to be utilized in determining whether or not to advance such funds shall be adopted by rule and shall include the demonstrated need of the transit system, administrative capability, and a system financial plan as approved by the department.

(13)  Assist local governmental entities in achieving a condition wherein transit systems are operated at a service level that is responsive to identified transit needs and in such a manner as to promote maximum transit usage and achieve the highest possible operating recovery ratio commensurate with the local government's transit role and requirements.

(14)  Assist local governmental entities and other transit operators in the planning, development, and coordination of transit services for WAGES program participants as defined in s. 414.0252.

(15)  Create and maintain a common self-retention insurance fund to support fixed-guideway projects throughout the state when there is a contractual obligation to have the fund in existence in order to provide fixed-guideway services. The maximum limit of the fund is as required by any contractual obligation.

History.--s. 1, ch. 78-283; s. 253, ch. 84-309; s. 4, ch. 84-340; s. 16, ch. 89-301; s. 81, ch. 90-136; s. 66, ch. 92-152; s. 3, ch. 95-149; s. 56, ch. 95-257; s. 11, ch. 98-57; s. 34, ch. 99-385; s. 2, ch. 2003-291.

341.051  Administration and financing of public transit and intercity bus service programs and projects.--

(1)  FEDERAL AID.--

(a)  The department is authorized to receive federal grants or apportionments for public transit and intercity bus service projects in this state.

(b)  Local governmental entities are authorized to receive federal grants or apportionments for public transit and commuter assistance projects. In addition, the provisions of s. 337.403 notwithstanding, if the relocation of utility facilities is necessitated by the construction of a fixed-guideway public transit project and the utilities relocation is approved as a part of the project by a participating federal agency (if eligible for federal matching reimbursement), then any county chartered under s. 6(e), Art. VIII of the State Constitution shall pay at least 50 percent of the nonfederal share of the cost attributable to such relocation after deducting therefrom any increase in the value of the new facility and any salvage value derived from the old facility. The balance of the nonfederal share shall be paid by the utility.

(2)  PUBLIC TRANSIT PLAN.--

(a)  The department shall prepare a public transit plan which shall be included in the tentative work program of the department prepared pursuant to s. 339.135(4). The provisions of s. 339.135 apply to public transit projects in the same manner that they apply to other transportation facility construction projects. Any planned department participation shall be in accordance with subsection (5).

(b)  The public transit plan shall be consistent with the local plans developed in accordance with the comprehensive transportation planning process. Projects that involve funds administered by the department, and that will be undertaken and implemented by another public agency, shall be included in the public transit plan upon the request of that public agency, providing such project is eligible under the requirements established herein and subject to estimated availability of funds. Projects so included in the plan shall not be altered or removed from priority status without notice to the public agency or local governmental entities involved.

(3)  APPROPRIATION REQUESTS.--

(a)  Public transit funds shall be requested on the basis of the funding required for the public transit plan. Appropriation requests shall identify each public transit project calling for a state expenditure of $500,000 or more.

(b)  Public transit service development projects and transit corridor projects shall be individually identified in the appropriation request by the department. Such request shall show a breakdown of funds showing capital and operating expense.

(c)  Unless otherwise authorized by the Legislature, the department is prohibited from entering into any agreement or contract for a public transit project which would result in the ultimate expenditure or commitment of state funds in excess of $5 million.

(4)  PROJECT ELIGIBILITY.--

(a)  Any project that is necessary to meet the program objectives enumerated in s. 341.041, that conforms to the provisions of this section, and that is contained in the local transportation improvement program and the adopted work program of the department is eligible for the expenditure of state funds for transit purposes.

1.  The project shall be a project for service or transportation facilities provided by the department under the provisions of this act, a public transit capital project, a commuter assistance project, a public transit service development project, an intercity bus service capital project, an intercity bus service project, or a transit corridor project.

2.  The project must be approved by the department as being consistent with the criteria established pursuant to the provisions of this act.

(b)  Such expenditures shall be in accordance with the fund participation rates and the criteria established in this section for project development and implementation, and are subject to approval by the department as being consistent with the Florida Transportation Plan and regional transportation goals and objectives.

(c)  Unless otherwise authorized by the Legislature, the department is prohibited from entering into any agreement or contract for a public transit project which would result in the ultimate expenditure or commitment of state funds in excess of $5 million.

(5)  FUND PARTICIPATION; CAPITAL ASSISTANCE.--

(a)  The department may fund up to 50 percent of the nonfederal share of the costs, not to exceed the local share, of any eligible public transit capital project or commuter assistance project that is local in scope; except, however, that departmental participation in the final design, right-of-way acquisition, and construction phases of an individual fixed-guideway project which is not approved for federal funding shall not exceed an amount equal to 12.5 percent of the total cost of each phase.

(b)  The department is authorized to fund up to 100 percent of the cost of any eligible transit capital project, intercity bus service project, or commuter assistance project that is statewide in scope or involves more than one county where no other governmental entity or appropriate jurisdiction exists.

(c)  The department is authorized to advance up to 80 percent of the capital cost of any eligible project that will assist Florida's transit systems and intercity bus services in becoming fiscally self-sufficient. Such advances shall be reimbursed to the department on an appropriate schedule not to exceed 5 years after the date of provision of the advances.

(d)  The department is authorized to fund up to 100 percent of the capital and net operating costs of statewide transit service development projects or transit corridor projects. All transit service development projects shall be specifically identified by way of a departmental appropriation request, and transit corridor projects shall be identified as part of the planned improvements on each transportation corridor designated by the department. The project objectives, the assigned operational and financial responsibilities, the timeframe required to develop the required service, and the criteria by which the success of the project will be judged shall be documented by the department for each such transit service development project or transit corridor project.

(e)  The department is authorized to fund up to 50 percent of the capital and net operating costs of transit service development projects that are local in scope and that will improve system efficiencies, ridership, or revenues. All such projects shall be identified in the appropriation request of the department through a specific program of projects, as provided for in s. 341.041, that is selectively applied in the following functional areas and is subject to the specified times of duration:

1.  Improving system operations, including, but not limited to, realigning route structures, increasing system average speed, decreasing deadhead mileage, expanding area coverage, and improving schedule adherence, for a period of up to 3 years;

2.  Improving system maintenance procedures, including, but not limited to, effective preventive maintenance programs, improved mechanics training programs, decreasing service repair calls, decreasing parts inventory requirements, and decreasing equipment downtime, for a period of up to 3 years;

3.  Improving marketing and consumer information programs, including, but not limited to, automated information services, organized advertising and promotion programs, and signing of designated stops, for a period of up to 2 years; and

4.  Improving technology involved in overall operations, including, but not limited to, transit equipment, fare collection techniques, electronic data processing applications, and bus locators, for a period of up to 2 years.

(f)  The department may fund up to 100 percent of the federal-aid apportionment for intercity bus service.

(6)  ANNUAL APPROPRIATION.--Funds paid into the State Transportation Trust Fund pursuant to s. 201.15(1)(d) for the New Starts Transit Program are hereby annually appropriated for expenditure to support the New Starts Transit Program.

For purposes of this section, the term "net operating costs" means all operating costs of a project less any federal funds, fares, or other sources of income to the project.

History.--s. 1, ch. 78-283; s. 63, ch. 83-3; ss. 9, 13, ch. 83-138; s. 254, ch. 84-309; s. 5, ch. 84-340; s. 18, ch. 87-225; s. 20, ch. 88-286; s. 17, ch. 89-301; s. 82, ch. 90-136; s. 67, ch. 92-152; s. 21, ch. 92-173; s. 36, ch. 93-164; s. 57, ch. 95-257; s. 136, ch. 99-13; s. 106, ch. 99-385; s. 86, ch. 2002-20; s. 3, ch. 2003-291; s. 34, ch. 2005-290.

341.052  Public transit block grant program; administration; eligible projects; limitation.--

(1)  There is created a public transit block grant program which shall be administered by the department. Block grant funds shall only be provided to "Section 9" providers and "Section 18" providers designated by the United States Department of Transportation and community transportation coordinators as defined in chapter 427. Eligible providers must establish public transportation development plans consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with approved local government comprehensive plans of the units of local government in which the provider is located. In developing public transportation development plans, eligible providers must solicit comments from regional workforce boards established under chapter 445. The development plans must address how the public transit provider will work with the appropriate regional workforce board to provide services to participants in the welfare transition program. Eligible providers must provide information to the regional workforce board serving the county in which the provider is located regarding the availability of transportation services to assist program participants.

(2)  Costs for which public transit block grant program funds may be expended include:

(a)  Costs of public bus transit and local public fixed guideway capital projects.

(b)  Costs of public bus transit service development and transit corridor projects. Whenever block grant funds are used for a service development project or a transit corridor project, the use of such funds is governed by s. 341.051. Local transit service development projects and transit corridor projects currently operating under contract with the department shall continue to receive state funds according to the contract until such time as the contract expires. Transit corridor projects, wholly within one county, meeting or exceeding performance criteria as described in the contract shall be continued by the transit provider at the same or a higher level of service until such time as the department, the M.P.O., and the service provider, agree to discontinue the service. The provider may not increase fares for services in transit corridor projects wholly within one county without the consent of the department.

(c)  Costs of public bus transit operations.

All projects must be consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with the approved local government comprehensive plans of the units of local government in which the project is located.

(3)  The following limitations shall apply to the use of public transit block grant program funds:

(a)  State participation in eligible capital projects shall be limited to 50 percent of the nonfederal share of such project costs.

(b)  State participation in eligible public transit operating costs may not exceed 50 percent of such costs or an amount equal to the total revenue, excluding farebox, charter, and advertising revenue and federal funds, received by the provider for operating costs, whichever amount is less.

(c)  No eligible public transit provider shall use public transit block grant funds to supplant local tax revenues made available to such provider for operations in the previous year; however, the Secretary of Transportation may waive this provision for public transit providers located in a county recovering from a state of emergency declared pursuant to part I of chapter 252.

(d)  The state may not give any county more than 39 percent of the funds available for distribution under this section or more than the amount that local revenue sources provide to that transit system.

(4)  To remain eligible to receive funding under the public transit block grant program, eligible public transit providers must comply with the requirements of s. 341.071(1) and the requirements of s. 341.071(2) and must comply with the provisions of paragraph (2)(b) relating to existing transit corridor projects.

(5)  The department shall distribute 15 percent of the funds designated for the public transit block grant program into the Transportation Disadvantaged Trust Fund for distribution to community transportation coordinators as provided by the rules of the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged.

(6)  The department shall distribute 85 percent of the public transit block grant funds to "Section 9" and "Section 18" providers designated by the United States Department of Transportation. The funds shall be distributed to "Section 9" providers, and to "Section 18" providers that are not designated as community transportation coordinators pursuant to chapter 427, according to the following formula, except that at least $20,000 shall be distributed to each eligible provider if application of the formula provides less than that amount for any such provider:

(a)  One-third shall be distributed according to the percentage that an eligible provider's county population in the most recent year for which those population figures are available from the state census repository is of the total population of all counties served by eligible providers.

(b)  One-third shall be distributed according to the percentage that the total revenue miles provided by an eligible provider, as verified by the most recent "Section 15" report to the Federal Transit Administration or a similar audited report submitted to the department, is of the total revenue miles provided by eligible providers in the state in that year.

(c)  One-third shall be distributed according to the percentage that the total passengers carried by an eligible provider, as verified by the most recent "Section 15" report submitted to the Federal Transit Administration or a similar audited report submitted to the department, is of the total number of passengers carried by eligible providers in the state in that year.

(7)(a)  Any funds distributed to an eligible provider pursuant to subsection (6) which cannot be expended within the limitations of the block grant program shall be returned to the department for redistribution to other eligible providers pursuant to that subsection.

(b)  The department may consult with an eligible provider, before distributing funds to that provider pursuant to subsection (6), to determine whether the provider can expend its total block grant within the limitations of the block grant program. If the department and the provider agree that the total block grant cannot be expended, the provider may agree to accept a block grant of less than the total amount, in which case the funds that exceed such lesser agreed-upon amount shall be redistributed to other eligible providers pursuant to subsection (6).

(c)  If an audit reveals that an eligible provider expended block grant funds on unauthorized uses, the provider must repay to the department an amount equal to the funds expended for unauthorized uses. The department shall redistribute such repayments to other eligible providers pursuant to subsection (6).

(8)  Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (5), (6), and (7), the department may supplement an eligible provider's block grant allocation if funds are available; if requested by the M.P.O. or, if there is no M.P.O., by the county with jurisdiction; and if the department concurs in the request. Any supplement of a transit provider's block grant shall be specifically identified in the tentative work program submitted by the department to the Legislature. The provisions of subsections (2) and (3) shall apply to total block grants as supplemented by allocations made under this subsection.

History.--s. 83, ch. 90-136; s. 68, ch. 92-152; s. 34, ch. 93-164; s. 22, ch. 94-237; s. 15, ch. 97-100; s. 12, ch. 98-57; s. 86, ch. 2000-165.

341.053  Intermodal Development Program; administration; eligible projects; limitations.--

(1)  There is created within the Department of Transportation an Intermodal Development Program to provide for major capital investments in fixed-guideway transportation systems, access to seaports, airports and other transportation terminals, providing for the construction of intermodal or multimodal terminals; and to otherwise facilitate the intermodal or multimodal movement of people and goods.

(2)  In recognition of the department's role in the economic development of this state, the department shall develop a proposed intermodal development plan to connect Florida's airports, deepwater seaports, rail systems serving both passenger and freight, and major intermodal connectors to the Florida Intrastate Highway System facilities as the primary system for the movement of people and freight in this state in order to make the intermodal development plan a fully integrated and interconnected system. The intermodal development plan must:

(a)  Define and assess the state's freight intermodal network, including airports, seaports, rail lines and terminals, intercity bus lines and terminals, and connecting highways.

(b)  Prioritize statewide infrastructure investments, including the acceleration of current projects, which are found by the Freight Stakeholders Task Force to be priority projects for the efficient movement of people and freight.

(c)  Be developed in a manner that will assure maximum use of existing facilities and optimum integration and coordination of the various modes of transportation, including both government-owned and privately owned resources, in the most cost-effective manner possible.

(3)  The Intermodal Development Program shall be administered by the department.

(4)  The department shall review funding requests from a rail authority created pursuant to chapter 343. The department may include projects of the authorities, including planning and design, in the tentative work program.

(5)  No single transportation authority operating a fixed-guideway transportation system, or single fixed-guideway transportation system not administered by a transportation authority, receiving funds under the Intermodal Development Program shall receive more than 33¹/₃ percent of the total intermodal development funds appropriated between July 1, 1990, and June 30, 2015. In determining the distribution of funds under the Intermodal Development Program in any fiscal year, the department shall assume that future appropriation levels will be equal to the current appropriation level.

(6)  The department is authorized to fund projects within the Intermodal Development Program, which are consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with approved local government comprehensive plans of the units of local government in which the project is located. Projects that are eligible for funding under this program include major capital investments in public rail and fixed-guideway transportation facilities and systems which provide intermodal access; road, rail, intercity bus service, or fixed-guideway access to, from, or between seaports, airports, and other transportation terminals; construction of intermodal or multimodal terminals; development and construction of dedicated bus lanes; and projects which otherwise facilitate the intermodal or multimodal movement of people and goods.

History.--s. 84, ch. 90-136; s. 69, ch. 92-152; s. 66, ch. 93-164; s. 47, ch. 99-385; s. 87, ch. 2002-20; s. 4, ch. 2003-291.

341.0532  Statewide transportation corridors.--

(1)  A "statewide transportation corridor" is defined as a system of transportation infrastructure that collectively provides for the efficient movement of significant volumes of intrastate, interstate, and international commerce by seamlessly linking multiple modes of transport.

(2)  Florida's statewide transportation corridors are:

(a)  The Atlantic Coast Corridor, from Jacksonville to Miami, including Interstate 95.

(b)  The Gulf Coast Corridor, from Pensacola to St. Petersburg and to Tampa including U.S. Route 98 and U.S. Route 19/State Road 27.

(c)  The Central Florida/North-South Corridor, from the Florida-Georgia border to Naples and Fort Lauderdale/Miami, including Interstate 75.

(d)  The Central Florida/East-West Corridor from St. Petersburg to Tampa and to Titusville, including Interstate 4 and the Beeline Expressway.

(e)  The North Florida Corridor, from Pensacola to Jacksonville, including Interstate 10, and U.S. Route 231, State Road 77, and State Road 79 from the Florida-Alabama border to Panama City.

(f)  The Jacksonville to Tampa Corridor, including U.S. Route 301.

(g)  The Jacksonville to Orlando Corridor, including U.S. 17.

(h)  The Southeastern Everglades Corridor, linking Wildwood, Winter Garden, Orlando, and West Palm Beach via the Florida Turnpike.

For the purposes of this subsection, the term "corridor" includes railways adjacent to such corridor and the roadways linking to transportation terminals, and intermodal service centers to the major highways listed in this subsection.

History.--s. 53, ch. 2003-286.

341.061  Transit safety standards; inspections and system safety reviews.--

(1)(a)  The department shall adopt by rule minimum safety standards for governmentally owned fixed-guideway transportation systems and privately owned or operated fixed-guideway transportation systems operating in this state which are financed wholly or partly by state funds. Standards must be site-specific for fixed-guideway transportation systems and shall be developed jointly by the department and representatives of the affected systems, giving full consideration to nationwide industry safety norms relating to the development and operation of fixed-guideway transportation systems.

(b)  Each fixed-guideway transportation system shall develop a safety program plan that complies with established standards and shall certify to the department that the plan complies with the standards. Following certification to the department, the fixed-guideway transportation system shall implement and comply with the plan during the development and operation of the system. Each fixed-guideway transportation system shall verify annually in writing to the department that it has complied with its adopted safety program plan.

(c)  Before beginning passenger service operations, a fixed-guideway transportation system must certify in writing to the department that the system is safe for passenger service. Further, before a fixed-guideway transportation system the operations of which have been suspended as a result of noncompliance with established standards returns to service, the system must certify in writing to the department that the system is safe for passenger service.

(d)  If a fixed-guideway transportation system does not comply with paragraph (b) or paragraph (c) or if, upon certification by a fixed-guideway transportation system, the department has good cause to believe that the system is not complying with its adopted safety program plan or is not safe for passenger service, the department may conduct a review of the system for safety compliance. Upon completion of its review, the department shall provide a copy of the review report to the affected system. Any adverse findings and any corrective actions required and the time allowed for such actions must be stated in the report. If at any time continued operation of the system, or a portion thereof, poses an immediate danger to public safety, the system operator shall suspend affected system service until corrective action is taken. If the system operator fails to take corrective action or fails to suspend service when immediate danger to the public exists, the department may require the affected system service to be suspended.

(2)(a)  The department shall adopt by rule minimum equipment and operational safety standards for all governmentally owned bus transit systems and privately owned or operated bus transit systems operating in this state that are financed wholly or partly by state funds, all bus transit systems created pursuant to chapter 427, and all privately owned or operated bus transit systems under contract with any of the foregoing systems. Standards for bus transit systems shall be developed jointly by the department and representatives of the transit systems. Each such bus transit system shall develop a transit safety program plan that complies with established standards and shall certify to the department that the plan complies with the standards. Following certification to the department, the bus transit system shall implement and comply with the plan during the operation of the transit system.

(b)  Each bus transit system shall, as part of the safety program plan, require that all transit buses operated by the system be inspected at least annually in accordance with established standards. Qualified personnel of the bus transit system or public or private entities qualified by the bus transit system shall perform safety inspections. Each bus transit system shall certify annually in writing to the department that it has complied with its adopted safety program plan and, as part of that plan, that safety inspections have been performed by a qualified entity at least once that year on all transit buses operated by such system.

(c)  If a bus transit system does not comply with paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) or if, upon certification by a bus transit system, the department has good cause to believe that the system is not complying with its adopted safety program plan or is not safe for passenger service, the department may conduct a review of the system for safety compliance. Upon completion of its review, the department shall provide a copy of the review report to the affected system. Any adverse findings and any corrective actions required and the time allowed for such actions must be stated in the report. If at any time continued operation of the system, or a portion thereof, poses an immediate danger to public safety, the system operator shall suspend affected system service until corrective action is taken. If the system operator fails to take corrective action or fails to suspend service when immediate danger to the public exists, the department may require the affected system service to be suspended.

History.--s. 6, ch. 84-340; s. 37, ch. 86-243.

341.071  Transit productivity and performance measures; reports.--

(1)  Where there is an approved local government comprehensive plan in the political subdivision or political subdivisions in which the public transportation system is located, each public transit provider shall establish public transportation development plans consistent with approved local government comprehensive plans.

(2)  Each public transit provider shall establish productivity and performance measures, which must be approved by the department and which must be selected from measures developed pursuant to s. 341.041(3). Each provider shall report annually to the department relative to these measures. In approving these measures, the department shall give consideration to the goals and objectives of each system, the needs of the local area, and the role for public transit in the local area.

(3)  Each public transit provider shall publish in the local newspaper of its area the productivity and performance measures established for the year and a report which provides quantitative data relative to the attainment of established productivity and performance measures.

History.--s. 85, ch. 90-136.

341.101  State purchase of mass transit vehicles and facilities.--

(1)  The Division of Bond Finance of the State Board of Administration is authorized to acquire, finance, lease, or sell, and the department is authorized to lease or purchase, mass transit vehicles and facilities pursuant to ss. 288.23-288.30 and ss. 215.57-215.83.

(2)  As used in s. 166.021, a "municipal purpose" also includes any and all means for the transportation of people and goods from place to place, which means of transportation are developed, operated, or maintained in whole or in part from public funds.

History.--ss. 2, 3, ch. 70-239; s. 255, ch. 84-309; s. 7, ch. 84-340; s. 284, ch. 92-279; s. 55, ch. 92-326.

Note.--Former s. 334.023.

341.102  Regulation of nonpublic sector buses.--

(1)  No local governmental entity shall unduly restrict or impose any economic regulation upon the use of nonpublic sector buses engaged solely in intercounty transportation, or engaged in intracity transportation routes if the owner of such bus can establish that such intracity transportation route has been operated continuously from January 1, 1990, through April 1, 1991, and such intracity transportation has been conducted in compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations promulgated under s. 316.70. The partial exemption from local governmental regulation afforded the intracity transportation routes specified in the preceding sentence shall be limited to the routes maintained continuously from January 1, 1990, through April 1, 1991, and such authority shall expire April 1, 2011, or 10 years after any change in ownership of such bus, whichever occurs first. Any existing restrictions inconsistent with this section are invalid. However, local governmental entities may enact necessary safety, insurance, and traffic ordinances.

(2)  Except for contract agreements awarded pursuant to chapter 427, a county, as defined in s. 125.011(1), or a local governmental entity located within such a county, may not unduly restrict or impose any economic regulation upon any private sector contract transportation agreement. A private sector contract transportation agreement is a prearranged written contract between a bus owner and a public sector or private sector entity for the prearranged transportation of specific passengers, not including street hails, by a nonpublic sector bus over public roads that do not overlap public transportation corridors by more than 70 percent; provided, such passengers are employees, patients, or clients of the public sector or private sector entity, and such entity has a legitimate business or governmental purpose in transporting such employees, patients, or clients; and such entity's primary business is not transportation of passengers by motor vehicle, as defined in s. 320.01. For the purpose of this subsection, a nonpublic sector bus is defined as a vehicle designed for carrying more than 10 passengers. A public transportation corridor consists of those public roads within one-quarter mile of, and including, existing public transportation routes. Nothing contained in this subsection shall restrict local governmental entities from enacting necessary safety, insurance, and traffic ordinances.

History.--s. 5, ch. 81-209; s. 256, ch. 84-309; s. 8, ch. 84-340; s. 123, ch. 90-136; s. 1, ch. 90-230; s. 70, ch. 92-152.

341.301  Definitions; ss. 341.302 and 341.303.--As used in ss. 341.302 and 341.303, the term:

(1)  "Branch line continuance project" means a project that involves branch line rehabilitation, new connecting track, rail banking, and other similar types of projects, including those specifically identified in the federal Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976, and subsequent amendments to that act.

(2)  "Intercity rail transportation system" means the network of railroad facilities used or available for interstate and intrastate passenger and freight operations by railroads, whether or not on a schedule or whether or not restricted.

(3)  "Rail programs" means those programs administered by the state or other governmental entities which involve projects affecting the movement of people or goods by rail lines that have been or will be constructed to serve freight or passenger markets within a city or between cities.

(4)  "Rail service development project" means a project undertaken by a public agency to determine whether a new or innovative technique or measure can be utilized to improve or expand rail service. The duration of the project funding shall be limited according to the type of project and in no case shall exceed 3 years. Rail service development projects include those projects and other actions undertaken to enhance railroad operating efficiency or increased rail service, including measures that result in improved speed profiles, operations, or technological applications that lead to reductions in operating costs and increases in productivity or service.

(5)  "Railroad" or "rail system" means any common carrier fixed-guideway transportation system such as the conventional steel rail-supported, steel-wheeled system. The term does not include a high-speed rail line developed by the Department of Transportation pursuant to ss. 341.8201-341.842.

(6)  "Railroad capital improvement project" means a project identified by the rail component of the Florida Transportation Plan, which project involves the leasing, acquisition, design, construction, reconstruction, or improvement to the existing intercity rail transportation system or future segments thereof, including such items as locomotives and other rolling stock, tracks, terminals, and rights-of-way for the continuance or expansion of rail service as necessary to ensure the continued effectiveness of the state's rail facilities and systems in meeting mobility and industrial development needs.

(7)  "Train" means any locomotive engine that is powered by diesel fuel, electricity, or other means, with or without cars coupled thereto, and operated upon a railroad track or any other form of fixed guideway, except that the term does not include a light rail vehicle such as a streetcar or people mover.

History.--s. 1, ch. 84-333; s. 38, ch. 86-243; s. 42, ch. 95-143; s. 32, ch. 2004-5.

341.302  Rail program, duties and responsibilities of the department.--The department, in conjunction with other governmental units and the private sector, shall develop and implement a rail program of statewide application designed to ensure the proper maintenance, safety, revitalization, and expansion of the rail system to assure its continued and increased availability to respond to statewide mobility needs. Within the resources provided pursuant to chapter 216, and as authorized under Title 49 C.F.R. part 212, the department shall:

(1)  Provide the overall leadership, coordination, and financial and technical assistance necessary to assure the effective responses of the state's rail system to current and anticipated mobility needs.

(2)  Promote and facilitate the implementation of advanced rail systems, including high-speed rail and magnetic levitation systems.

(3)  Develop and periodically update the rail system plan, on the basis of an analysis of statewide transportation needs. The plan shall be consistent with the Florida Transportation Plan developed pursuant to s. 339.155. The rail system plan shall include an identification of priorities, programs, and funding levels required to meet statewide needs. The rail system plan shall be developed in a manner that will assure the maximum use of existing facilities and the optimum integration and coordination of the various modes of transportation, public and private, in the most cost-effective manner possible. The rail system plan shall be updated at least every 2 years and include plans for both passenger rail service and freight rail service.

(4)  As part of the work program of the department, formulate a specific program of projects and financing to respond to identified railroad needs.

(5)  Provide technical and financial assistance to units of local government to address identified rail transportation needs.

(6)  Secure and administer federal grants, loans, and apportionments for rail projects within this state when necessary to further the statewide program.

(7)  Develop and administer state standards concerning the safety and performance of rail systems, hazardous material handling, and operations. Such standards shall be developed jointly with representatives of affected rail systems, with full consideration given to nationwide industry norms, and shall define the minimum acceptable standards for safety and performance.

(8)  Conduct, at a minimum, inspections of track and rolling stock; train signals and related equipment; hazardous materials transportation, including the loading, unloading, and labeling of hazardous materials at shippers', receivers', and transfer points; and train operating practices to determine adherence to state and federal standards. Department personnel may enforce any safety regulation issued under the Federal Government's preemptive authority over interstate commerce.

(9)  Assess penalties, in accordance with the applicable federal regulations, for the failure to adhere to the state standards.

(10)  Administer rail operating and construction programs, which programs shall include the regulation of maximum train operating speeds, the opening and closing of public grade crossings, the construction and rehabilitation of public grade crossings, and the installation of traffic control devices at public grade crossings, the administering of the programs by the department including participation in the cost of the programs.

(11)  Coordinate and facilitate the relocation of railroads from congested urban areas to nonurban areas when relocation has been determined feasible and desirable from the standpoint of safety, operational efficiency, and economics.

(12)  Implement a program of branch line continuance projects when an analysis of the industrial and economic potential of the line indicates that public involvement is required to preserve essential rail service and facilities.

(13)  Provide new rail service and equipment when:

(a)  Pursuant to the transportation planning process, a public need has been determined to exist;

(b)  The cost of providing such service does not exceed the sum of revenues from fares charged to users, services purchased by other public agencies, local fund participation, and specific legislative appropriation for this purpose; and

(c)  Service cannot be reasonably provided by other governmental or privately owned rail systems.

The department may own, lease, and otherwise encumber facilities, equipment, and appurtenances thereto, as necessary to provide new rail services; or the department may provide such service by contracts with privately owned service providers.

(14)  Furnish required emergency rail transportation service if no other private or public rail transportation operation is available to supply the required service and such service is clearly in the best interest of the people in the communities being served. Such emergency service may be furnished through contractual arrangement, actual operation of state-owned equipment and facilities, or any other means determined appropriate by the secretary.

(15)  Assist in the development and implementation of marketing programs for rail services and of information systems directed toward assisting rail systems users.

(16)  Conduct research into innovative or potentially effective rail technologies and methods and maintain expertise in state-of-the-art rail developments.

(17)  Exercise such other functions, powers, and duties in connection with the rail system plan as are necessary to develop a safe, efficient, and effective statewide transportation system.

History.--s. 2, ch. 84-333; s. 18, ch. 89-301; s. 72, ch. 92-152; s. 53, ch. 93-164; s. 58, ch. 95-257; s. 35, ch. 99-385.

341.3025  Multicounty public rail system fares and enforcement.--

(1)  Any entity that owns or operates a public rail system in two or more counties of the state may adopt rules and regulations relating to the operation and management of its rail system, including regulations relating to fares, fees, and charges for the use of the facilities and services of the system.

(2)  It is unlawful for any person to ride the rail system without payment of the appropriate fare or to cause goods or other items for which a fee is charged to be carried on the rail system without payment of the fee.

(3)(a)  Any person riding the rail system without paying the appropriate fare or causing goods or other items for which a fee is charged to be carried without paying such fee shall be subject to citation by an enforcement officer of the system and, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, is guilty of a noncriminal violation punishable by a fine of $50 per each such violation.

(b)  The citation issued to a person in violation of this section shall state the reason for the citation, the amount of the fine, and the court having jurisdiction of the offense.

(c)  Each enforcement officer issuing a citation for an alleged violation of this section shall deposit the original and one copy of the citation with a court having jurisdiction over the alleged offense within 5 days after issuance to the violator.

(d)  The entity operating the system shall maintain a copy of the citation.

(e)  Upon the deposit of the original and one copy of such citation with a court having jurisdiction over the alleged offense, the original or copy of such citation may be disposed of only by trial in the court or other official action by a judge of the court, including forfeiture of the bail, or by the deposit of sufficient bail with or payment of a fine to the entity by the person to whom such citation has been issued.

(f)  The entity shall maintain or cause to be maintained a record of the disposition of each citation issued.

(4)(a)  Any person cited for an offense under this section shall sign and accept a citation indicating a promise to appear.

(b)  Any person who does not elect to appear shall pay the fine either by mail or in person within 30 days of the date of receiving the citation. If the person cited follows the procedure provided in this paragraph, he or she shall be deemed to have admitted the infraction and to have waived his or her right to a trial on the issue of commission of the infraction. Such admission shall not be used as evidence in any other proceeding.

(c)  Any person electing to appear before the judge shall be deemed to have waived his or her right to pay the penalty. The judge, after a trial, shall make a determination as to whether an infraction has been proven and may impose a civil penalty not to exceed $500. If the judge determines that no infraction has been committed, no cost or penalties shall be imposed, and any cost or penalty which has been paid shall be returned.

(d)  Any person who fails to appear or otherwise properly respond to a citation issued under this section shall also be charged with the offense of failing to respond to such citation and, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. A written warning to this effect shall be provided at the time such citation is issued.

(e)  The commission of an offense must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt at any trial.

(5)  For the purpose of enforcing the payment of such fares, fees, and charges for use of the facilities and services of the system, such entity shall have the authority:

(a)  To employ enforcement officers or contract with a private firm or company to verify payment of appropriate fares or fees and to issue citations to persons traveling on the system without paying the appropriate fare or to persons who cause goods or other items for which a fee is charged to be carried without paying such fee. Such enforcement officers who are not licensed security officers shall not carry firearms or other weapons or have arrest authority; armed security officers performing fare inspection services shall not have arrest authority and shall be licensed as required by chapter 493 and all other applicable laws and regulations.

(b)  To maintain records of citations issued and to accept payment of fines and costs.

(6)  All fines and forfeitures received by any court from violations of this section shall be paid monthly, less any administrative costs, to the entity operating the system.

(7)  Venue for prosecution or recovery for violations of rules or regulations adopted pursuant to this section shall be in the county where the entity which owns and operates the public rail system maintains its principal place of business.

History.--s. 1, ch. 88-360; s. 73, ch. 92-152; s. 38, ch. 93-164; s. 506, ch. 95-148; s. 55, ch. 95-257.

341.303  Funding authorization and appropriations; eligibility and participation.--

(1)  APPROPRIATIONS REQUESTS.--

(a)  Rail funds shall be requested on the basis of the funding required for the implementation of the rail component of the work program.

(b)  No state funds shall be allocated or expended for operation deficits of any intercity or commuter rail projects except as specifically allowed for approved rail service development projects.

(2)  PROJECT ELIGIBILITY.--Any project that is necessary to carry out those duties and responsibilities enumerated in s. 341.302, that is consistent with the approved local government comprehensive plan of the unit of government of the areas served by the rail service, and that is contained in the adopted work program is eligible for the expenditure of state funds in accordance with the fund participation rates established in this section.

(3)  FUND PARTICIPATION; CAPITAL ASSISTANCE.--

(a)  The department may fund up to 50 percent of the nonfederal and nonprivate share of the costs of any eligible railroad capital improvement project that is local in scope.

(b)  The department is authorized to fund up to 100 percent of the cost of any eligible railroad capital improvement project that is statewide in scope or involves more than one county if no other governmental unit of appropriate jurisdiction exists.

(c)  The department is authorized to fund up to 100 percent of the costs of any railroad capital improvement project involving the acquisition of rights-of-way for future transportation purposes. Departmental fund participation in such project shall be credited as part of the appropriate share of the participation by the department in total project cost for any future project involving such rights-of-way.

(4)  FUND PARTICIPATION; SERVICE DEVELOPMENT.--

(a)  The department is authorized to fund up to 50 percent of the net operating costs of any eligible intercity or commuter rail service development project that is local in scope, not to exceed the local match.

(b)  The department is authorized to fund up to 100 percent of the net operating costs of any eligible intercity or commuter rail service development project that is statewide in scope or involves more than one county if no other governmental unit of appropriate jurisdiction exists. For commuter rail service, after the 5th year of operation, the department's participation is limited to a maximum of 50 percent of the net operating costs of the service.

(c)  Each such local or statewide service development project shall be identified in the appropriation request of the department in a manner that defines project objectives, the assigned operational and financial responsibilities, the timeframe required to develop the service, and the criteria by which the success of the project can be judged.

(d)  Any service development project funded under this section shall continue to be eligible for such funds only if the project reaches a systemwide operating ratio of 25 percent or more during the 5th year.

(e)  The term "net operating costs" means all operating costs of the project less any federal funds, fares, or other sources of income to the project.

History.--s. 3, ch. 84-333; s. 21, ch. 85-81; s. 23, ch. 88-168; s. 19, ch. 89-301; s. 2, ch. 89-351; s. 74, ch. 92-152; s. 37, ch. 93-164.

341.501  High-technology transportation systems; joint project agreement or assistance.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department of Transportation may enter into a joint project agreement with, or otherwise assist, private or public entities, or consortia thereof, to facilitate the research, development, and demonstration of high-technology transportation systems, including, but not limited to, systems using magnetic levitation technology. The department may, subject to s. 339.135, provide funds to match any available federal aid or aid from other states or jurisdictions for effectuating the research, development, and demonstration of high-technology transportation systems. To be eligible for funding under this section, the project must be located in Florida.

History.--s. 64, ch. 93-164; s. 58, ch. 96-323; s. 56, ch. 97-100; ss. 54, 88, ch. 2002-20.

341.8201  Short title.--Sections 341.8201-341.842 may be cited as the "Florida High-Speed Rail Authority Act."

History.--s. 28, ch. 2002-20; s. 31, ch. 2003-1.

341.8202  Legislative findings, policy, purpose, and intent.--

(1)  The intent of this act is to implement the purpose of s. 19, Art. X of the State Constitution, which directs the Legislature, the Cabinet and the Governor to proceed with the development, either by the state or an approved private entity, of a high-speed monorail, fixed guideway, or magnetic levitation system, capable of speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour. The development of such a system, which will link Florida's five largest urban areas as defined in this act, includes acquisition of right-of-way and the financing of design and construction with construction beginning on or before November 1, 2003. Further, this act promotes the various growth management and environmental protection laws enacted by the Legislature and encourages and enhances the establishment of a high-speed rail system. The Legislature further finds that:

(a)  The implementation of a high-speed rail system in the state will result in overall social and environmental benefits, improvements in ambient air quality, better protection of water quality, greater preservation of wildlife habitat, less use of open space, and enhanced conservation of natural resources and energy.

(b)  A high-speed rail system, when developed in conjunction with sound land use planning, becomes an integral part in achieving growth management goals and encourages the use of public transportation to augment and implement land use and growth management goals and objectives.

(c)  Development and utilization of a properly designed, constructed, and financed high-speed rail system and associated development can act as a catalyst for economic growth and development, mitigate unduly long and traffic-congested commutes for day-to-day commuters, create new employment opportunities, serve as a positive growth management system for building a better and more environmentally secure state, and serve a paramount public purpose by promoting the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the state.

(d)  Transportation benefits of a high-speed rail system include improved travel times and more reliable travel, which will increase productivity and energy efficiency in the state.

(2)  The Legislature further finds that:

(a)  Access to timely and efficient modes of passenger transportation is necessary for travelers, visitors, and day-to-day commuters, to the quality of life in the state, and to the economy of the state.

(b)  Technological advances in the state's transportation system can significantly and positively affect the ability of the state to attract and provide efficient services for domestic and international tourists and therefore increase revenue of the state.

(c)  The geography of the state is suitable for the construction and efficient operation of a high-speed rail system.

(d)  The public use of the high-speed rail system must be encouraged and assured in order to achieve the public purpose and objectives set forth in this act. In order to encourage the public use of the high-speed rail system and to protect the public investment in the system, it is necessary to provide an environment surrounding each high-speed rail station which will allow the development of associated development for the purpose of creating revenue in support of and for the high-speed rail system, enhance the safe movement of pedestrians and traffic into and out of the area, ensure the personal safety of high-speed rail system and related facility users and their personal property while the users are in the area of each station, and eliminate all conditions in the vicinity which constitute economic and social impediments and barriers to the use of the high-speed rail system and associated development.

(e)  Areas surrounding certain proposed high-speed rail stations can, as a result of existing conditions, crime, and traffic congestion, pose a serious threat to the use of the high-speed rail system, reduce revenue from users, discourage pedestrian and traffic ingress and egress, retard sound growth and development, impair public investment, and consume an excessive amount of public revenues in the employment of police and other forms of public protection to adequately safeguard the high-speed rail system and its users. Such areas may require redevelopment, acquisition, clearance, or disposition, or joint public and private development to provide parking facilities, retail establishments, restaurants, hotels, or office facilities associated with or ancillary to the high-speed rail system and rail stations and to otherwise provide for an environment that will encourage the use of, and safeguard, the system.

(f)  The powers conferred by this act are for public uses and purposes as established by s. 19, Art. X of the State Constitution for which public funds may be expended, and the necessity in the public interest for the provisions herein enacted is hereby declared as a matter of legislative determination to implement the intent of s. 19, Art. X of the State Constitution.

(g)  Urban and social benefits include revitalization of economically depressed areas, the redirection of growth in a carefully and comprehensively planned manner, and the creation of numerous employment opportunities within inner-city areas.

(h)  The provisions contained in this act are a declaration of legislative intent that the state develop a high-speed rail system to help solve transportation problems and eliminate their negative effect on the citizens of this state, and therefore serves a public purpose.

(i)  Joint development is a necessary planning, financing, management, operation, and construction mechanism to ensure the continued future development of an efficient and economically viable high-speed rail system in this state.

(3)  It is the intent of the Legislature to authorize the authority to implement innovative mechanisms required to effect the joint public-private venture approach to planning, locating, permitting, managing, financing, constructing, operating, and maintaining a high-speed rail system for the state, including providing incentives for revenue generation, operation, construction, and management by the private sector.

History.--s. 29, ch. 2002-20.

341.8203  Definitions.--As used in this act, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term:

(1)  "Associated development" means property, equipment, buildings, or other ancillary facilities which are built, installed, or established to provide financing, funding, or revenues for the planning, building, managing, and operation of a high-speed rail system and which are associated with or part of the rail stations. The term includes property, including air rights, necessary for joint development, such as parking facilities, retail establishments, restaurants, hotels, offices, or other commercial, civic, residential, or support facilities, and may also include property necessary to protect or preserve the rail station area by reducing urban blight or traffic congestion or property necessary to accomplish any of the purposes set forth in this subsection which are reasonably anticipated or necessary.

(2)  "Authority" means the Florida High-Speed Rail Authority and its agents. However, for purposes of s. 341.840, the term does not include any agent of the authority except as provided in that section.

(3)  "Central Florida" means the counties of Lake, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Citrus, Sumter, Volusia, Brevard, Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Polk.

(4)  "DBOM contract" means the document and all concomitant rights approved by the authority providing the selected person or entity the exclusive right to design, build, operate, and maintain a high-speed rail system.

(5)  "DBOM & F contract" means the document and all concomitant rights approved by the authority providing the selected person or entity the exclusive right to design, build, operate, maintain, and finance a high-speed rail system.

(6)  "High-speed rail system" means any high-speed fixed guideway system for transporting people or goods, which system is capable of operating at speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour, including, but not limited to, a monorail system, dual track rail system, suspended rail system, magnetic levitation system, pneumatic repulsion system, or other system approved by the authority. The term includes a corridor and structures essential to the operation of the line, including the land, structures, improvements, rights-of-way, easements, rail lines, rail beds, guideway structures, switches, yards, parking facilities, power relays, switching houses, and rail stations and also includes facilities or equipment used exclusively for the purposes of design, construction, operation, maintenance, or the financing of the high-speed rail system.

(7)  "Joint development" means the planning, managing, financing, or constructing of projects adjacent to, functionally related to, or otherwise related to a high-speed rail system pursuant to agreements between any person, firm, corporation, association, organization, agency, or other entity, public or private.

(8)  "Northeast Florida" means the counties of Nassau, Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Putnam, Alachua, Marion, and Flagler.

(9)  "Northwest Florida" means the counties of Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Jackson, Gadsden, Bay, Calhoun, Liberty, Gulf, Franklin, Leon, Jefferson, Madison, Wakulla, Taylor, Hamilton, Suwannee, Columbia, Baker, Union, Lafayette, Gilchrist, Dixie, Bradford, and Levy.

(10)  "Rail station," "station," or "high-speed rail station" means any structure or transportation facility that is part of a high-speed rail system designed to accommodate the movement of passengers from one mode of transportation to another at which passengers board or disembark from transportation conveyances and transfer from one mode of transportation to another.

(11)  "Selected person or entity" means the person or entity to whom the authority awards a contract under s. 341.834 to establish a high-speed rail system pursuant to this act.

(12)  "Southeast Florida" means the counties of Broward, Monroe, Miami-Dade, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, Okeechobee, and Palm Beach.

(13)  "Southwest Florida" means the counties of Manatee, Hardee, DeSoto, Sarasota, Highlands, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, and Collier.

(14)  "Urban areas" means Central Florida, Northeast Florida, Northwest Florida, Southeast Florida, and Southwest Florida.

History.--s. 30, ch. 2002-20; s. 15, ch. 2004-366.

341.821  Florida High-Speed Rail Authority.--

(1)  There is created and established a body politic and corporate, an agency of the state, to be known as the "Florida High-Speed Rail Authority," hereinafter referred to as the "authority."

(2)(a)  The governing board of the authority shall consist of nine voting members appointed as follows:

1.  Three members shall be appointed by the Governor, one of whom must have a background in the area of environmental concerns, one of whom must have a legislative background, and one of whom must have a general business background.

2.  Three members shall be appointed by the President of the Senate, one of whom must have a background in civil engineering, one of whom must have a background in transportation construction, and one of whom must have a general business background.

3.  Three members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, one of whom must have a legal background, one of whom must have a background in financial matters, and one of whom must have a general business background.

(b)  The appointed members shall not be subject to confirmation by the Senate. The initial term of each member appointed by the Governor shall be for 4 years. The initial term of each member appointed by the President of the Senate shall be for 3 years. The initial term of each member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be for 2 years. Succeeding terms for all members shall be for terms of 4 years.

(c)  A vacancy occurring during a term shall be filled by the respective appointing authority in the same manner as the original appointment and only for the balance of the unexpired term. An appointment to fill a vacancy shall be made within 60 days after the occurrence of the vacancy.

(d)  The Secretary of Transportation shall be a nonvoting ex officio member of the board.

(e)  The board shall elect one of its members as chair of the authority. The chair shall hold office at the will of the board. Five members of the board shall constitute a quorum, and the vote of five members shall be necessary for any action taken by the authority. The authority may meet upon the constitution of a quorum. No vacancy in the authority shall impair the right of a quorum of the board to exercise all rights and perform all duties of the authority.

(f)  The members of the board shall not be entitled to compensation but shall be entitled to receive their travel and other necessary expenses as provided in s. 112.061.

(3)  Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, it shall not be or constitute a conflict of interest for a person having a background specified in this section to serve as a member of the authority. However, in each official decision to which this act is applicable, such member's firm or related entity may not have a financial or economic interest nor shall the authority contract with or conduct any business with a member or such member's firm or directly related business entity.

(4)  The authority shall be assigned to the Department of Transportation for administrative purposes. The authority shall be a separate budget entity. The Department of Transportation shall provide administrative support and service to the authority to the extent requested by the chair of the authority. The authority shall not be subject to control, supervision, or direction by the Department of Transportation in any manner, including, but not limited to, personnel, purchasing, transactions involving real or personal property, and budgetary matters.

History.--s. 1, ch. 2001-153; s. 31, ch. 2002-20.

341.822  Powers and duties.--

(1)  The authority created and established by this act shall locate, plan, design, finance, construct, maintain, own, operate, administer, and manage the high-speed rail system in the state.

(2)  The authority may exercise all powers granted to corporations under the Florida Business Corporation Act, chapter 607, except the authority may only incur debt in accordance with levels authorized by the Legislature.

(3)  The authority shall have perpetual succession as a body politic and corporate.

(4)  The authority is authorized to seek and obtain federal matching funds or any other funds to fulfill the requirements of this act either directly or through the Department of Transportation.

(5)  The authority may employ an executive director as it may require and shall determine the qualifications and fix the compensation. The authority may delegate to one or more of its agents or employees such of its power as it deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this act, subject always to the supervision and control of the authority.

History.--s. 2, ch. 2001-153; s. 32, ch. 2002-20.

341.823  Criteria for assessment and recommendations.--

(1)  The following criteria shall apply to the establishment of the high-speed rail system required by this act:

(a)  The system shall be capable of traveling speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour consisting of dedicated rails or guideways separated from motor vehicle traffic;

(b)  The initial segments of the system will be developed and operated between the St. Petersburg area, the Tampa area, and the Orlando area, with future service to the Miami area;

(c)  The authority is to develop a program that uses, to the maximum extent feasible, nongovernmental sources of funding for the design, construction, maintenance, operation, and financing of the system;

(2)  The authority shall establish requirements concerning:

(a)  The format and types of information that must be included in a financial or business plan for the high-speed rail system, and the authority may develop that financial or business plan;

(b)  The preferred routes between the cities and urban areas designated in accordance with s. 341.8203;

(c)  The preferred locations for the stations in the cities and urban areas designated in accordance with s. 341.8203;

(d)  The preferred locomotion technology to be employed; and

(e)  Any other issues the authority deems relevant to the development of a high-speed rail system.

(3)  The authority shall develop a marketing plan, a detailed planning-level ridership study, and an estimate of the annual operating and maintenance cost for the system and all other associate expenses.

History.--s. 3, ch. 2001-153; s. 33, ch. 2002-20.

341.824  Technical, scientific, or other assistance.--

(1)  The Florida Transportation Commission, the Department of Community Affairs, and the Department of Environmental Protection shall, at the authority's request, provide technical, scientific, or other assistance.

(2)  The Department of Community Affairs shall, if requested, provide assistance to local governments in analyzing the land use and comprehensive planning aspects of the high-speed rail system. The Department of Community Affairs shall assist the authority with the resolution of any conflicts between the system and adopted local comprehensive plans.

(3)  The Department of Environmental Protection shall, if requested, provide assistance to local governments and other permitting agencies in analyzing the environmental aspects of the high-speed rail system. The Department of Environmental Protection shall assist the authority and the contractor in expediting the approval of the necessary environmental permits for the system.

History.--s. 6, ch. 2001-153; s. 34, ch. 2002-20.

341.827  Service areas; segment designation.--

(1)  The authority shall determine in which order the service areas, as designated by the Legislature, will be served by the high-speed rail system.

(2)  The authority shall plan and develop the high-speed rail system so that construction proceeds as follows:

(a)  The initial segments of the system shall be developed and operated between the St. Petersburg area, the Tampa area, the Lakeland/Winter Haven area, and the Orlando area, with future service to the Miami area.

(b)  Construction of subsequent segments of the high-speed rail system shall connect the metropolitan areas of Port Canaveral/Cocoa Beach, Ft. Pierce, West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Ft. Myers/Naples, Sarasota/Bradenton, Gainesville/Ocala, Tallahassee, and Pensacola.

(c)  Selection of segments of the high-speed rail system to be constructed subsequent to the initial segments of the system shall be prioritized by the authority, giving consideration to the demand for service, financial participation by local governments, financial participation by the private sector, and the available financial resources of the authority.

History.--s. 35, ch. 2002-20.

341.828  Permitting.--

(1)  The authority, for the purposes of permitting, may utilize one or more permitting processes provided for in statute, including, but not limited to, the metropolitan planning organization long-range transportation planning process as defined in s. 339.175(6) and (7), in conjunction with the Department of Transportation's work program process as defined in s. 339.135, or any permitting process now in effect or that may be in effect at the time of permitting and will provide the most timely and cost-effective permitting process.

(2)  The authority shall work in cooperation with metropolitan planning organizations in areas where the high-speed rail system will be located. The metropolitan planning organizations shall cooperate with the authority and include the high-speed rail system alignment within their adopted long-range transportation plans and transportation improvement programs for the purposes of providing public information, consistency with the plans, and receipt of federal and state funds by the authority to support the high-speed rail system.

(3)  For purposes of selecting a route alignment, the authority may use the project development and environment study process, including the efficient transportation decisionmaking system process as adopted by the Department of Transportation.

History.--s. 36, ch. 2002-20.

341.829  Conflict prevention, mitigation, and resolution.--

(1)  The authority, in conjunction with the Executive Office of the Governor, the Department of Community Affairs, and the Department of Environmental Protection, shall develop and implement, within 180 days after the effective date of this act, a process to prevent, mitigate, and resolve, to the maximum extent feasible, any conflicts or potential conflicts of a high-speed rail system with growth management requirements and environmental standards.

(2)  Any person who disagrees with the alignment decision must file a complaint with the authority within 20 days after the authority's final adoption of the alignment.

(3)  The authority must respond to any timely filed complaint within 60 days after the complaint is filed with the authority.

History.--s. 37, ch. 2002-20.

341.830  Procurement.--

(1)  The authority may employ procurement methods under chapters 255, 287, and 337 and under any rule adopted under such chapters. To enhance the effective and efficient operation of the authority, and to enhance the ability of the authority to use best business practices, the authority may, pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54, adopt rules for and employ procurement methods available to the private sector.

(2)  The authority is authorized to procure commodities and the services of a qualified person or entity to design, build, finance, operate, maintain, and implement a high-speed rail system, including the use of a DBOM or DBOM & F method using a request for proposal, a request for qualifications, or an invitation to negotiate.

History.--s. 38, ch. 2002-20.

341.831  Prequalification.--

(1)  The authority may prequalify interested persons or entities prior to seeking proposals for the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and financing of the high-speed rail system. The authority may establish qualifying criteria that may include, but not be limited to, experience, financial resources, organization and personnel, equipment, past record or history of the person or entity, ability to finance or issue bonds, and ability to post a construction or performance bond.

(2)  The authority may establish the qualifying criteria in a request for qualification without adopting the qualifying criteria as rules.

History.--s. 39, ch. 2002-20.

341.832  Request for qualifications.--

(1)  The authority is authorized to develop and execute a request for qualifications process to seek a person or entity to design, build, operate, maintain, and finance a high-speed rail system. The authority may issue multiple requests for qualifications. The authority shall develop criteria for selection of a person or entity that shall be included in any request for qualifications.

(2)  The authority may issue a request for qualifications without adopting a rule.

History.--s. 40, ch. 2002-20.

341.833  Request for proposals.--

(1)  The authority is authorized to develop and execute a request for proposals process to seek a person or entity to design, build, operate, maintain, and finance a high-speed rail system. The authority may issue multiple requests for proposals. The authority shall develop criteria for selection of a person or entity that shall be included in any request for proposals.

(2)  In the request for proposals, the authority shall specify the minimum period of time for the contract duration. A person or entity may propose a longer period of time for the contract and provide justification of the need for an extended contract period. If the authority extends the time period for the contract, such time period shall be extended for all persons or entities if so requested.

History.--s. 41, ch. 2002-20.

341.834  Award of contract.--

(1)  The authority may award a contract subject to such terms and conditions, including, but not limited to, compliance with any applicable permitting requirements, and any other terms and conditions the authority considers appropriate.

(2)  The contract shall authorize the contractor to provide service between stations as established by the contract. The contractor shall coordinate its facilities and services with passenger rail providers, commuter rail authorities, and public transit providers to provide access to and from the high-speed rail system.

(3)  The contractor shall not convey, lease, or otherwise transfer any high-speed rail system property, any interest in such property, or any improvement constructed upon such property without written approval of the authority.

History.--s. 42, ch. 2002-20.

341.835  Acquisition of property; rights-of-way; disposal of land.--

(1)  The authority may purchase, lease, exchange, or otherwise acquire any land, property interests, or buildings or other improvements, including personal property within such buildings or on such lands, necessary to secure or utilize rights-of-way for existing, proposed, or anticipated high-speed rail system facilities.

(2)  Title to any property acquired in the name of the authority shall be administered by the authority under such terms and conditions as the authority may require.

(3)  When the authority acquires property for a high-speed rail system, or any related or ancillary facilities, by purchase or donation, it is not subject to any liability imposed by chapter 376 or chapter 403 for preexisting soil or groundwater contamination due solely to its ownership. This section does not affect the rights or liabilities of any past or future owners of the acquired property, nor does it affect the liability of any governmental entity for the results of its actions which create or exacerbate a pollution source. The authority and the Department of Environmental Protection may enter into interagency agreements for the performance, funding, and reimbursement of the investigative and remedial acts necessary for property acquired by the authority.

(4)  In acquiring property or property rights for any high-speed rail system or related or ancillary facilities, the authority may acquire an entire lot, block, or tract of land if the interests of the public will be best served by such acquisition, even though the entire lot, block, or tract is not immediately needed for the right-of-way proper or for the specific related or ancillary facilities.

(5)  The authority, by resolution, may dispose of any interest in property acquired pursuant to this section on terms and conditions the authority deems appropriate.

(6)  The authority and its employees and agents shall have the right to enter upon properties which may be determined to be necessary for the construction, reconstruction, relocation, maintenance, and operation of a proposed high-speed rail system and associated development and related or ancillary facilities as described in subsection (1) for the purposes of surveying and soil and environmental testing.

(7)  The authority is authorized to accept donations of real property from public or private entities for the purposes of implementing a high-speed rail system.

History.--s. 43, ch. 2002-20.

341.836  Associated development.--

(1)  The authority, alone or as part of a joint development, may undertake development of associated developments to be a source of revenue for the establishment, construction, operation, or maintenance of the high-speed rail system. Such associated developments must be associated with a rail station and have pedestrian ingress to and egress from the rail station; be consistent, to the extent feasible, with applicable local government comprehensive plans and local land development regulations; and otherwise be in compliance with the provisions of this act.

(2)  This act does not prohibit the authority, the selected person or entity, or a party to a joint venture with the authority or its selected person or entity from obtaining approval, pursuant to any other law, for any associated development that is reasonably related to the high-speed rail system.

History.--s. 44, ch. 2002-20.

341.837  Payment of expenses.--All expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of this act shall be payable solely from funds provided under the authority of this act, or from other legally available sources.

History.--s. 45, ch. 2002-20.

341.838  Rates, rents, fees, and charges.--

(1)  The authority is authorized to fix, revise, charge, and collect rates, rents, fees, charges, and revenues for the use of and for the services furnished, or to be furnished, by the system and to contract with any person, partnership, association, corporation, or other body, public or private, in respect thereof. Such rates, rents, fees, and charges shall be reviewed annually by the authority and may be adjusted as set forth in the contract setting such rates, rents, fees, or charges. The funds collected hereunder shall, with any other funds available, be used to pay the cost of all administrative expenses of the authority, and the cost of designing, building, operating, and maintaining the system and each and every portion thereof, to the extent that the payment of such cost has not otherwise been adequately provided for.

(2)  Rates, rents, fees, and charges fixed, revised, charged, and collected pursuant to this section shall not be subject to supervision or regulation by any department, commission, board, body, bureau, or agency of this state other than the authority.

History.--s. 46, ch. 2002-20.

341.839  Alternate means.--The foregoing sections of this act shall be deemed to provide an additional and alternative method for accomplishing the purposes authorized therein, and shall be regarded as supplemental and additional to powers conferred by other laws. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this act, none of the powers granted to the authority under the provisions of this act shall be subject to the supervision or require the approval or consent of any municipality or political subdivision or any commission, board, body, bureau, or official.

History.--s. 47, ch. 2002-20.

341.840  Tax exemption.--

(1)  The exercise of the powers granted by this act will be in all respects for the benefit of the people of this state, for the increase of their commerce, welfare, and prosperity, and for the improvement of their health and living conditions. The design, construction, operation, maintenance, and financing of a high-speed rail system by the authority, its agent, or the owner or lessee thereof, as herein authorized, constitutes the performance of an essential public function.

(2)(a)  For the purposes of this section, the term "authority" does not include agents of the authority other than contractors who qualify as such pursuant to subsection (7).

(b)  For the purposes of this section, any item or property that is within the definition of "associated development" in s. 341.8203(1) shall not be considered to be part of the high-speed rail system as defined in s. 341.8203(6).

(3)(a)  Purchases or leases of tangible personal property or real property by the authority, excluding agents of the authority, are exempt from taxes imposed by chapter 212 as provided in s. 212.08(6). Purchases or leases of tangible personal property that is incorporated into the high-speed rail system as a component part thereof, as determined by the authority, by agents of the authority or the owner of the high-speed rail system are exempt from sales or use taxes imposed by chapter 212. Leases, rentals, or licenses to use real property granted to agents of the authority or the owner of the high-speed rail system are exempt from taxes imposed by s. 212.031 if the real property becomes part of such system. The exemptions granted in this subsection do not apply to sales, leases, or licenses by the authority, agents of the authority, or the owner of the high-speed rail system.

(b)  The exemption granted in paragraph (a) to purchases or leases of tangible personal property by agents of the authority or by the owner of the high-speed rail system applies only to property that becomes a component part of such system. It does not apply to items, including, but not limited to, cranes, bulldozers, forklifts, other machinery and equipment, tools and supplies, or other items of tangible personal property used in the construction, operation, or maintenance of the high-speed rail system when such items are not incorporated into the high-speed rail system as a component part thereof.

(4)  Any bonds or other security, and all notes, mortgages, security agreements, letters of credit, or other instruments that arise out of or are given to secure the repayment of bonds or other security, issued by the authority, or on behalf of the authority, their transfer, and the income therefrom, including any profit made on the sale thereof, shall at all times be free from taxation of every kind by the state, the counties, and the municipalities and other political subdivisions in the state. This subsection, however, does not exempt from taxation or assessment the leasehold interest of a lessee in any project or any other property or interest owned by the lessee. The exemption granted by this subsection is not applicable to any tax imposed by chapter 220 on interest income or profits on the sale of debt obligations owned by corporations.

(5)  When property of the authority is leased to another person or entity, the property shall be exempt from ad valorem taxation only if the use by the lessee qualifies the property for exemption under s. 196.199.

(6)  A leasehold interest held by the authority is not subject to intangible tax. However, if a leasehold interest held by the authority is subleased to a nongovernmental lessee, such subleasehold interest shall be deemed to be an interest described in s. 199.023(1)(d), and is subject to the intangible tax.

(7)(a)  In order to be considered an agent of the authority for purposes of the exemption from sales and use tax granted by subsection (3) for tangible personal property incorporated into the high-speed rail system, a contractor of the authority that purchases or fabricates such tangible personal property must be certified by the authority as provided in this subsection.

(b)1.  A contractor must apply for a renewal of the exemption not later than December 1 of each calendar year.

2.  A contractor must apply to the authority on the application form adopted by the authority, which shall develop the form in consultation with the Department of Revenue.

3.  The authority shall review each submitted application and determine whether it is complete. The authority shall notify the applicant of any deficiencies in the application within 30 days. Upon receipt of a completed application, the authority shall evaluate the application for exemption under this subsection and issue a certification that the contractor is qualified to act as an agent of the authority for purposes of this section or a denial of such certification within 30 days. The authority shall provide the Department of Revenue with a copy of each certification issued upon approval of an application. Upon receipt of a certification from the authority, the Department of Revenue shall issue an exemption permit to the contractor.

(c)1.  The contractor may extend a copy of its exemption permit to its vendors in lieu of paying sales tax on purchases of tangible personal property qualifying for exemption under this section. Possession of a copy of the exemption permit relieves the seller of the responsibility of collecting tax on the sale, and the Department of Revenue shall look solely to the contractor for recovery of tax upon a determination that the contractor was not entitled to the exemption.

2.  The contractor may extend a copy of its exemption permit to real property subcontractors supplying and installing tangible personal property that is exempt under subsection (3). Any such subcontractor is authorized to extend a copy of the permit to the subcontractor's vendors in order to purchase qualifying tangible personal property tax-exempt. If the subcontractor uses the exemption permit to purchase tangible personal property that is determined not to qualify for exemption under subsection (3), the Department of Revenue may assess and collect any tax, penalties, and interest that are due from either the contractor holding the exemption permit or the subcontractor that extended the exemption permit to the seller.

(d)  Any contractor authorized to act as an agent of the authority under this section shall maintain the necessary books and records to document the exempt status of purchases and fabrication costs made or incurred under the permit. In addition, an authorized contractor extending its exemption permit to its subcontractors shall maintain a copy of the subcontractor's books, records, and invoices indicating all purchases made by the subcontractor under the authorized contractor's permit. If, in an audit conducted by the Department of Revenue, it is determined that tangible personal property purchased or fabricated claiming exemption under this section does not meet the criteria for exemption, the amount of taxes not paid at the time of purchase or fabrication shall be immediately due and payable to the Department of Revenue, together with the appropriate interest and penalty, computed from the date of purchase, in the manner prescribed by chapter 212.

(e)  If a contractor fails to apply for a high-speed rail system exemption permit, or if a contractor initially determined by the authority to not qualify for exemption is subsequently determined to be eligible, the contractor shall receive the benefit of the exemption in this subsection through a refund of previously paid taxes for transactions that otherwise would have been exempt. A refund may not be made for such taxes without the issuance of a certification by the authority that the contractor was authorized to make purchases tax-exempt and a determination by the Department of Revenue that the purchases qualified for the exemption.

(f)  The authority may adopt rules governing the application process for exemption of a contractor as an authorized agent of the authority.

(g)  The Department of Revenue may adopt rules governing the issuance and form of high-speed rail system exemption permits, the audit of contractors and subcontractors using such permits, the recapture of taxes on nonqualified purchases, and the manner and form of refund applications.

History.--s. 48, ch. 2002-20; s. 16, ch. 2004-366.

341.841  Report; audit.--The authority shall prepare an annual report of its actions, findings, and recommendations and submit the report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on or before January 1. The authority shall provide for an annual financial audit, as defined in s. 11.45, of its accounts and records conducted by an independent certified public accountant. The audit report shall include a management letter as defined in s. 11.45. The cost of the audit shall be paid from funds available to the authority pursuant to this act.

History.--s. 49, ch. 2002-20.

341.842  Liberal construction.--This act, being necessary for the welfare of the state and its inhabitants, shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes hereof.

History.--s. 50, ch. 2002-20.