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2023 Florida Statutes (including 2023C)
Chapter 339
TRANSPORTATION FINANCE AND PLANNING
TRANSPORTATION FINANCE AND PLANNING
CHAPTER 339
TRANSPORTATION FINANCE AND PLANNING
339.035 Expenditures.
339.04 Disposition of proceeds of sale or lease of realty by the department.
339.041 Factoring of revenues from leases for wireless communication facilities.
339.05 Assent to federal aid given.
339.06 Authority of department to amortize advancements from United States.
339.07 National aid expended under supervision of the department.
339.08 Use of moneys in State Transportation Trust Fund.
339.0801 Allocation of increased revenues derived from amendments to s. 319.32(5)(a) by ch. 2012-128.
339.0803 Allocation of increased revenues derived from amendments to s. 320.08 by ch. 2019-43.
339.0805 Funds to be expended with certified disadvantaged business enterprises; construction management development program; bond guarantee program.
339.0809 Florida Department of Transportation Financing Corporation.
339.081 Department trust funds.
339.0815 Transportation Revenue Bond Trust Fund.
339.0816 Transportation Governmental Bond Trust Fund.
339.09 Use of transportation tax revenues; restrictions.
339.12 Aid and contributions by governmental entities for department projects; federal aid.
339.125 Covenants to complete on revenue-producing projects.
339.135 Work program; legislative budget request; definitions; preparation, adoption, execution, and amendment.
339.1371 Mobility 2000; funding.
339.139 Transportation debt assessment.
339.155 Transportation planning.
339.157 Resilience action plan.
339.175 Metropolitan planning organization.
339.176 Voting membership for M.P.O. with boundaries including certain counties.
339.177 Transportation management programs.
339.24 Beautification of state transportation facilities.
339.2405 Florida highway beautification grants.
339.241 Florida Junkyard Control Law.
339.28 Willful and malicious damage to boundary marks, guideposts, lampposts, etc. on transportation facility.
339.281 Damage to transportation facility by vessel; marine accident report; investigative authorities; penalties.
339.2815 Purchase orders.
339.2816 Small County Road Assistance Program.
339.2817 County Incentive Grant Program.
339.2818 Small County Outreach Program.
339.2819 Transportation Regional Incentive Program.
339.282 Transportation concurrency incentives.
339.2821 Economic development transportation projects.
339.2825 Approval of contractor-financed projects.
339.285 Enhanced Bridge Program for Sustainable Transportation.
339.287 Electric vehicle charging stations; infrastructure plan development.
339.55 State-funded infrastructure bank.
339.61 Florida Strategic Intermodal System; legislative findings, declaration, and intent.
339.62 System components.
339.63 System facilities designated; additions and deletions.
339.64 Strategic Intermodal System Plan.
339.65 Strategic Intermodal System highway corridors.
339.651 Strategic Intermodal System supply chain demands.
339.66 Upgrade of arterial highways with controlled access facilities.
339.67 U.S. 19 controlled access facilities.
339.68 Arterial rural highway projects.
339.70 Authority referendum.
339.81 Florida Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trail Network.
339.83 Enrollment in federal pilot programs.
339.84 Workforce development.
339.035 Expenditures.—All expenditures by the department shall be made upon vouchers issued and certified by the department in such manner as the department may, by rule or internal management memorandum as required by chapter 120, provide and shall be paid by warrants issued by the Chief Financial Officer.
History.—s. 19, ch. 29965, 1955; ss. 23, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 202, ch. 84-309; s. 374, ch. 2003-261.
Note.—Former s. 334.20.
339.04 Disposition of proceeds of sale or lease of realty by the department.—Any money derived from the sale, lease, or conveyance of any property by the department shall be deposited into the State Treasury and placed in the State Transportation Trust Fund or other appropriate department trust fund as required by law or when needed to comply with bond covenants.
History.—s. 135, ch. 29965, 1955; s. 2, ch. 61-119; ss. 23, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 71-39; ss. 2, 3, ch. 73-57; s. 203, ch. 84-309; s. 47, ch. 93-164.
339.041 Factoring of revenues from leases for wireless communication facilities.—
(1) The Legislature finds that efforts to increase funding for capital expenditures for the transportation system are necessary for the protection of the public safety and general welfare and for the preservation of transportation facilities in this state. Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature to:
(a) Create a mechanism for factoring future revenues received by the department from leases for wireless communication facilities on department property on a nonrecourse basis;
(b) Fund fixed capital expenditures for the statewide transportation system from proceeds generated through this mechanism; and
(c) Maximize revenues from factoring by ensuring that such revenues are exempt from income taxation under federal law in order to increase funds available for capital expenditures.
(2) For the purposes of factoring 1future revenues under this section, department property includes real property located within the department’s limited access rights-of-way, 2real property located outside the current operating right-of-way limits which is not needed to support current transportation facilities, other property owned by the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund and leased by the department, space on department telecommunications facilities, and space on department structures.
(3) The department may solicit investors willing to enter into agreements to purchase the revenue stream from one or more existing department leases for wireless communication facilities on property owned or controlled by the department through the issuance of an invitation to negotiate. Such agreements shall be structured as tax-exempt financings for federal income tax purposes in order to result in the largest possible payout.
(4) The department may not pledge the credit, the general revenues, or the taxing power of the state or of any political subdivision of the state. The obligations of the department and investors under the agreement do not constitute a general obligation of the state or a pledge of the full faith and credit or taxing power of the state. The agreement is payable from and secured solely by payments received from department leases for wireless communication facilities on property owned or controlled by the department, and neither the state nor any of its agencies has any liability beyond such payments.
(5) The department may make any covenant or representation necessary or desirable in connection with the agreement, including a commitment by the department to take whatever actions are necessary on behalf of investors to enforce the department’s rights to payments on property leased for wireless communications facilities. However, the department may not guarantee that actual revenues received in a future year will be those anticipated in its leases for wireless communication facilities. The department may agree to use its best efforts to ensure that anticipated future-year revenues are protected. Any risk that actual revenues received from department leases for wireless communications facilities are lower than anticipated shall be borne exclusively by investors.
(6) Subject to annual appropriation, the investors shall collect the lease payments on a schedule and in a manner established in the agreements entered into by the department and the investors pursuant to this section. The agreements may provide for lease payments to be made directly to investors by lessees if the lease agreements entered into by the department and the lessees pursuant to s. 365.172(13)(f) allow direct payment.
(7) Proceeds received by the department from leases for wireless communication facilities shall be deposited in the State Transportation Trust Fund created under s. 206.46 and used for fixed capital expenditures for the statewide transportation system.
History.—s. 6, ch. 2014-169; s. 1, ch. 2014-215; s. 16, ch. 2014-223; s. 25, ch. 2015-2.
1Note.—As created by s. 1, ch. 2014-215. Section 6, ch. 2014-169, and s. 16, ch. 2014-223, also created subsection (2), and that version did not use the word “future.”
2Note.—As created by s. 1, ch. 2014-215. Section 6, ch. 2014-169, and s. 16, ch. 2014-223, also created subsection (2), and that version did not use the word “real.”
339.05 Assent to federal aid given.—The state hereby assents to the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 11, 1916, known as the Federal Aid Law, which Act of Congress is entitled “An act to provide that the United States shall aid the states in the construction of rural post roads and for other purposes,” and assents to all subsequent amendments to such Act of Congress and any other act heretofore passed or that may be hereafter passed providing for federal aid to the states for the construction of highways and other related projects. The department is authorized to make application for the advancement of federal funds and to make all contracts and do all things necessary to cooperate with the United States Government in the construction of roads under the provisions of such Acts of Congress and all amendments thereto.
History.—s. 136, ch. 29965, 1955; ss. 23, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 204, ch. 84-309.
339.06 Authority of department to amortize advancements from United States.—The department may set aside, from any revenues allocated to it by law, such sums as are necessary and sufficient to properly amortize any amount advanced under Act of Congress and to make suitable provision from year to year in its annual budget for such amortization.
History.—s. 137, ch. 29965, 1955; ss. 23, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 205, ch. 84-309.
339.07 National aid expended under supervision of the department.—All funds and all road building equipment, supplies, and materials that have heretofore or may hereafter be apportioned to this state by Congress to aid and assist in road building shall be expended and used under the control and supervision of the department, and any and all expenses which are necessary to secure such equipment, supplies, and materials for the use of the state to be used on the roads under the supervision of the department are authorized to be paid out of the State Transportation Trust Fund.
History.—s. 138, ch. 29965, 1955; s. 24, ch. 57-1; s. 2, ch. 61-119; ss. 23, 35, ch. 69-106; ss. 2, 3, ch. 73-57; s. 206, ch. 84-309.
1339.08 Use of moneys in State Transportation Trust Fund.—
(1) The department shall expend moneys in the State Transportation Trust Fund accruing to the department, in accordance with its annual budget. The use of such moneys shall be restricted to the following purposes:
(a) To pay administrative expenses of the department, including administrative expenses incurred by the several state transportation districts, but excluding administrative expenses of commuter rail authorities that do not operate rail service.
(b) To pay the cost of construction of the State Highway System.
(c) To pay the cost of maintaining the State Highway System.
(d) To pay the cost of public transportation projects in accordance with chapter 341 and ss. 332.003-332.007.
(e) To reimburse counties or municipalities for expenditures made on projects in the State Highway System as authorized by s. 339.12(4) upon legislative approval.
(f) To pay the cost of economic development transportation projects in accordance with s. 339.2821.
(g) To lend or pay a portion of the operating, maintenance, and capital costs of a revenue-producing transportation project that is located on the State Highway System or that is demonstrated to relieve traffic congestion on the State Highway System.
(h) To match any federal-aid funds allocated for any other transportation purpose, including funds allocated to projects not located in the State Highway System.
(i) To pay the cost of county road projects selected in accordance with the Small County Road Assistance Program created in s. 339.2816.
(j) To pay the cost of county or municipal road projects selected in accordance with the County Incentive Grant Program created in s. 339.2817, the Small County Outreach Program created in s. 339.2818, and the Enhanced Bridge Program for Sustainable Transportation created in s. 339.285.
(k) To provide loans and credit enhancements for use in constructing and improving highway transportation facilities selected in accordance with the state-funded infrastructure bank created in s. 339.55.
(l) To pay the cost of projects on the Florida Strategic Intermodal System created in s. 339.61.
(m) To pay the cost of transportation projects selected in accordance with the Transportation Regional Incentive Program created in s. 339.2819.
(n) To pay other lawful expenditures of the department.
(2) Unless specifically provided in the General Appropriations Act or the substantive bill implementing the General Appropriations Act, no moneys in the State Transportation Trust Fund may be used to fund the operational or capital outlay cost for any correctional facility of the Department of Corrections. The department shall, however, enter into contractual arrangements with the Department of Corrections for those specific maintenance functions that can be performed effectively by prison inmates under the supervision of Department of Corrections personnel with technical assistance being provided by the department. The cost of such contracts must not exceed the cost that would be incurred by the department if these functions were to be performed by its personnel or by contract with another entity unless, notwithstanding cost, the department can clearly demonstrate that for reasons of expediency or efficiency it is in the best interests of the department to contract with the Department of Corrections.
(3) The department may authorize the investment of the earnings accrued and collected upon the investment of the minimum balance of funds required to be maintained in the State Transportation Trust Fund pursuant to s. 339.135(6)(b).
2(4) Notwithstanding any other law, and for the 2023-2024 fiscal year only, funds are appropriated to the State Transportation Trust Fund from the General Revenue Fund as provided in the General Appropriations Act. The department is not required to deplete the resources transferred from the General Revenue Fund for the fiscal year as required in s. 339.135(3)(b), and the funds may not be used in calculating the required quarterly cash balance of the trust fund as required in s. 339.135(6)(b). This subsection expires July 1, 2024.
History.—s. 139, ch. 29965, 1955; s. 1, ch. 31416, 1956; s. 19, ch. 57-318; s. 1, ch. 63-219; ss. 23, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 13, ch. 77-165; s. 4, ch. 77-416; s. 1, ch. 78-286; s. 118, ch. 79-190; s. 2, ch. 80-312; s. 1, ch. 82-120; s. 38, ch. 83-3; s. 1, ch. 83-346; ss. 207, 213, ch. 84-309; ss. 70, 81, ch. 85-180; s. 6, ch. 87-93; s. 4, ch. 87-164; s. 45, ch. 88-201; s. 24, ch. 88-557; s. 71, ch. 92-152; s. 69, ch. 93-164; s. 42, ch. 93-187; s. 40, ch. 96-323; ss. 31, 99, ch. 99-385; s. 14, ch. 2000-257; s. 77, ch. 2003-399; s. 8, ch. 2004-366; s. 14, ch. 2005-3; s. 20, ch. 2005-290; ss. 29, 53, ch. 2007-73; s. 38, ch. 2007-196; s. 33, ch. 2008-153; ss. 41, 42, 43, ch. 2009-82; s. 13, ch. 2010-139; ss. 37, 38, 39, 72, ch. 2010-153; ss. 44, 45, 81, ch. 2011-47; s. 4, ch. 2012-6; s. 30, ch. 2012-128; s. 6, ch. 2013-16; s. 33, ch. 2013-41; s. 9, ch. 2015-3; s. 53, ch. 2021-37; s. 74, ch. 2022-157; s. 66, ch. 2023-240.
1Note.—Section 22, ch. 2000-257, provides that “[n]otwithstanding any other law to the contrary the requirements of sections 206.46(3) and 206.606(2), Florida Statutes, shall not apply to any funding, programs, or other provisions contained in this act.”
2Note.—Section 66, ch. 2023-240, amended subsection (4) “[i]n order to implement section 215 of the 2023-2024 General Appropriations Act.”
339.0801 Allocation of increased revenues derived from amendments to s. 319.32(5)(a) by ch. 2012-128.—Funds that result from increased revenues to the State Transportation Trust Fund derived from the amendments to s. 319.32(5)(a) made by this act must be used annually, first as set forth in subsection (1) and then as set forth in subsections (2)-(4), notwithstanding any other provision of law:
(1)(a) Beginning in the 2013-2014 fiscal year and annually for 30 years thereafter, $10 million shall be for the purpose of funding any seaport project identified in the adopted work program of the Department of Transportation, to be known as the Seaport Investment Program.
(b) The revenues may be assigned, pledged, or set aside as a trust for the payment of principal or interest on revenue bonds, or other forms of indebtedness issued by an individual port or appropriate local government having jurisdiction thereof, or collectively by interlocal agreement among any of the ports, or used to purchase credit support to permit such borrowings. Alternatively, revenue bonds shall be issued by the Division of Bond Finance at the request of the Department of Transportation under the State Bond Act and shall be secured by such revenues as are provided in this subsection.
(c) Revenue bonds or other indebtedness issued hereunder are not a general obligation of the state and are secured solely by a first lien on the revenues distributed under this subsection.
(d) The state covenants with holders of the revenue bonds or other instruments of indebtedness issued pursuant to this subsection that it will not repeal this subsection; nor take any other action, including but not limited to amending this subsection, that will materially and adversely affect the rights of such holders so long as revenue bonds or other indebtedness authorized by this subsection are outstanding.
(e) The proceeds of any revenue bonds or other indebtedness, after payment of costs of issuance and establishment of any required reserves, shall be invested in projects approved by the Department of Transportation and included in the department’s adopted work program, by amendment if necessary. As required under s. 11(f), Art. VII of the State Constitution, the Legislature approves projects included in the department’s adopted work program, including any projects added to the work program by amendment under s. 339.135(7).
(f) Any revenues that are not used for the payment of bonds as authorized by this subsection may be used for purposes authorized under the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Program. This revenue source is in addition to any amounts provided for and appropriated in accordance with ss. 311.07 and 320.20(3) and (4).
(2) Beginning in the 2013-2014 fiscal year and annually thereafter, $10 million shall be transferred to the Transportation Disadvantaged Trust Fund, to be used as specified in s. 427.0159.
(3) Beginning in the 2013-2014 fiscal year and annually thereafter, $10 million shall be allocated to the Small County Outreach Program to be used as specified in s. 339.2818. These funds are in addition to the funds provided for the program pursuant to s. 201.15(4)(a)2.
(4) After the distributions required pursuant to subsections (1)-(3), the remaining funds shall be used annually for transportation projects within this state for existing or planned strategic transportation projects which connect major markets within this state or between this state and other states, which focus on job creation, and which increase this state’s viability in the national and global markets.
(5) Pursuant to s. 339.135(7), the department shall amend the work program to add the projects provided for in this section.
History.—s. 12, ch. 2012-128; s. 73, ch. 2013-160; s. 29, ch. 2015-229; s. 5, ch. 2019-43; s. 1, ch. 2020-26; ss. 5, 6, ch. 2021-161; ss. 15, 16, ch. 2021-186.
339.0803 Allocation of increased revenues derived from amendments to s. 320.08 by ch. 2019-43.—Beginning in the 2021-2022 fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter, funds that result from increased revenues to the State Transportation Trust Fund derived from the amendments to s. 320.08 made by chapter 2019-43, Laws of Florida, and deposited into the fund pursuant to s. 320.20(5)(a) must be used to fund arterial highway projects identified by the department in accordance with s. 339.65 and may be used for projects as specified in ss. 339.66 and 339.67. For purposes of the funding provided in this section, the department shall prioritize use of existing facilities or portions thereof when upgrading arterial highways to limited or controlled access facilities. However, this section does not preclude use of the funding for projects that enhance the capacity of an arterial highway. The funds allocated as provided in this section shall be in addition to any other statutory funding allocations provided by law.
History.—s. 7, ch. 2021-161; s. 17, ch. 2021-186.
339.0805 Funds to be expended with certified disadvantaged business enterprises; construction management development program; bond guarantee program.—It is the policy of the state to meaningfully assist socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprises through a program that will provide for the development of skills through construction and business management training, as well as by providing contracting opportunities and financial assistance in the form of bond guarantees, to primarily remedy the effects of past economic disparity.
(1)(a) The department shall expend federal-aid highway funds as defined in 49 C.F.R. part 26 and state matching funds with small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals as defined by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).
(b) Upon a determination by the department of past and continuing discrimination in nonfederally funded projects on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, or sex, the department may implement a program tailored to address specific findings of disparity. The program may include the establishment of annual goals for expending a percentage of state-administered highway funds with small business concerns. The department may utilize set-asides for small business concerns to assist in achieving goals established pursuant to this subsection. For the purpose of this subsection, the term “small business concern” means a business owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals as defined by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). The head of the department may elect to set goals only when significant disparity is documented. The findings of a disparity study shall be considered in determining the program goals for each group qualified to participate.
(c) The department shall certify a socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprise as prescribed by 49 C.F.R. part 26. The department’s initial application for certification for a socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprise shall require sufficient information to determine eligibility as a small business concern owned and controlled by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual. For continuing eligibility of a disadvantaged business enterprise, the department may accept an affidavit, which meets department criteria as to form and content, certifying that the business remains qualified for certification in accordance with program requirements. A firm which does not fulfill all the department’s criteria for certification may not be considered a disadvantaged business enterprise. An applicant who is denied certification may not reapply within 12 months after issuance of the denial letter. The application and financial information required by this section are confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1).
(2) The department shall remove the certification of a disadvantaged business enterprise upon receipt of notification of any change in ownership which results in the disadvantaged individual or individuals used to qualify the business as a disadvantaged business enterprise no longer owning at least 51 percent of the business enterprise. Such notification shall be made to the department by certified mail within 30 days after the change in ownership. Failure to notify the department of the change in the ownership which qualifies the business as a disadvantaged business enterprise will also result in removal of certification and subject the business to the provisions of s. 337.135. In addition, the department may, for good cause, deny or remove the certification of a disadvantaged business enterprise. As used in this subsection, the term “good cause” includes, but is not limited to, the disadvantaged business enterprise:
(a) No longer meeting the certification standards set forth in department rules;
(b) Making a false, deceptive, or fraudulent statement in its application for certification or in any other information submitted to the department;
(c) Failing to maintain the records required by department rules;
(d) Failing to perform a commercially useful function on projects for which the enterprise was used to satisfy contract goals;
(e) Failing to fulfill its contractual obligations with contractors;
(f) Failing to respond with a statement of interest to requests for bid quotations from contractors for three consecutive lettings;
(g) Failing to provide notarized certification of payments received on specific projects to the prime contractor when required to do so by contract specifications;
(h) Failing to schedule an onsite review upon request of the department; or
(i) Becoming insolvent or the subject of a bankruptcy proceeding.
(3) The head of the department may expend up to 6 percent of the funds specified in subsection (1) which are designated to be expended on small business firms owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals to conduct, by contract or otherwise, a construction management development program. Participation in the program will be limited to those firms which are certified under the provisions of subsection (1) by the department or the federal Small Business Administration or to any firm which meets the definition of a small business in 49 C.F.R. s. 26.65. The program shall consist of classroom instruction and on-the-job instruction. To the extent feasible, the registration fee shall be set to cover the cost of instruction and overhead. Salary may not be paid to any participant.
(a) Classroom instruction will consist of, but is not limited to, project planning methods for identifying personnel, equipment, and financial resource needs; bookkeeping; state bidding and bonding requirements; state and federal tax requirements; and strategies for obtaining loans, bonding, and joint venture agreements.
(b) On-the-job instruction will consist of, but is not limited to, setting up the job site; cash-flow methods; project scheduling; quantity takeoffs; estimating; reading plans and specifications; department procedures on billing and payments; quality assessment and control methods; and bid preparation methods.
(c) Contractors who have demonstrated satisfactory project performance, as defined by the department, can be exempted from the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) and be validated as meeting the minimum curriculum standards of proficiency, in the same manner as participants who successfully complete the construction management development program only if they intend to apply for funds provided for in subsection (4).
(d) The department shall develop, under contract with the State University System, the Florida College System, a school district in behalf of its career center, or a private consulting firm, a curriculum for instruction in the courses that will lead to a certification of proficiency in the construction management development program.
(4) The head of the department is authorized to expend up to 4 percent of the funds specified in subsection (1) on a bond guarantee program for participants who are certified under subsection (1) and who meet the minimum curriculum standards of proficiency. The state will guarantee up to 90 percent of a bond amount of $250,000, or less, and 80 percent of a bond amount greater than $250,000, which bond is provided by an approved surety. However, in addition to the requirements of paragraph (3)(c), the department shall retain 5 percent of the total contract amount designated for the disadvantaged business enterprise until final acceptance of the project, in order to receive a bond guarantee. The department shall not commit funds for this program which are in excess of those funds appropriated specifically for this purpose.
(5) Annually, the head of the department is required to report the progress of this program to the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Governor. The report shall include, as a minimum, the number of users of the bond guarantee plan, along with the number of defaults and dollar loss to the state; the number of students participating in the construction management development program by urban location; the number certified and not certified; the cost of the program categorized by cost of administration, cost of instruction (on-the-job and classroom), and cost of supplies; and a comparison figure of those firms certified by the department under subsection (1) over the year, and the same figure for socially and economically disadvantaged contractors prequalified to perform prime contracting work for the department.
History.—s. 208, ch. 84-309; s. 1, ch. 84-370; s. 22, ch. 85-180; s. 7, ch. 87-93; s. 16, ch. 90-227; s. 29, ch. 93-164; s. 501, ch. 95-148; s. 41, ch. 96-323; s. 164, ch. 96-406; s. 4, ch. 98-105; s. 134, ch. 99-13; s. 28, ch. 2004-357; s. 52, ch. 2012-174; s. 49, ch. 2013-15.
339.0809 Florida Department of Transportation Financing Corporation.—
(1) The Florida Department of Transportation Financing Corporation is created as a nonprofit corporation for the purpose of financing or refinancing projects for the department as provided in subsection (4).
(2) The Florida Department of Transportation Financing Corporation shall be governed by a board of directors consisting of the director of the Office of Policy and Budget within the Executive Office of the Governor, the director of the Division of Bond Finance, and the Secretary of Transportation. The director of the Division of Bond Finance shall be the chief executive officer of the corporation and shall direct and supervise the administrative affairs of the corporation and shall control, direct, and supervise the operation of the corporation. The corporation shall have such other officers as may be determined by the board of directors.
(3) The Florida Department of Transportation Financing Corporation shall have all the powers of a corporate body under the laws of the state to the extent not inconsistent with or restricted by this section, including, but not limited to, the power to:
(a) Adopt, amend, and repeal bylaws.
(b) Sue and be sued.
(c) Adopt and use a common seal.
(d) Acquire, purchase, hold, lease, and convey such real and personal property as may be proper or expedient to carry out the purposes of the corporation and this section and to sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of such property.
(e) Elect or appoint and employ such other officers, agents, and employees as the corporation deems advisable to operate and manage the affairs of the corporation, which officers, agents, and employees may be officers or employees of the department and the state agencies represented on the board of directors of the corporation.
(f) Borrow money and issue notes, bonds, certificates of indebtedness, or other obligations or evidences of indebtedness necessary to finance or refinance projects as provided in subsection (4).
(g) Make and execute any and all contracts, trust agreements, and other instruments and agreements necessary or convenient to accomplish the purposes of the corporation and this section.
(h) Select, retain, and employ professionals, contractors, or agents, which may include the Division of Bond Finance, as necessary or convenient to enable or assist the corporation in carrying out the purposes of the corporation and this section.
(i) Take any action necessary or convenient to carry out the purposes of the corporation and this section and the powers provided in this section.
(4) The Florida Department of Transportation Financing Corporation may enter into one or more service contracts with the department to provide services to the department in connection with projects approved in the department’s work program, which approval specifically provides that the department may enter into a service contract for the project pursuant to this section. The department may enter into one or more such service contracts with the corporation and provide for payments under such contracts, subject to annual appropriation by the Legislature. The proceeds from such service contracts may be used for the corporation’s administrative costs and expenses after payments under subsection (5). Each service contract may have a term of up to 35 years. In compliance with s. 287.0641 and other applicable law, the obligations of the department under such service contracts do not constitute a general obligation of the state or a pledge of the full faith and credit or taxing power of the state, and such obligations are not an obligation of the State Board of Administration or entities for which it invests funds, other than the department as provided in this section, but are payable solely from amounts available in the State Transportation Trust Fund, subject to annual appropriation. In compliance with this subsection and s. 287.0582, the service contract must expressly include the following statement: “The State of Florida’s performance and obligation to pay under this contract is contingent upon an annual appropriation by the Legislature.”
(5) The Florida Department of Transportation Financing Corporation may issue and incur notes, bonds, certificates of indebtedness, and other obligations or evidences of indebtedness payable from and secured by amounts payable to the corporation by the department under a service contract entered into under subsection (4) for the purpose of financing or refinancing projects approved as provided in subsection (4). The duration of any such note, bond, certificate of indebtedness, or other obligation or evidence of indebtedness may not exceed 30 annual maturities. The corporation may select its financing team and issue its obligations through competitive bidding or negotiated contracts, whichever is most cost-effective. Indebtedness of the corporation does not constitute a debt or obligation of the state or a pledge of the full faith and credit or taxing power of the state but is payable from and secured by payments made by the department under the service contract.
(6) The fulfillment of the purposes of the Florida Department of Transportation Financing Corporation promotes the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of the state and serves as essential governmental functions and a paramount public purpose.
(7) The Florida Department of Transportation Financing Corporation is exempt from taxation and assessments on its income, property, and assets or revenues acquired, received, or used in the furtherance of the purposes provided in this chapter. The obligations of the corporation incurred under subsection (5) and the interest and income on such obligations and all security agreements, letters of credit, liquidity facilities, or other obligations or instruments arising out of, entered into in connection with, or given to secure payment of such obligations are exempt from taxation; however, such exemption does not apply to any tax imposed under chapter 220 on the interest, income, or profits on debt obligations owned by corporations.
(8) The Florida Department of Transportation Financing Corporation may validate obligations to be incurred under subsection (5) and the validity and enforceability of any service contracts providing for payments pledged to the payment of such obligations by proceedings under chapter 75. The validation complaint may be filed only in the circuit court of the Second Judicial Circuit in and for Leon County. The notice required to be published by s. 75.06 must be published in Leon County, and the complaint and order of the circuit court may be served only on the State Attorney for the Second Judicial Circuit. Sections 75.04(2) and 75.06(2) do not apply to a complaint for validation filed under this subsection.
(9) The Florida Department of Transportation Financing Corporation is not a special district for purposes of chapter 189 or a unit of local government for purposes of part III of chapter 218. Chapters 120 and 215, except the limitation on the interest rates provided by s. 215.84, which applies to obligations of the corporation issued pursuant to this section, and part I of chapter 287, except ss. 287.0582 and 287.0641, do not apply to this section, the corporation, the service contracts entered into pursuant to this section, or debt obligations issued by the corporation as contemplated in this section.
(10) The benefits and earnings of the Florida Department of Transportation Financing Corporation may not inure to the benefit of any private person.
(11) Upon dissolution of the Florida Department of Transportation Financing Corporation, title to all property owned by the corporation shall revert to the state.
(12) The Florida Department of Transportation Financing Corporation may contract with the State Board of Administration to serve as a trustee with respect to debt obligations issued by the corporation as contemplated by this section; to hold, administer, and invest proceeds of such debt obligations and other funds of the corporation; and to perform other services required by the corporation. The State Board of Administration may perform such services and may contract with others to provide all or a part of such services and to recover its and such other costs and expenses thereof.
(13) The department may enter into a service contract in conjunction with the issuance of debt obligations as provided in this section which provides for periodic payments for debt service or other amounts payable with respect to debt obligations, plus any administrative expenses of the Florida Department of Transportation Financing Corporation.
History.—s. 15, ch. 2016-181.
339.081 Department trust funds.—The Chief Financial Officer shall maintain within the State Treasury the following trust funds for the department:
(1) The State Transportation Trust Fund, to which shall be credited the proceeds of the gas tax as authorized by chapter 83-3, Laws of Florida, and such other funds which accrue to the department which are not required to be maintained in separate trust funds.
(2) Such other funds as may be authorized by bond resolutions or agreements with any other public bodies or agencies.
History.—s. 1, ch. 61-492; ss. 23, 35, ch. 69-106; ss. 2, 3, ch. 73-57; ss. 39, 58, ch. 83-3; s. 208, ch. 84-309; s. 72, ch. 85-180; s. 13, ch. 2000-325; s. 375, ch. 2003-261.
339.0815 Transportation Revenue Bond Trust Fund.—
(1) The Transportation Revenue Bond Trust Fund is created within the Department of Transportation. The purpose of the trust fund is for the deposit of funds received by the department from the proceeds or issuance of revenue bonds secured by state and federal revenues and credited to the trust fund.
(2) Net proceeds from revenue bonds issued for eligible transportation projects shall be credited to the trust fund to provide for the payment of eligible project costs.
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 216.301 and pursuant to the requirements of s. 216.351, any balance in the trust fund at the end of any fiscal year shall remain in the trust fund at the end of the year and shall be available for carrying out the purposes of the trust fund.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2003-163; s. 1, ch. 2010-14; s. 2, ch. 2013-3.
339.0816 Transportation Governmental Bond Trust Fund.—
(1) The Transportation Governmental Bond Trust Fund is created within the Department of Transportation. The purpose of the trust fund is for the deposit of funds received from the proceeds upon issuance of bonds.
(2) Net proceeds from bonds issued for eligible transportation projects shall be credited to the trust fund to provide for the payment of eligible project costs.
History.—s. 1, ch. 2010-15; s. 2, ch. 2013-4.
339.09 Use of transportation tax revenues; restrictions.—
(1) Funds available to the department shall not be used for any nontransportation purpose. However, the department shall construct and maintain roads, parking areas, and other transportation facilities adjacent to and within the grounds of state institutions, public community colleges, farmers’ markets, and wayside parks upon request of the proper authorities. The department is encouraged and permitted to use funds to construct and maintain noise mitigation facilities or walls upon request of the proper authorities.
(2) The department may, in cooperation with the Federal Government, expend transportation tax revenues pursuant to rules adopted by the department, for control of undesirable rodents, relocation assistance, and moving costs of persons displaced by highway construction and other related transportation projects to the extent, but only to the extent, required by federal law to be undertaken by the state to continue to be eligible for federal highway funds.
(3) The department may expend transportation tax revenues, pursuant to rules adopted by the department, on non-federal-aid projects which shall include relocation assistance and moving costs to persons displaced by transportation facilities or other related projects. Such rules shall, in no case, exceed the provisions of the Surface Transportation and Uniform Relocation Assistance Act of 1987. The department has the authority to carry out its responsibilities under this act; however, such authority does not extend to the power of eminent domain. Whenever possible, such costs shall be financed out of funds used for the principal project.
History.—s. 140, ch. 29965, 1955; s. 1, ch. 63-385; s. 1, ch. 69-233; ss. 17, 23, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 7, ch. 70-239; s. 1, ch. 72-208; s. 70, ch. 72-221; s. 1, ch. 73-283; s. 1, ch. 77-174; ss. 57, 209, ch. 84-309; s. 1, ch. 89-209; s. 18, ch. 2000-266; s. 39, ch. 2007-196.
1339.12 Aid and contributions by governmental entities for department projects; federal aid.—
(1) Any governmental entity may aid in any project or project phase included in the adopted work program by contributions to the department of cash, bond proceeds, time warrants, or other goods or services of value.
(2) The department may accept and receive any such aid and contributions and dispose of and use the same for any project or project phase included in the adopted work program. The Executive Office of the Governor is authorized to amend the department’s budget and adopted work program in the appropriate categories to utilize contributions received.
(3) In case any such aid or contribution is given or made by any governmental entity, such aid or contribution shall be used by the department only for the project or project phase included in the adopted work program as are designated and agreed upon by the department and the governing body of the governmental entity.
(4)(a) Prior to accepting the contribution of road bond proceeds, time warrants, or cash for which reimbursement is sought, the department shall enter into agreements with the governing body of the governmental entity for the project or project phases in accordance with specifications agreed upon between the department and the governing body of the governmental entity. The department in no instance is to receive from such governmental entity an amount in excess of the actual cost of the project or project phase. By specific provision in the written agreement between the department and the governing body of the governmental entity, the department may agree to reimburse the governmental entity for the actual amount of the bond proceeds, time warrants, or cash used on a highway project or project phases that are not revenue producing and are contained in the department’s adopted work program, or any public transportation project contained in the adopted work program. Subject to appropriation of funds by the Legislature, the department may commit state funds for reimbursement of such projects or project phases. Reimbursement to the governmental entity for such a project or project phase must be made from funds appropriated by the Legislature, and reimbursement for the cost of the project or project phase is to begin in the year the project or project phase is scheduled in the work program as of the date of the agreement. Funds advanced pursuant to this section, which were originally designated for transportation purposes and so reimbursed to a county or municipality, shall be used by the county or municipality for any transportation expenditure authorized under s. 336.025(7). Also, cities and counties may receive funds from persons, and reimburse those persons, for the purposes of this section. Such persons may include, but are not limited to, those persons defined in s. 607.01401(56).
(b) Prior to entering an agreement to advance a project or project phase pursuant to this subsection and subsection (5), the department shall first update the estimated cost of the project or project phase and certify that the estimate is accurate and consistent with the amount estimated in the adopted work program. If the original estimate and the updated estimate vary, the department shall amend the adopted work program according to the amendatory procedures for the work program set forth in s. 339.135(7). The amendment shall reflect all corresponding increases and decreases to the affected projects within the adopted work program.
(c) The department may enter into agreements under this subsection for a project or project phase not included in the adopted work program. As used in this paragraph, the term “project phase” means acquisition of rights-of-way, construction, construction inspection, and related support phases. The project or project phase must be a high priority of the governmental entity. Reimbursement for a project or project phase must be made from funds appropriated by the Legislature pursuant to s. 339.135(5). All other provisions of this subsection apply to agreements entered into under this paragraph. The total amount of project agreements for projects or project phases not included in the adopted work program authorized by this paragraph may not at any time exceed $250 million. However, notwithstanding such $250 million limit and any similar limit in s. 334.30, project advances for any inland county with a population greater than 500,000 dedicating amounts equal to $500 million or more of its Local Government Infrastructure Surtax pursuant to s. 212.055(2) for improvements to the State Highway System which are included in the local metropolitan planning organization’s or the department’s long-range transportation plans shall be excluded from the calculation of the statewide limit of project advances.
(d) The department may enter into agreements under this subsection with any county that has a population of 150,000 or fewer as determined by the most recent official estimate under s. 186.901 for a project or project phase not included in the adopted work program. As used in this paragraph, the term “project phase” means acquisition of rights-of-way, construction, construction inspection, and related support phases. The project or project phase must be a high priority of the governmental entity. Reimbursement for a project or project phase must be made from funds appropriated by the Legislature under s. 339.135(5). All other provisions of this subsection apply to agreements entered into under this paragraph. The total amount of project agreements for projects or project phases not included in the adopted work program authorized by this paragraph may not at any time exceed $200 million. The project must be included in the local government’s adopted comprehensive plan. The department may enter into long-term repayment agreements of up to 30 years.
(5) The department and the governing body of a governmental entity may enter into an agreement by which the governmental entity agrees to perform a highway project or project phase in the department’s adopted work program that is not revenue producing or any public transportation project in the adopted work program. By specific provision in the written agreement between the department and the governing body of the governmental entity, the department may agree to reimburse the governmental entity the actual cost for the project or project phase contained in the adopted work program. Reimbursement to the governmental entity for such project or project phases must be made from funds appropriated by the Legislature, and reimbursement for the cost of the project or project phase is to begin in the year the project or project phase is scheduled in the work program as of the date of the agreement.
(6) The department may propose and obtain the designation of any project or project phase to be constructed as a federal-aid project and obtain reimbursement from the United States in accordance with existing regulations. If federal-aid funds are used, governmental entities other than the department are prohibited from performing projects or project phases authorized in subsection (5), unless the entity is qualified and authorized by the Federal Highway Administration to perform the appropriate project phase.
(7) The federal-aid money obtained under subsection (6) shall first be applied to the completion of the project or project phase for which the bonds have been voted, if the money from the bonds is not sufficient therefor; and any residue shall be expended in the acquisition of rights-of-way or the construction of any project or project phase that the department and the governing body of the governmental entity may agree upon.
(8) The financial provisions of any agreement that are made in accordance with the provisions of this section shall be approved by the department comptroller.
(9) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, prior to commencement of the project or project phase, governmental entities are authorized to release control of such contributions to the department, pursuant to a written agreement between the governmental entity and the department.
History.—s. 143, ch. 29965, 1955; ss. 23, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 75-146; s. 2, ch. 78-286; s. 212, ch. 84-309; s. 5, ch. 87-164; s. 2, ch. 89-160; s. 14, ch. 89-301; s. 37, ch. 90-136; ss. 10, 12, ch. 90-227; s. 92, ch. 92-152; s. 30, ch. 93-164; ss. 1, 2, ch. 96-166; s. 43, ch. 96-323; s. 23, ch. 97-280; s. 20, ch. 99-218; s. 15, ch. 2000-257; s. 83, ch. 2002-20; s. 58, ch. 2002-402; s. 55, ch. 2003-286; s. 4, ch. 2003-409; s. 17, ch. 2009-85; s. 287, ch. 2019-90.
1Note.—Section 22, ch. 2000-257, provides that “[n]otwithstanding any other law to the contrary the requirements of sections 206.46(3) and 206.606(2), Florida Statutes, shall not apply to any funding, programs, or other provisions contained in this act.”
339.125 Covenants to complete on revenue-producing projects.—
(1) The department may advance available funds for the preparation of preliminary engineering plans with valid cost estimates, which plans and estimates shall be completed prior to the issuance of any bonds on all revenue-producing transportation projects. However, the department shall be reimbursed for the costs incurred for such preparation from the proceeds of the bond issue.
(2) The department shall not use or pledge the moneys in the State Transportation Trust Fund on any revenue-producing transportation project without legislative approval. This limitation on pledging such moneys shall in no way impair the ability of the department or the counties to enter into covenants to complete transportation projects from all other legally available funds.
(3) No state bonds shall be sold for any revenue-producing transportation project if the proceedings authorizing such bonds include a covenant to complete by the department from the moneys in the State Transportation Trust Fund until the department has made cost estimates based on the most current information available after approval of the final environmental impact statement for such project and has determined based on such estimates that the projected available funds for any such project, excluding the use of such moneys pursuant to a covenant to complete, are sufficient to pay for such project. Toll increases of 20 percent every fifth year or as determined by the Division of Bond Finance may be used in conjunction with the calculation of projected available funds. No additions shall be made to any revenue-producing project for which a covenant to complete from such moneys has been made which would expand the scope of such project unless such additions are specifically approved by the Legislature. For the purposes of this subsection, the term “project scope” means the terminal points, the number of interchanges, and grade separations as approved by the Legislature. No contingency funds in the construction trust fund for any revenue-producing project for which a covenant to complete from such moneys has been made shall be expended for any purpose other than such project until the completion of such project; however, such funds may be expended for other purposes if permitted by the proceedings authorizing such bonds and if the department certifies to the Executive Office of the Governor that such contingency funds are not required for the completion of the project and are available and sufficient for such other purposes and the Executive Office of the Governor approves such certification in writing to the department.
(4) In any lease-purchase agreement or trust indenture, which includes a covenant to complete by the department from the moneys in the State Transportation Trust Fund, the department shall provide for the expeditious repayment of any and all costs incurred by the department as a result of the covenant to complete the transportation project. Such agreements shall provide for such repayment from excess tolls or constitutional gas tax proceeds not required for payment of principal, interest, reserves, and other required deposits for the bonds and for the annual reimbursement from tolls or other local moneys or both, to the extent legally available, of all operating and maintenance costs of the facilities, as provided by the applicable provisions of the State Constitution and the bond proceedings. A lease-purchase agreement must also include a statement that changes to the operating characteristics of the project toll-collection system cannot be made without the concurrence of the department, if such changes would affect department personnel and finances.
(5) The provisions of subsections (3) and (4) do not apply to any revenue-producing project approved by the Legislature prior to July 1, 1978.
History.—s. 213, ch. 84-309; s. 23, ch. 85-180.
339.135 Work program; legislative budget request; definitions; preparation, adoption, execution, and amendment.—
(1) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Fiscal year” of the department means the period beginning July 1 of each year and ending June 30 of the succeeding year. Such fiscal year constitutes a budget year for all operating funds of the department.
(b) “District work program” means the 5-year listing of transportation projects planned for each fiscal year which is prepared by each of the districts and which must be submitted to the central office for review and development of the tentative work program.
(c) “Tentative work program” means the 5-year listing of all transportation projects planned for each fiscal year which is developed by the central office based on the district work programs.
(d) “Adopted work program” means the 5-year work program adopted by the department as provided in subsection (5).
(2) SUBMISSION OF LEGISLATIVE BUDGET REQUEST AND REQUEST FOR LIST OF ADDITIONAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS.—
(a) The department shall file the legislative budget request in the manner required by chapter 216, setting forth the department’s proposed revenues and expenditures for operational and fixed capital outlay needs to accomplish the objectives of the department in the ensuing fiscal year. The right-of-way, construction, preliminary engineering, maintenance, and all grants and aids programs of the department shall be set forth only in program totals. The legislative budget request must include a balanced 36-month forecast of cash and expenditures and a 5-year finance plan. The legislative budget request shall be amended to conform to the tentative work program. Prior to the submission of the tentative work program pursuant to paragraph (4)(f), the department may amend its legislative budget request and the tentative work program for the most recent estimating conference estimate of revenues and the most recent federal aid apportionments.
(b) Upon the written request by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the department shall prepare a list of projects, from the transportation needs identified pursuant to this paragraph, that meet the following criteria:
1. The project can be made production-ready within the 5 fiscal years following the end of the current fiscal year.
2. The project is not included in the current adopted work program or in the tentative work program to be submitted by the department for the next fiscal year.
3. The project is included in the transportation improvement program of any metropolitan planning organization within whose boundaries the project is located in whole or in part.
4. The project is not inconsistent with an approved local comprehensive plan of any local government within whose boundaries the project is located in whole or in part, or, if inconsistent, is accompanied by an explanation of why the inconsistency should be undertaken.
(c) The department shall submit the list of projects prepared pursuant to this subsection to the legislative appropriations committees, together with the following plans and reports:
1. An enhanced program and resource plan that adds the list of projects and required support costs to the projects and other programs of the tentative work program required to be submitted by the department pursuant to this section.
2. A variance report comparing the enhanced plan with the plan for the tentative work program covering the same period of time.
3. A 36-month cash forecast identifying the additional revenues needed to finance the enhanced plan.
(3) NATURE AND SCOPE OF THE TENTATIVE AND ADOPTED WORK PROGRAMS.—
(a) The tentative and adopted work programs required by subsections (4) and (5) shall be based on a complete, balanced financial plan for the State Transportation Trust Fund and the other funds managed by the department. The tentative and adopted work programs shall set forth the proposed commitments and planned expenditures, respectively, of the department classified by major program and fixed capital appropriation categories to accomplish the objectives of the department included in the program and resource plan of the Florida Transportation Plan required in s. 339.155.
(b) The tentative and adopted work programs for the State Transportation Trust Fund and other funds managed by the department, except as otherwise provided by law, must be so planned as to deplete the estimated resources of each fund for the fiscal year. An emergency reserve may be requested in the legislative budget request for the purpose of performing emergency work necessary during the fiscal year in order to prevent the stoppage of travel over any transportation facility over which the department has jurisdiction and control.
(c) No anticipated funds estimated to be received from various federal-aid acts of Congress shall be budgeted in excess of the amount which may be earned by the amount of state funds set aside to match such federal aid; and the state funds thus set aside to match federal-aid funds shall be used only for such matching purposes. The department shall, prior to the preparation of the tentative work program, ascertain the amount of apportionments of federal-aid funds which are estimated to be available to the department for expenditure in the fiscal years for which the tentative work program is prepared; and the department shall budget sufficient funds for matching purposes.
(d) The department is not required to match federal-aid funds that are allocated for use on a project that is not on the State Highway System. If a metropolitan planning organization allocates available federal-aid funds for a project that is not on the State Highway System, the department may not provide more than 50 percent of the nonfederal share, except that, notwithstanding the provisions of s. 341.051, the department may provide 100 percent of the nonfederal share of a transit project or transit-related project that is funded under the federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Attainment Program.
(4) FUNDING AND DEVELOPING A TENTATIVE WORK PROGRAM.—
(a)1. To assure that no district or county is penalized for local efforts to improve the State Highway System, the department shall, for the purpose of developing a tentative work program, allocate funds for new construction to the districts, except for the turnpike enterprise, based on equal parts of population and motor fuel tax collections. Funds for resurfacing, bridge repair and rehabilitation, bridge fender system construction or repair, public transit projects except public transit block grants as provided in s. 341.052, and other programs with quantitative needs assessments shall be allocated based on the results of these assessments. The department may not transfer any funds allocated to a district under this paragraph to any other district except as provided in subsection (7). Funds for public transit block grants shall be allocated to the districts pursuant to s. 341.052. Funds for the intercity bus program provided for under s. 5311(f) of the federal nonurbanized area formula program shall be administered and allocated directly to eligible bus carriers as defined in s. 341.031(12) at the state level rather than the district. In order to provide state funding to support the intercity bus program provided for under provisions of the federal 5311(f) program, the department shall allocate an amount equal to the federal share of the 5311(f) program from amounts calculated pursuant to s. 206.46(3).
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph 1., the department shall allocate at least 50 percent of any new discretionary highway capacity funds to the Florida Strategic Intermodal System created pursuant to s. 339.61. Any remaining new discretionary highway capacity funds shall be allocated to the districts for new construction as provided in subparagraph 1. For the purposes of this subparagraph, the term “new discretionary highway capacity funds” means any funds available to the department above the prior year funding level for capacity improvements, which the department has the discretion to allocate to highway projects.
(b)1. A tentative work program, including the ensuing fiscal year and the successive 4 fiscal years, shall be prepared for the State Transportation Trust Fund and other funds managed by the department, unless otherwise provided by law. The tentative work program shall be based on the district work programs and shall set forth all projects by phase to be undertaken during the ensuing fiscal year and planned for the successive 4 fiscal years. The total amount of the liabilities accruing in each fiscal year of the tentative work program may not exceed the revenues available for expenditure during the respective fiscal year based on the cash forecast for that respective fiscal year.
2. The tentative work program shall be developed in accordance with the Florida Transportation Plan required in s. 339.155 and must comply with the program funding levels contained in the program and resource plan.
3. The department may include in the tentative work program proposed changes to the programs contained in the previous work program adopted pursuant to subsection (5); however, the department shall minimize changes and adjustments that affect the scheduling of project phases in the 4 common fiscal years contained in the previous adopted work program and the tentative work program. The department, in the development of the tentative work program, shall advance by 1 fiscal year all projects included in the second year of the previous year’s adopted work program, unless the secretary specifically determines that it is necessary, for specific reasons, to reschedule or delete one or more projects from that year. Such changes and adjustments shall be clearly identified, and the effect on the 4 common fiscal years contained in the previous adopted work program and the tentative work program shall be shown. It is the intent of the Legislature that the first 3 years of the adopted work program stand as the commitment of the state to undertake transportation projects that local governments may rely on for planning and concurrency purposes and in the development and amendment of the capital improvements elements of their local government comprehensive plans.
4. The tentative work program must include a balanced 36-month forecast of cash and expenditures and a 5-year finance plan supporting the tentative work program.
(c)1. For purposes of this section, the board of county commissioners shall serve as the metropolitan planning organization in those counties which are not located in a metropolitan planning organization and shall be involved in the development of the district work program to the same extent as a metropolitan planning organization.
2. The district work program shall be developed cooperatively from the outset with the various metropolitan planning organizations of the state and include, to the maximum extent feasible, the project priorities of metropolitan planning organizations which have been submitted to the district by August 1 of each year pursuant to s. 339.175(8)(b); however, the department and a metropolitan planning organization may, in writing, cooperatively agree to vary this submittal date. To assist the metropolitan planning organizations in developing their lists of project priorities, the district shall disclose to each metropolitan planning organization any anticipated changes in the allocation or programming of state and federal funds which may affect the inclusion of metropolitan planning organization project priorities in the district work program.
3. Before submittal of the district work program to the central office, the district shall provide the affected metropolitan planning organization with written justification for any project proposed to be rescheduled or deleted from the district work program which project is part of the metropolitan planning organization’s transportation improvement program and is contained in the last 4 years of the previous adopted work program. By no later than 14 days after submittal of the district work program to the central office, the affected metropolitan planning organization may file an objection to such rescheduling or deletion. When an objection is filed with the secretary, the rescheduling or deletion may not be included in the district work program unless the inclusion of such rescheduling or deletion is specifically approved by the secretary. The Florida Transportation Commission shall include such objections in its evaluation of the tentative work program only when the secretary has approved the rescheduling or deletion.
(d) Prior to the submission of the district work program to the central office, each district office shall hold a public hearing in at least one urbanized area in the district and shall make a presentation at a meeting of each metropolitan planning organization in the district to determine the necessity of making any changes to projects included or to be included in the district work program and to hear requests for new projects to be added to, or existing projects to be deleted from, the district work program. However, the district and metropolitan planning organization shall minimize changes to, deletions from, or adjustments to projects or project phases contained in the 4 common years of the previous adopted work program and the district work program. The district shall provide the metropolitan planning organization with a written explanation for any project which is contained in the metropolitan planning organization’s transportation improvement program and which is not included in the district work program. The metropolitan planning organization may request in writing to the appropriate district secretary further consideration of any specific project not included or not adequately addressed in the district work program. The district secretary shall acknowledge and review all such requests prior to the submission of the district work program to the central office and shall forward a copy of such requests to the secretary and the Florida Transportation Commission. The commission shall include such requests in its evaluation of the tentative work program.
(e) Following submission of each district work program to the central office, the department shall develop the tentative work program based on the district work programs, review the individual district work programs for compliance with the work program instructions prepared by the department, and ensure that the tentative work program complies with the requirements of paragraph (b).
(f) The central office shall submit a preliminary copy of the tentative work program to the Executive Office of the Governor, the legislative appropriations committees, the Florida Transportation Commission, and the Department of Economic Opportunity at least 14 days prior to the convening of the regular legislative session. Prior to the statewide public hearing required by paragraph (g), the Department of Economic Opportunity shall transmit to the Florida Transportation Commission a list of those projects and project phases contained in the tentative work program which are identified as being inconsistent with approved local government comprehensive plans. For urbanized areas of metropolitan planning organizations, the list may not contain any project or project phase that is scheduled in a transportation improvement program unless such inconsistency has been previously reported to the affected metropolitan planning organization.
(g)1. The Florida Transportation Commission shall conduct a statewide public hearing on the tentative work program and shall advertise the time, place, and purpose of the hearing in the Florida Administrative Register at least 7 days prior to the hearing. As part of the statewide public hearing, the commission shall, at a minimum:
a. Conduct an in-depth evaluation of the tentative work program for compliance with applicable laws and departmental policies; and
b. Hear all questions, suggestions, or other comments offered by the public.
2. By no later than 14 days after the regular legislative session begins, the commission shall submit to the Executive Office of the Governor and the legislative appropriations committees a report that evaluates the tentative work program for:
a. Financial soundness;
b. Stability;
c. Production capacity;
d. Accomplishments, including compliance with program objectives in s. 334.046;
e. Compliance with approved local government comprehensive plans;
f. Objections and requests by metropolitan planning organizations;
g. Policy changes and effects thereof;
h. Identification of statewide or regional projects; and
i. Compliance with all other applicable laws.
(h) Following evaluation by the Florida Transportation Commission, the department shall submit the tentative work program to the Executive Office of the Governor and the legislative appropriations committees no later than 14 days after the regular legislative session begins.
(5) ADOPTION OF THE WORK PROGRAM.—The original approved budget for operational and fixed capital expenditures for the department shall be the Governor’s budget recommendation and the first year of the tentative work program, as amended by the General Appropriations Act and any other act containing appropriations. In accordance with the appropriations act, the department shall, before the beginning of the fiscal year, adopt a final work program that includes only the original approved budget for the department for the ensuing fiscal year, together with any roll forwards approved pursuant to paragraph (6)(c), and the portion of the tentative work program for the following 4 fiscal years revised in accordance with the original approved budget for the department for the ensuing fiscal year together with the roll forwards. The adopted work program may include only those projects submitted as part of the tentative work program developed under subsection (4), plus any projects that are separately identified by specific appropriation in the General Appropriations Act and any roll forwards approved pursuant to paragraph (6)(c). However, any transportation project of the department which is identified by specific appropriation in the General Appropriations Act shall be deducted from the funds annually distributed to the respective district pursuant to paragraph (4)(a). In addition, the department may not include any project or allocate funds to a program in the adopted work program that is contrary to existing law for that particular year. Projects may not be undertaken unless they are listed in the adopted work program.
(6) EXECUTION OF THE BUDGET.—
(a) The department, during any fiscal year, shall not expend money, incur any liability, or enter into any contract which, by its terms, involves the expenditure of money in excess of the amounts budgeted as available for expenditure during such fiscal year. Any contract, verbal or written, made in violation of this subsection is null and void, and no money may be paid on such contract. The department shall require a statement from the comptroller of the department that funds are available prior to entering into any such contract or other binding commitment of funds. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the making of contracts for periods exceeding 1 year, but any contract so made shall be executory only for the value of the services to be rendered or agreed to be paid for in succeeding fiscal years; and this paragraph shall be incorporated verbatim in all contracts of the department which are for an amount in excess of $25,000 and which have a term for a period of more than 1 year.
(b) In the operation of the State Transportation Trust Fund, the department shall have on hand at the close of business, which closing shall not be later than the 10th calendar day of the month following the end of each quarter of the fiscal year, an available cash balance (which shall include cash on deposit with the treasury and short-term investments of the department) equivalent to not less than $50 million, or 5 percent of the unpaid balance of all State Transportation Trust Fund obligations at the close of such quarter, whichever amount is less. In the event that this cash position is not maintained, no further contracts or other fund commitments shall be approved, entered into, awarded, or executed until the cash balance, as defined above, has been regained.
(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of ss. 216.301(2) and 216.351, any unexpended balance remaining at the end of the fiscal year in the appropriations to the department for special categories; aid to local governments; lump sums for project phases which are part of the adopted work program, and for which contracts have been executed or bids have been let; and for right-of-way land acquisition and relocation assistance for parcels from project phases in the adopted work program for which appraisals have been completed and approved, may be certified forward as fixed capital outlay at the end of each fiscal year, to be certified by the head of the state agency on or before August 1 of each year to the Executive Office of the Governor, showing in detail the commitment or to whom obligated and the amount of such commitment or obligation. On or before September 1 of each year, the Executive Office of the Governor shall review and approve or disapprove, consistent with legislative policy and intent, any or all of the items and amounts certified by the head of the state agency and shall furnish the Chief Financial Officer, the legislative appropriations committees, and the Auditor General a detailed listing of the items and amounts approved as legal encumbrances against the undisbursed balances of such appropriations. In the event such certification is not made and the balance of the appropriation has reverted and the obligation is proven to be legal, due, and unpaid, then the same shall be presented to the Legislature for its consideration. Such certification as herein required shall be in the form and on the date approved by the Executive Office of the Governor. Any project phases in the adopted work program not certified forward shall be available for roll forward for the next fiscal year of the adopted work program. Spending authority associated with such project phases may be rolled forward to the next fiscal year upon approval by the Legislative Budget Commission. Increases in spending authority shall be limited to amounts of unexpended balances by appropriation category. Any project phase certified forward for which bids have been let but subsequently rejected shall be available for roll forward in the adopted work program for the next fiscal year. Spending authority associated with such project phases may be rolled forward into the current year from funds certified forward. The amount certified forward may include contingency allowances for right-of-way acquisition and relocation, asphalt and petroleum product escalation clauses, and contract overages, which allowances shall be separately identified in the certification detail. Right-of-way acquisition and relocation and contract overages contingency allowances shall be based on documented historical patterns. These contingency amounts shall be incorporated in the certification for each specific category, but when a category has an excess and another category has a deficiency, the Executive Office of the Governor is authorized to transfer the excess to the deficient account.
(d) The department shall allocate resources provided in the General Appropriations Act to the districts prior to July 31 of each year. The allocation shall be promptly reported to the Executive Office of the Governor and the legislative appropriations committees, and all subsequent amendments shall be reported promptly to the secretary of the department.
(e) This subsection does not apply to any bonds issued on behalf of the department pursuant to the State Bond Act.
(7) AMENDMENT OF THE ADOPTED WORK PROGRAM.—
(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of ss. 216.292 and 216.351, the adopted work program may be amended only pursuant to the provisions of this subsection.
(b) The department may not transfer any funds for any project or project phase between department districts. However, a district secretary may agree to a loan of funds to another district, if:
1. The funds are used solely to maximize the use or amount of funds available to the state;
2. The loan agreement is executed in writing and is signed by the district secretaries of the respective districts;
3. Repayment of the loan is to be made within 3 years after the date on which the agreement was entered into; and
4. The adopted work program of the district loaning the funds would not be substantially impaired if the loan were made, according to the district secretary.
The loan constitutes an amendment to the adopted work program and is subject to the procedures specified in paragraph (c).
(c) The department may amend the adopted work program to transfer fixed capital outlay appropriations for projects within the same appropriations category or between appropriations categories, including the following amendments which shall be subject to the procedures in paragraph (d):
1. Any amendment which deletes any project or project phase estimated to cost over $150,000;
2. Any amendment which adds a project estimated to cost over $500,000 in funds appropriated by the Legislature;
3. Any amendment which advances or defers to another fiscal year, a right-of-way phase, a construction phase, or a public transportation project phase estimated to cost over $1.5 million in funds appropriated by the Legislature, except an amendment advancing a phase by 1 year to the current fiscal year or deferring a phase for a period of 90 days or less; or
4. Any amendment which advances or defers to another fiscal year, any preliminary engineering phase or design phase estimated to cost over $500,000 in funds appropriated by the Legislature, except an amendment advancing a phase by 1 year to the current fiscal year or deferring a phase for a period of 90 days or less.
Beginning July 1, 2013, the department shall index the budget amendment threshold amounts established in this paragraph to the Consumer Price Index or similar inflation indicators. Threshold adjustments for inflation under this paragraph may be made no more frequently than once a year. Adjustments for inflation are subject to the notice and review procedures contained in s. 216.177.
(d)1. Whenever the department proposes any amendment to the adopted work program, as defined in subparagraph (c)1. or subparagraph (c)3., which deletes or defers a construction phase on a capacity project, it shall notify each county affected by the amendment and each municipality within the county. The notification shall be issued in writing to the chief elected official of each affected county, each municipality within the county, and the chair of each affected metropolitan planning organization. Each affected county and each municipality in the county is encouraged to coordinate with each other in order to determine how the amendment affects local concurrency management and regional transportation planning efforts. Each affected county, and each municipality within the county, shall have 14 days to provide written comments to the department regarding how the amendment will affect its respective concurrency management systems, including whether any development permits were issued contingent upon the capacity improvement, if applicable. After receipt of written comments from the affected local governments, the department shall include any written comments submitted by such local governments in its preparation of the proposed amendment.
2. Following the 14-day comment period in subparagraph 1., if applicable, whenever the department proposes any amendment to the adopted work program, which amendment is defined in subparagraph (c)1., subparagraph (c)2., subparagraph (c)3., or subparagraph (c)4., it shall submit the proposed amendment to the Governor for approval and shall immediately notify the chairs of the legislative appropriations committees, the chairs of the legislative transportation committees, and each member of the Legislature who represents a district affected by the proposed amendment. It shall also notify each metropolitan planning organization affected by the proposed amendment, and each unit of local government affected by the proposed amendment, unless it provided to each the notification required by subparagraph 1. Such proposed amendment shall provide a complete justification of the need for the proposed amendment.
3. The Governor may not approve a proposed amendment until 14 days following the notification required in subparagraph 2.
4. If either of the chairs of the legislative appropriations committees or the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives objects in writing to a proposed amendment within 14 days following notification and specifies the reasons for such objection, the Governor shall disapprove the proposed amendment.
(e) Notwithstanding paragraphs (d), (g), and (h) and ss. 216.177(2) and 216.351, the secretary may request the Executive Office of the Governor to amend the adopted work program when an emergency exists, as defined in s. 252.34, and the emergency relates to the repair or rehabilitation of any state transportation facility. The Executive Office of the Governor may approve the amendment to the adopted work program and amend that portion of the department’s approved budget if a delay incident to the notification requirements in paragraph (d) would be detrimental to the interests of the state. However, the department shall immediately notify the parties specified in paragraph (d) and provide such parties written justification for the emergency action within 7 days after approval by the Executive Office of the Governor of the amendment to the adopted work program and the department’s budget. The adopted work program may not be amended under this subsection without certification by the comptroller of the department that there are sufficient funds available pursuant to the 36-month cash forecast and applicable statutes.
(f) The department may authorize the investment of the earnings accrued and collected upon the investment of the minimum balance of funds required to be maintained in the State Transportation Trust Fund pursuant to paragraph (6)(b).
(g)1. Any work program amendment which also requires the transfer of fixed capital outlay appropriations between categories within the department or the increase of an appropriation category is subject to the approval of the Legislative Budget Commission.
2. If the department submits an amendment to the Legislative Budget Commission and the commission does not meet or consider the amendment within 30 days after its submittal, the chair and vice chair of the Legislative Budget Commission may authorize such amendment to be approved pursuant to s. 216.177.
1(h)1. Any work program amendment that also adds a new project, or phase thereof, to the adopted work program in excess of $3 million is subject to approval by the Legislative Budget Commission. Any work program amendment submitted under this paragraph must include, as supplemental information, a list of projects, or phases thereof, in the current 5-year adopted work program which are eligible for the funds within the appropriation category being used for the proposed amendment. The department shall provide a narrative with the rationale for not advancing an existing project, or phase thereof, in lieu of the proposed amendment.
2. If the department submits an amendment to the Legislative Budget Commission and the commission does not meet or consider the amendment within 30 days after its submittal, the chair and vice chair of the commission may authorize the amendment to be approved pursuant to s. 216.177. This subparagraph expires July 1, 2024.
History.—s. 20, ch. 29965, 1955; s. 9, ch. 57-318; s. 1, ch. 61-80; ss. 2, 3, ch. 67-371; s. 1, ch. 69-396; ss. 23, 35, ch. 69-106; ss. 1, 2, ch. 70-996; s. 1, ch. 72-66; ss. 2, 3, ch. 73-58; s. 1, ch. 75-3; s. 1, ch. 82-31; s. 1, ch. 83-232; s. 214, ch. 84-309; s. 1, ch. 84-332; s. 24, ch. 85-180; s. 36, ch. 86-243; s. 1, ch. 87-131; s. 3, ch. 88-247; s. 26, ch. 88-557; s. 4, ch. 89-301; ss. 35, 119, ch. 90-136; s. 37, ch. 91-109; s. 3, ch. 91-272; s. 89, ch. 92-152; ss. 5, 13, 23, ch. 93-164; s. 43, ch. 93-187; s. 2, ch. 94-237; s. 972, ch. 95-148; s. 51, ch. 95-257; s. 14, ch. 97-100; s. 24, ch. 97-280; s. 135, ch. 99-13; ss. 46, 101, ch. 99-385; s. 14, ch. 2000-325; s. 56, ch. 2000-371; s. 10, ch. 2001-380; s. 4, ch. 2002-13; s. 26, ch. 2002-20; s. 10, ch. 2003-2; s. 5, ch. 2003-291; s. 9, ch. 2004-366; s. 43, ch. 2005-71; s. 47, ch. 2005-152; s. 9, ch. 2005-290; s. 9, ch. 2007-6; s. 31, ch. 2007-73; s. 31, ch. 2008-153; ss. 8, 9, ch. 2009-82; s. 18, ch. 2009-85; s. 3, ch. 2009-271; s. 14, ch. 2010-139; ss. 33, 51, 72, ch. 2010-153; s. 9, ch. 2011-3; s. 21, ch. 2011-4; ss. 42, 43, ch. 2011-47; s. 239, ch. 2011-142; s. 5, ch. 2012-6; s. 55, ch. 2012-96; s. 53, ch. 2012-174; s. 26, ch. 2013-14; s. 50, ch. 2013-15; s. 7, ch. 2013-16; ss. 31, 55, ch. 2013-41; s. 65, ch. 2014-17; ss. 41, 47, ch. 2014-53; s. 26, ch. 2015-2; s. 10, ch. 2015-3; s. 61, ch. 2015-222; s. 4, ch. 2016-11; ss. 98, 107, 108, ch. 2016-62; s. 16, ch. 2016-181; s. 8, ch. 2017-42; ss. 41, 42, 50, 61, ch. 2017-71; s. 77, ch. 2018-10; s. 13, ch. 2018-111; s. 101, ch. 2019-116; s. 5, ch. 2020-3; s. 93, ch. 2020-114; ss. 54, 76, ch. 2021-37; s. 18, ch. 2021-186; s. 75, ch. 2022-157; s. 67, ch. 2023-240.
1Note.—Section 67, ch. 2023-240, amended paragraph (7)(h) “[i]n order to implement Specific Appropriations 1992 through 2005, 2015, 2016, 2024 through 2027, 2031 through 2035, 2037 through 2045, and 2080 through 2093 of the 2023-2024 General Appropriations Act.”
Note.—Former s. 334.21.
1339.1371 Mobility 2000; funding.—
(1) Beginning in fiscal year 2000-2001 the Department of Transportation shall allocate sufficient funds to implement the Mobility 2000 (Building Roads for the 21st Century) initiative. The department shall develop a plan to expend these revenues and amend the current tentative work program for the time period 2000-2001 through 2004-2005 prior to adoption to include Mobility 2000 projects. In addition, prior to work program adoption, the department shall submit a budget amendment pursuant to s. 339.135(7), requesting budget authority needed to implement the Mobility 2000 initiative. Funds will be used for corridors that link Florida’s economic regions to seaports, international airports, and markets to provide connections through major gateways, improved mobility in major urbanized areas, and access routes for emergency evacuation to coastal communities based on analysis of current and projected traffic conditions.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, in fiscal year 2001-2002 and each year thereafter, the increase in revenue to the State Transportation Trust Fund derived from ss. 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, and 10, ch. 2000-257, Laws of Florida, shall be first used by the Department of Transportation to fund the Mobility 2000 initiative and any remaining funds shall be used to fund the Florida Strategic Intermodal System created pursuant to s. 339.61. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the requirements of ss. 206.46(3) and 206.606(2) shall not apply to the Mobility 2000 initiative.
History.—ss. 6, 11, ch. 2000-257; s. 11, ch. 2004-366.
1Note.—Section 22, ch. 2000-257, provides that “[n]otwithstanding any other law to the contrary the requirements of sections 206.46(3) and 206.606(2), Florida Statutes, shall not apply to any funding, programs, or other provisions contained in this act.”
339.139 Transportation debt assessment.—
(1) It is the policy of the state to manage the financing of transportation infrastructure in a manner that ensures the fiscal integrity of the State Transportation Trust Fund.
(2) The department shall provide a debt and debt-like contractual obligations load report to the Executive Office of the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the legislative appropriations committees in conjunction with the tentative work program required under s. 339.135. The debt and debt-like contractual obligations load report must include the following data on current and planned department commitments that are payable from the State Transportation Trust Fund:
(a) Debt service payments that are required to be made under any resolution for the issuance of bonds secured by a lien on federal highway aid reimbursements or motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes.
(b) Funding for seaports which has been pledged to the payment of principal and interest on bonds issued by the Florida Ports Financing Commission pursuant to s. 320.20.
(c) Commitments of the department to pay the costs of operating, maintaining, repairing, and rehabilitating expressway and bridge systems under the terms of lease-purchase agreements which are enforceable by the holders of bonds issued by expressway and bridge authorities pursuant to chapter 348.
(d) Availability, milestone, and final acceptance payments that are required by public-private partnerships pursuant to s. 334.30 and that are not payments for the cost of operation or maintenance of a facility.
(e) Agreed-on payments to a department contractor for work performed in the current fiscal year for which payment is deferred to a later fiscal year pursuant to s. 334.30.
(f) Reimbursements to local governments for work performed on a project if the reimbursement is deferred to a later fiscal year pursuant to s. 339.12.
(g) Loan repayments on state infrastructure bank loans extended to a department district pursuant to s. 339.55.
(3) The department shall manage all levels of debt to ensure that by the beginning of the 2017–2018 fiscal year, not more than 20 percent of total projected available state and federal revenues from the State Transportation Trust Fund, together with any local funds committed to department projects, are committed to the obligations identified in subsection (2) in any year.
(4) If the department believes that a critical project would justify exceeding the limitation established in this section, the department shall notify the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the chairs of the legislative appropriations committees. The notification must identify the critical project and the projected impact on the department’s total debt load. The department may proceed with the project upon approval by the Governor. If either chair of the legislative appropriations committees, the President of the Senate, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives objects in writing to a proposed project within 14 days after submittal of a department request to exceed debt limits and specifies the reasons for such objection, the Governor may not approve the project.
(5) The department shall prepare a separate report on debt obligations that are secured by and payable solely from pledged revenues. The department shall provide the report on pledged revenue debt to the Executive Office of the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the legislative appropriations committees in conjunction with the tentative work program required under s. 339.135.
History.—s. 31, ch. 2012-128.
339.155 Transportation planning.—
(1) THE FLORIDA TRANSPORTATION PLAN.—The department shall develop a statewide transportation plan, to be known as the Florida Transportation Plan. The plan shall be designed so as to be easily read and understood by the general public. The plan shall consider the needs of the entire state transportation system and examine the use of all modes of transportation to effectively and efficiently meet such needs. The purpose of the Florida Transportation Plan is to establish and define the state’s long-range transportation goals and objectives to be accomplished over a period of at least 20 years within the context of the State Comprehensive Plan, and any other statutory mandates and authorizations and based upon the prevailing principles of:
(a) Preserving the existing transportation infrastructure.
(b) Enhancing Florida’s economic competitiveness.
(c) Improving travel choices to ensure mobility.
(d) Expanding the state’s role as a hub for trade and investment.
(2) SCOPE OF PLANNING PROCESS.—The department shall carry out a transportation planning process in conformance with s. 334.046(1) and 23 U.S.C. s. 135.
(3) FORMAT, SCHEDULE, AND REVIEW.—The Florida Transportation Plan shall be a unified, concise planning document that clearly defines the state’s long-range transportation goals and objectives. The plan shall:
(a) Include a glossary that clearly and succinctly defines any and all phrases, words, or terms of art included in the plan, with which the general public may be unfamiliar.
(b) Document the goals and long-term objectives necessary to implement the results of the department’s findings from its examination of the criteria specified in s. 334.046(1) and 23 U.S.C. s. 135.
(c) Be developed in cooperation with the metropolitan planning organizations and reconciled, to the maximum extent feasible, with the long-range plans developed by metropolitan planning organizations pursuant to s. 339.175.
(d) Be developed in consultation with affected local officials in nonmetropolitan areas and with any affected Indian tribal governments.
(e) Provide an examination of transportation issues likely to arise during at least a 20-year period.
(f) Be updated at least once every 5 years, or more often as necessary, to reflect substantive changes to federal or state law.
(4) ADDITIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANS.—
(a) Upon request by local governmental entities, the department may in its discretion develop and design transportation corridors, arterial and collector streets, vehicular parking areas, and other support facilities which are consistent with the plans of the department for major transportation facilities. The department may render to local governmental entities or their planning agencies such technical assistance and services as are necessary so that local plans and facilities are coordinated with the plans and facilities of the department.
(b) Each regional planning council, as provided for in s. 186.504, or any successor agency thereto, shall develop, as an element of its strategic regional policy plan, transportation goals and policies. The transportation goals and policies must be prioritized to comply with the prevailing principles provided in subsection (1) and s. 334.046(1). The transportation goals and policies shall be consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with the goals and policies of the metropolitan planning organization and the Florida Transportation Plan. The transportation goals and policies of the regional planning council will be advisory only and shall be submitted to the department and any affected metropolitan planning organization for their consideration and comments. Metropolitan planning organization plans and other local transportation plans shall be developed consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with the regional transportation goals and policies.
(c) Regional transportation plans may be developed in regional transportation areas in accordance with an interlocal agreement entered into pursuant to s. 163.01 by two or more contiguous metropolitan planning organizations; one or more metropolitan planning organizations and one or more contiguous counties, none of which is a member of a metropolitan planning organization; a multicounty regional transportation authority created by or pursuant to law; two or more contiguous counties that are not members of a metropolitan planning organization; or metropolitan planning organizations comprised of three or more counties.
(d) The interlocal agreement must, at a minimum, identify the entity that will coordinate the development of the regional transportation plan; delineate the boundaries of the regional transportation area; provide the duration of the agreement and specify how the agreement may be terminated, modified, or rescinded; describe the process by which the regional transportation plan will be developed; and provide how members of the entity will resolve disagreements regarding interpretation of the interlocal agreement or disputes relating to the development or content of the regional transportation plan. Such interlocal agreement shall become effective upon its recordation in the official public records of each county in the regional transportation area.
(e) The regional transportation plan developed pursuant to this section must, at a minimum, identify regionally significant transportation facilities located within a regional transportation area and contain a prioritized list of regionally significant projects. The projects shall be adopted into the capital improvements schedule of the local government comprehensive plan pursuant to s. 163.3177(3).
(5) PROCEDURES FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN TRANSPORTATION PLANNING.—
(a) During the development of the Florida Transportation Plan and prior to substantive revisions, the department shall provide citizens, affected public agencies, representatives of transportation agency employees, other affected employee representatives, private providers of transportation, and other known interested parties with an opportunity to comment on the proposed plan or revisions. These opportunities shall include, at a minimum, publishing a notice in the Florida Administrative Register and within a newspaper of general circulation within the area of each department district office.
(b) During development of major transportation improvements, such as those increasing the capacity of a facility through the addition of new lanes or providing new access to a limited or controlled access facility or construction of a facility in a new location, the department shall hold one or more hearings prior to the selection of the facility to be provided; prior to the selection of the site or corridor of the proposed facility; and prior to the selection of and commitment to a specific design proposal for the proposed facility. Such public hearings shall be conducted so as to provide an opportunity for effective participation by interested persons in the process of transportation planning and site and route selection and in the specific location and design of transportation facilities. The various factors involved in the decision or decisions and any alternative proposals shall be clearly presented so that the persons attending the hearing may present their views relating to the decision or decisions that will be made.
(c) Opportunity for design hearings:
1. The department, prior to holding a design hearing, shall duly notify all affected property owners of record, as recorded in the property appraiser’s office, by mail at least 20 days prior to the date set for the hearing. The affected property owners shall be:
a. Those whose property lies in whole or in part within 300 feet on either side of the centerline of the proposed facility.
b. Those who the department determines will be substantially affected environmentally, economically, socially, or safetywise.
2. For each subsequent hearing, the department shall publish notice prior to the hearing date in a newspaper of general circulation for the area affected. These notices must be published twice, with the first notice appearing at least 15 days, but no later than 30 days, before the hearing.
3. A copy of the notice of opportunity for the hearing must be furnished to the United States Department of Transportation and to the appropriate departments of the state government at the time of publication.
4. The opportunity for another hearing shall be afforded in any case when proposed locations or designs are so changed from those presented in the notices specified above or at a hearing as to have a substantially different social, economic, or environmental effect.
5. The opportunity for a hearing shall be afforded in each case in which the department is in doubt as to whether a hearing is required.
History.—s. 3, ch. 70-996; s. 1, ch. 73-355; s. 1, ch. 77-102; s. 218, ch. 84-309; s. 2, ch. 84-332; s. 19, ch. 85-81; s. 22, ch. 88-168; s. 5, ch. 89-301; s. 36, ch. 90-136; s. 3, ch. 92-152; s. 3, ch. 93-164; s. 49, ch. 94-237; s. 8, ch. 95-149; s. 53, ch. 95-257; s. 8, ch. 99-256; s. 32, ch. 99-385; s. 19, ch. 2000-266; s. 21, ch. 2005-290; s. 21, ch. 2007-105; s. 48, ch. 2011-139; s. 4, ch. 2011-164; s. 54, ch. 2012-174; s. 27, ch. 2013-14; s. 16, ch. 2015-30.
Note.—Former s. 334.211.
339.157 Resilience action plan.—
(1) The department shall develop a resilience action plan for the State Highway System based on current conditions and forecasted future events. The goals of the action plan must be to:
(a) Recommend strategies to enhance infrastructure and the operational resilience of the State Highway System that may be incorporated into the transportation asset management plan.
(b) Recommend design changes to retrofit existing state highway facilities and to construct new state highway facilities.
(c) Enhance partnerships to address multijurisdictional resilience needs.
(2) The resilience action plan must include all of the following:
(a) An assessment of the State Highway System to identify roadway facilities and drainage outfalls that may be subject to vulnerabilities associated with tidal, rainfall, the combination of tidal and rainfall, and storm surge flooding, including future projections of sea level rise, using existing data for current and forecasted future events. As part of the assessment, the department shall, using the most up-to-date National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration precipitation frequency and sea level rise data, do all of the following:
1. Synthesize historical and current infrastructure resilience issues statewide.
2. Evaluate alternatives for retrofitting existing systems and infrastructure.
3. Develop prioritization criteria for resilience project identification.
4. Develop a prioritized resilience needs project list, in addition to existing projects within the work program, with the associated costs and timeline.
5. Develop a statewide database identifying and documenting those assets vulnerable to current and future flooding. The department shall develop a cost estimate and schedule to enhance existing data to include site-specific details and existing criteria to improve the needs prioritization.
(b) A systemic review of the department’s policies, procedures, manuals, tools, and guidance documents to identify revisions that will facilitate cost-effective improvements to address existing and future State Highway System infrastructure vulnerabilities associated with flooding and sea level rise.
(c) Provision of technical assistance to local agencies and modal partners on resilience issues related to the State Highway System and the deployment of local and regional solutions.
(3) By June 30, 2023, the department shall submit the resilience action plan to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Every third year on June 30 thereafter, the department shall submit a status report reviewing updates to the action plan and the associated implementation activities.
History.—s. 3, ch. 2022-89.
339.175 Metropolitan planning organization.—
(1) PURPOSE.—It is the intent of the Legislature to encourage and promote the safe and efficient management, operation, and development of surface transportation systems that will serve the mobility needs of people and freight and foster economic growth and development within and through urbanized areas of this state while minimizing transportation-related fuel consumption, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions through metropolitan transportation planning processes identified in this section. To accomplish these objectives, metropolitan planning organizations, referred to in this section as M.P.O.’s, shall develop, in cooperation with the state and public transit operators, transportation plans and programs for metropolitan areas. The plans and programs for each metropolitan area must provide for the development and integrated management and operation of transportation systems and facilities, including pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities that will function as an intermodal transportation system for the metropolitan area, based upon the prevailing principles provided in s. 334.046(1). The process for developing such plans and programs shall provide for consideration of all modes of transportation and shall be continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive, to the degree appropriate, based on the complexity of the transportation problems to be addressed. To ensure that the process is integrated with the statewide planning process, M.P.O.’s shall develop plans and programs that identify transportation facilities that should function as an integrated metropolitan transportation system, giving emphasis to facilities that serve important national, state, and regional transportation functions. For the purposes of this section, those facilities include the facilities on the Strategic Intermodal System designated under s. 339.63 and facilities for which projects have been identified pursuant to s. 339.2819(4).
(2) DESIGNATION.—
(a)1. An M.P.O. shall be designated for each urbanized area of the state; however, this does not require that an individual M.P.O. be designated for each such area. Such designation shall be accomplished by agreement between the Governor and units of general-purpose local government representing at least 75 percent of the population of the urbanized area; however, the unit of general-purpose local government that represents the central city or cities within the M.P.O. jurisdiction, as defined by the United States Bureau of the Census, must be a party to such agreement.
2. To the extent possible, only one M.P.O. shall be designated for each urbanized area or group of contiguous urbanized areas. More than one M.P.O. may be designated within an existing urbanized area only if the Governor and the existing M.P.O. determine that the size and complexity of the existing urbanized area makes the designation of more than one M.P.O. for the area appropriate, in which case each M.P.O. designated for the area must:
a. Consult with every other M.P.O. designated for the urbanized area and the state to coordinate plans and transportation improvement programs.
b. Ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, the consistency of data used in the planning process, including data used in forecasting travel demand within the urbanized area.
(b) Each M.P.O. designated in a manner prescribed by Title 23 of the United States Code shall be created and operated under the provisions of this section pursuant to an interlocal agreement entered into pursuant to s. 163.01. The signatories to the interlocal agreement shall be the department and the governmental entities designated by the Governor for membership on the M.P.O. Each M.P.O. shall be considered separate from the state or the governing body of a local government that is represented on the governing board of the M.P.O. or that is a signatory to the interlocal agreement creating the M.P.O. and shall have such powers and privileges that are provided under s. 163.01. If there is a conflict between this section and s. 163.01, this section prevails.
(c) The jurisdictional boundaries of an M.P.O. shall be determined by agreement between the Governor and the applicable M.P.O. The boundaries must include at least the metropolitan planning area, which is the existing urbanized area and the contiguous area expected to become urbanized within a 20-year forecast period, and may encompass the entire metropolitan statistical area or the consolidated metropolitan statistical area.
(d) In the case of an urbanized area designated as a nonattainment area for ozone or carbon monoxide under the Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. ss. 7401 et seq., the boundaries of the metropolitan planning area in existence as of the date of enactment of this paragraph shall be retained, except that the boundaries may be adjusted by agreement of the Governor and affected metropolitan planning organizations in the manner described in this section. If more than one M.P.O. has authority within a metropolitan area or an area that is designated as a nonattainment area, each M.P.O. shall consult with other M.P.O.’s designated for such area and with the state in the coordination of plans and programs required by this section.
(e) The governing body of the M.P.O. shall designate, at a minimum, a chair, vice chair, and agency clerk. The chair and vice chair shall be selected from among the member delegates comprising the governing board. The agency clerk shall be charged with the responsibility of preparing meeting minutes and maintaining agency records. The clerk shall be a member of the M.P.O. governing board, an employee of the M.P.O., or other natural person.
Each M.P.O. required under this section must be fully operative no later than 6 months following its designation.
(3) VOTING MEMBERSHIP.—
(a) The voting membership of an M.P.O. shall consist of at least 5 but not more than 25 apportioned members, with the exact number determined on an equitable geographic-population ratio basis, based on an agreement among the affected units of general-purpose local government and the Governor, as required by federal regulations. In accordance with 23 U.S.C. s. 134, the Governor may also allow M.P.O. members who represent municipalities to alternate with representatives from other municipalities within the metropolitan planning area which do not have members on the M.P.O. With the exception of instances in which all of the county commissioners in a single-county M.P.O. are members of the M.P.O. governing board, county commissioners shall compose at least one-third of the M.P.O. governing board membership. A multicounty M.P.O. may satisfy this requirement by any combination of county commissioners from each of the counties constituting the M.P.O. Voting members shall be elected officials of general-purpose local governments, one of whom may represent a group of general-purpose local governments through an entity created by an M.P.O. for that purpose. An M.P.O. may include, as part of its apportioned voting members, a member of a statutorily authorized planning board, an official of an agency that operates or administers a major mode of transportation, or an official of Space Florida. As used in this section, the term “elected officials of a general-purpose local government” excludes constitutional officers, including sheriffs, tax collectors, supervisors of elections, property appraisers, clerks of the court, and similar types of officials. County commissioners shall compose not less than 20 percent of the M.P.O. membership if an official of an agency that operates or administers a major mode of transportation has been appointed to an M.P.O.
(b) In metropolitan areas in which authorities or other agencies have been or may be created by law to perform transportation functions and are or will be performing transportation functions that are not under the jurisdiction of a general-purpose local government represented on the M.P.O., such authorities or other agencies may be provided voting membership on the M.P.O. In all other M.P.O.’s in which transportation authorities or agencies are to be represented by elected officials from general-purpose local governments, the M.P.O. shall establish a process by which the collective interests of such authorities or other agencies are expressed and conveyed.
(c) Any other provision of this section to the contrary notwithstanding, a chartered county with over 1 million population may elect to reapportion the membership of an M.P.O. whose jurisdiction is wholly within the county. The charter county may exercise the provisions of this paragraph if:
1. The M.P.O. approves the reapportionment plan by a three-fourths vote of its membership;
2. The M.P.O. and the charter county determine that the reapportionment plan is needed to fulfill specific goals and policies applicable to that metropolitan planning area; and
3. The charter county determines the reapportionment plan otherwise complies with all federal requirements pertaining to M.P.O. membership.
Any charter county that elects to exercise the provisions of this paragraph shall notify the Governor in writing.
(d) Any other provision of this section to the contrary notwithstanding, any county as defined in s. 125.011(1) may elect to have its county commission serve as the M.P.O., if the M.P.O. jurisdiction is wholly contained within the county. Any charter county that elects to exercise the provisions of this paragraph shall so notify the Governor in writing. Upon receipt of such notification, the Governor must designate the county commission as the M.P.O. The Governor must appoint four additional voting members to the M.P.O., one of whom must be an elected official representing a municipality within the county, one of whom must be an expressway authority member, one of whom must be a person who does not hold elected public office and who resides in the unincorporated portion of the county, and one of whom must be a school board member.
(4) APPORTIONMENT.—
(a) Each M.P.O. shall review the composition of its membership in conjunction with the decennial census, as prepared by the United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, and with the agreement of the Governor and the affected general-purpose local government units that constitute the existing M.P.O., reapportion the membership as necessary to comply with subsection (3). At the request of a majority of the affected units of general-purpose local government comprising an M.P.O., the Governor and a majority of units of general-purpose local government serving on an M.P.O. shall cooperatively agree upon and prescribe who may serve as an alternate member and a method for appointing alternate members, who may vote at any M.P.O. meeting that he or she attends in place of a regular member. The method must be set forth as a part of the interlocal agreement describing the M.P.O. membership or in the operating procedures and bylaws of the M.P.O. The governmental entity so designated shall appoint the appropriate number of members to the M.P.O. from eligible officials. Representatives of the department shall serve as nonvoting advisers to the M.P.O. governing board. Additional nonvoting advisers may be appointed by the M.P.O. as deemed necessary; however, to the maximum extent feasible, each M.P.O. shall seek to appoint nonvoting representatives of various multimodal forms of transportation not otherwise represented by voting members of the M.P.O. An M.P.O. shall appoint nonvoting advisers representing major military installations located within the jurisdictional boundaries of the M.P.O. upon the request of the aforesaid major military installations and subject to the agreement of the M.P.O. All nonvoting advisers may attend and participate fully in governing board meetings but may not vote or be members of the governing board.
(b) Except for members who represent municipalities on the basis of alternating with representatives from other municipalities that do not have members on the M.P.O. as provided in paragraph (3)(a), the members of an M.P.O. shall serve 4-year terms. Members who represent municipalities on the basis of alternating with representatives from other municipalities that do not have members on the M.P.O. as provided in paragraph (3)(a) may serve terms of up to 4 years as further provided in the interlocal agreement described in paragraph (2)(b). The membership of a member who is a public official automatically terminates upon the member’s leaving his or her elective or appointive office for any reason, or may be terminated by a majority vote of the total membership of the entity’s governing board represented by the member. A vacancy shall be filled by the original appointing entity. A member may be reappointed for one or more additional 4-year terms.
(c) If a governmental entity fails to fill an assigned appointment to an M.P.O. within 60 days after notification by the Governor of its duty to appoint, that appointment shall be made by the Governor from the eligible representatives of that governmental entity.
(5) AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY.—The authority and responsibility of an M.P.O. is to manage a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning process that, based upon the prevailing principles provided in s. 334.046(1), results in the development of plans and programs which are consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with the approved local government comprehensive plans of the units of local government the boundaries of which are within the metropolitan area of the M.P.O. An M.P.O. shall be the forum for cooperative decisionmaking by officials of the affected governmental entities in the development of the plans and programs required by subsections (6), (7), (8), and (9).
(6) POWERS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES.—The powers, privileges, and authority of an M.P.O. are those specified in this section or incorporated in an interlocal agreement authorized under s. 163.01. Each M.P.O. shall perform all acts required by federal or state laws or rules, now and subsequently applicable, which are necessary to qualify for federal aid. It is the intent of this section that each M.P.O. be involved in the planning and programming of transportation facilities, including, but not limited to, airports, intercity and high-speed rail lines, seaports, and intermodal facilities, to the extent permitted by state or federal law. An M.P.O. may not perform project production or delivery for capital improvement projects on the State Highway System.
(a) Each M.P.O. shall, in cooperation with the department, develop:
1. A long-range transportation plan pursuant to the requirements of subsection (7).
2. An annually updated transportation improvement program pursuant to the requirements of subsection (8).
3. An annual unified planning work program pursuant to the requirements of subsection (9).
(b) In developing the long-range transportation plan and the transportation improvement program required under paragraph (a), each M.P.O. shall provide for consideration of projects and strategies that will:
1. Support the economic vitality of the contiguous urbanized metropolitan area, especially by enabling global competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency.
2. Increase the safety and security of the transportation system for motorized and nonmotorized users.
3. Increase the accessibility and mobility options available to people and for freight.
4. Protect and enhance the environment, promote energy conservation, and improve quality of life.
5. Enhance the integration and connectivity of the transportation system, across and between modes and contiguous urbanized metropolitan areas, for people and freight.
6. Promote efficient system management and operation.
7. Emphasize the preservation of the existing transportation system.
8. Improve the resilience of transportation infrastructure.
(c) In order to provide recommendations to the department and local governmental entities regarding transportation plans and programs, each M.P.O. shall:
1. Prepare a congestion management system for the contiguous urbanized metropolitan area and cooperate with the department in the development of all other transportation management systems required by state or federal law.
2. Assist the department in mapping transportation planning boundaries required by state or federal law.
3. Assist the department in performing its duties relating to access management, functional classification of roads, and data collection.
4. Execute all agreements or certifications necessary to comply with applicable state or federal law.
5. Represent all the jurisdictional areas within the metropolitan area in the formulation of transportation plans and programs required by this section.
6. Perform all other duties required by state or federal law.
(d) Each M.P.O. shall appoint a technical advisory committee, the members of which shall serve at the pleasure of the M.P.O. The membership of the technical advisory committee must include, whenever possible, planners; engineers; representatives of local aviation authorities, intermodal logistics centers, port authorities, and public transit authorities or representatives of aviation departments, seaport departments, and public transit departments of municipal or county governments, as applicable; the school superintendent of each county within the jurisdiction of the M.P.O. or the superintendent’s designee; and other appropriate representatives of affected local governments. For each M.P.O. the voting membership of which is governed by paragraph (3)(a), when selecting the membership of the technical advisory committee, the M.P.O. must consider the proportional representation of the area’s population. In addition to any other duties assigned to it by the M.P.O. or by state or federal law, the technical advisory committee is responsible for considering safe access to schools in its review of transportation project priorities, long-range transportation plans, and transportation improvement programs, and shall advise the M.P.O. on such matters. In addition, the technical advisory committee shall coordinate its actions with local school boards and other local programs and organizations within the metropolitan area which participate in school safety activities, such as locally established community traffic safety teams. Local school boards must provide the appropriate M.P.O. with information concerning future school sites and in the coordination of transportation service.
(e)1. Each M.P.O. shall appoint a citizens’ advisory committee, the members of which serve at the pleasure of the M.P.O. The membership on the citizens’ advisory committee must reflect a broad cross-section of local residents with an interest in the development of an efficient, safe, and cost-effective transportation system. Minorities, the elderly, and the handicapped must be adequately represented.
2. Notwithstanding subparagraph 1., an M.P.O. may, with the approval of the department and the applicable federal governmental agency, adopt an alternative program or mechanism to ensure citizen involvement in the transportation planning process.
(f) The department shall allocate to each M.P.O., for the purpose of accomplishing its transportation planning and programming duties, an appropriate amount of federal transportation planning funds.
(g) Each M.P.O. shall have an executive or staff director who reports directly to the M.P.O. governing board for all matters regarding the administration and operation of the M.P.O. and any additional personnel as deemed necessary. The executive director and any additional personnel may be employed either by an M.P.O. or by another governmental entity, such as a county, city, or regional planning council, that has a staff services agreement signed and in effect with the M.P.O. Each M.P.O. may enter into contracts with local or state agencies, private planning firms, private engineering firms, or other public or private entities to accomplish its transportation planning and programming duties and administrative functions.
(h) In order to enhance their knowledge, effectiveness, and participation in the urbanized area transportation planning process, each M.P.O. shall provide training opportunities and training funds specifically for local elected officials and others who serve on an M.P.O. The training opportunities may be conducted by an individual M.P.O. or through statewide and federal training programs and initiatives that are specifically designed to meet the needs of M.P.O. board members.
(i) By December 31, 2023, the M.P.O.’s serving Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties must submit a feasibility report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives exploring the benefits, costs, and process of consolidation into a single M.P.O. serving the contiguous urbanized area, the goal of which 1would be to:
1. Coordinate transportation projects deemed to be regionally significant.
2. Review the impact of regionally significant land use decisions on the region.
3. Review all proposed regionally significant transportation projects in the transportation improvement programs.
(j)1. To more fully accomplish the purposes for which M.P.O.’s have been mandated, M.P.O.’s shall develop coordination mechanisms with one another to expand and improve transportation within the state. The appropriate method of coordination between M.P.O.’s shall vary depending upon the project involved and given local and regional needs. Consequently, it is appropriate to set forth a flexible methodology that can be used by M.P.O.’s to coordinate with other M.P.O.’s and appropriate political subdivisions as circumstances demand.
2. Any M.P.O. may join with any other M.P.O. or any individual political subdivision to coordinate activities or to achieve any federal or state transportation planning or development goals or purposes consistent with federal or state law. When an M.P.O. determines that it is appropriate to join with another M.P.O. or any political subdivision to coordinate activities, the M.P.O. or political subdivision shall enter into an interlocal agreement pursuant to s. 163.01, which, at a minimum, creates a separate legal or administrative entity to coordinate the transportation planning or development activities required to achieve the goal or purpose; provides the purpose for which the entity is created; provides the duration of the agreement and the entity and specifies how the agreement may be terminated, modified, or rescinded; describes the precise organization of the entity, including who has voting rights on the governing board, whether alternative voting members are provided for, how voting members are appointed, and what the relative voting strength is for each constituent M.P.O. or political subdivision; provides the manner in which the parties to the agreement will provide for the financial support of the entity and payment of costs and expenses of the entity; provides the manner in which funds may be paid to and disbursed from the entity; and provides how members of the entity will resolve disagreements regarding interpretation of the interlocal agreement or disputes relating to the operation of the entity. Such interlocal agreement shall become effective upon its recordation in the official public records of each county in which a member of the entity created by the interlocal agreement has a voting member. Multiple M.P.O.’s may merge, combine, or otherwise join together as a single M.P.O.
(7) LONG-RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN.—Each M.P.O. must develop a long-range transportation plan that addresses at least a 20-year planning horizon. The plan must include both long-range and short-range strategies and must comply with all other state and federal requirements. The prevailing principles to be considered in the long-range transportation plan are: preserving the existing transportation infrastructure; enhancing Florida’s economic competitiveness; and improving travel choices to ensure mobility. The long-range transportation plan must be consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with future land use elements and the goals, objectives, and policies of the approved local government comprehensive plans of the units of local government located within the jurisdiction of the M.P.O. Each M.P.O. is encouraged to consider strategies that integrate transportation and land use planning to provide for sustainable development and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The approved long-range transportation plan must be considered by local governments in the development of the transportation elements in local government comprehensive plans and any amendments thereto. The long-range transportation plan must, at a minimum:
(a) Identify transportation facilities, including, but not limited to, major roadways, airports, seaports, spaceports, commuter rail systems, transit systems, and intermodal or multimodal terminals that will function as an integrated metropolitan transportation system. The long-range transportation plan must give emphasis to those transportation facilities that serve national, statewide, or regional functions, and must consider the goals and objectives identified in the Florida Transportation Plan as provided in s. 339.155. If a project is located within the boundaries of more than one M.P.O., the M.P.O.’s must coordinate plans regarding the project in the long-range transportation plan. Multiple M.P.O.’s within a contiguous urbanized area must coordinate the development of long-range transportation plans to be reviewed by the Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council.
(b) Include a financial plan that demonstrates how the plan can be implemented, indicating resources from public and private sources which are reasonably expected to be available to carry out the plan, and recommends any additional financing strategies for needed projects and programs. The financial plan may include, for illustrative purposes, additional projects that would be included in the adopted long-range transportation plan if reasonable additional resources beyond those identified in the financial plan were available. For the purpose of developing the long-range transportation plan, the M.P.O. and the department shall cooperatively develop estimates of funds that will be available to support the plan implementation. Innovative financing techniques may be used to fund needed projects and programs. Such techniques may include the assessment of tolls, the use of value capture financing, or the use of value pricing. Multiple M.P.O.’s within a contiguous urbanized area must ensure, to the maximum extent possible, the consistency of data used in the planning process.
(c) Assess capital investment and other measures necessary to:
1. Ensure the preservation of the existing metropolitan transportation system including requirements for the operation, resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation of major roadways and requirements for the operation, maintenance, modernization, and rehabilitation of public transportation facilities; and
2. Make the most efficient use of existing transportation facilities to relieve vehicular congestion, improve safety, and maximize the mobility of people and goods. Such efforts must include, but are not limited to, consideration of infrastructure and technological improvements necessary to accommodate advances in vehicle technology, such as automated driving systems and other developments.
(d) Indicate, as appropriate, proposed transportation enhancement activities, including, but not limited to, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, trails or facilities that are regionally significant or critical linkages for the Florida Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trail Network, scenic easements, landscaping, historic preservation, mitigation of water pollution due to highway runoff, and control of outdoor advertising.
(e) In addition to the requirements of paragraphs (a)-(d), in metropolitan areas that are classified as nonattainment areas for ozone or carbon monoxide, the M.P.O. must coordinate the development of the long-range transportation plan with the State Implementation Plan developed pursuant to the requirements of the federal Clean Air Act.
In the development of its long-range transportation plan, each M.P.O. must provide the public, affected public agencies, representatives of transportation agency employees, freight shippers, providers of freight transportation services, private providers of transportation, representatives of users of public transit, and other interested parties with a reasonable opportunity to comment on the long-range transportation plan. The long-range transportation plan must be approved by the M.P.O.
(8) TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.—Each M.P.O. shall, in cooperation with the state and affected public transportation operators, develop a transportation improvement program for the area within the jurisdiction of the M.P.O. In the development of the transportation improvement program, each M.P.O. must provide the public, affected public agencies, representatives of transportation agency employees, freight shippers, providers of freight transportation services, private providers of transportation, representatives of users of public transit, and other interested parties with a reasonable opportunity to comment on the proposed transportation improvement program.
(a) Each M.P.O. is responsible for developing, annually, a list of project priorities and a transportation improvement program. The prevailing principles to be considered by each M.P.O. when developing a list of project priorities and a transportation improvement program are: preserving the existing transportation infrastructure; enhancing Florida’s economic competitiveness; and improving travel choices to ensure safety and mobility. The transportation improvement program will be used to initiate federally aided transportation facilities and improvements as well as other transportation facilities and improvements including transit, rail, aviation, spaceport, and port facilities to be funded from the State Transportation Trust Fund within its metropolitan area in accordance with existing and subsequent federal and state laws and rules and regulations related thereto. The transportation improvement program shall be consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with the approved local government comprehensive plans of the units of local government whose boundaries are within the metropolitan area of the M.P.O. and include those projects programmed pursuant to s. 339.2819(4). Multiple M.P.O.’s within a contiguous urbanized area must coordinate transportation improvement programs.
(b) Each M.P.O. annually shall prepare a list of project priorities and shall submit the list to the appropriate district of the department by August 1 of each year; however, the department and a metropolitan planning organization may, in writing, agree to vary this submittal date. Where more than one M.P.O. exists in an urbanized area, the M.P.O.’s shall coordinate in the development of regionally significant project priorities. The list of project priorities must be formally reviewed by the technical and citizens’ advisory committees, and approved by the M.P.O., before it is transmitted to the district. The approved list of project priorities must be used by the district in developing the district work program and must be used by the M.P.O. in developing its transportation improvement program. The annual list of project priorities must be based upon project selection criteria that, at a minimum, consider the following:
1. The approved M.P.O. long-range transportation plan;
2. The Strategic Intermodal System Plan developed under s. 339.64.
3. The priorities developed pursuant to s. 339.2819(4).
4. The results of the transportation management systems; and
5. The M.P.O.’s public-involvement procedures.
(c) The transportation improvement program must, at a minimum:
1. Include projects and project phases to be funded with state or federal funds within the time period of the transportation improvement program and which are recommended for advancement during the next fiscal year and 4 subsequent fiscal years. Such projects and project phases must be consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with the approved local government comprehensive plans of the units of local government located within the jurisdiction of the M.P.O. For informational purposes, the transportation improvement program shall also include a list of projects to be funded from local or private revenues.
2. Include projects within the metropolitan area which are proposed for funding under 23 U.S.C. s. 134 of the Federal Transit Act and which are consistent with the long-range transportation plan developed under subsection (7).
3. Provide a financial plan that demonstrates how the transportation improvement program can be implemented; indicates the resources, both public and private, that are reasonably expected to be available to accomplish the program; identifies any innovative financing techniques that may be used to fund needed projects and programs; and may include, for illustrative purposes, additional projects that would be included in the approved transportation improvement program if reasonable additional resources beyond those identified in the financial plan were available. Innovative financing techniques may include the assessment of tolls, the use of value capture financing, or the use of value pricing. The transportation improvement program may include a project or project phase only if full funding can reasonably be anticipated to be available for the project or project phase within the time period contemplated for completion of the project or project phase.
4. Group projects and project phases of similar urgency and anticipated staging into appropriate staging periods.
5. Indicate how the transportation improvement program relates to the long-range transportation plan developed under subsection (7), including providing examples of specific projects or project phases that further the goals and policies of the long-range transportation plan.
6. Indicate whether any project or project phase is inconsistent with an approved comprehensive plan of a unit of local government located within the jurisdiction of the M.P.O. If a project is inconsistent with an affected comprehensive plan, the M.P.O. must provide justification for including the project in the transportation improvement program.
7. Indicate how the improvements are consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with affected seaport, airport, and spaceport master plans and with public transit development plans of the units of local government located within the jurisdiction of the M.P.O. If a project is located within the boundaries of more than one M.P.O., the M.P.O.’s must coordinate plans regarding the project in the transportation improvement program.
8. Indicate coordination or alignment with transportation improvement plans of other M.P.O.’s within the contiguous urbanized area.
(d) Projects included in the transportation improvement program and that have advanced to the design stage of preliminary engineering may be removed from or rescheduled in a subsequent transportation improvement program only by the joint action of the M.P.O. and the department. Except when recommended in writing by the district secretary for good cause, any project removed from or rescheduled in a subsequent transportation improvement program shall not be rescheduled by the M.P.O. in that subsequent program earlier than the 5th year of such program.
(e) During the development of the transportation improvement program, the M.P.O. shall, in cooperation with the department and any affected public transit operation, provide citizens, affected public agencies, representatives of transportation agency employees, freight shippers, providers of freight transportation services, private providers of transportation, representatives of users of public transit, and other interested parties with reasonable notice of and an opportunity to comment on the proposed program.
(f) The adopted annual transportation improvement program for M.P.O.’s in nonattainment or maintenance areas must be submitted to the district secretary and the Department of Economic Opportunity at least 90 days before the submission of the state transportation improvement program by the department to the appropriate federal agencies. The annual transportation improvement program for M.P.O.’s in attainment areas must be submitted to the district secretary and the Department of Economic Opportunity at least 45 days before the department submits the state transportation improvement program to the appropriate federal agencies; however, the department, the Department of Economic Opportunity, and a metropolitan planning organization may, in writing, agree to vary this submittal date. The Governor or the Governor’s designee shall review and approve each transportation improvement program and any amendments thereto.
(g) The Department of Economic Opportunity shall review the annual transportation improvement program of each M.P.O. for consistency with the approved local government comprehensive plans of the units of local government whose boundaries are within the metropolitan area of each M.P.O. and shall identify those projects that are inconsistent with such comprehensive plans. The Department of Economic Opportunity shall notify an M.P.O. of any transportation projects contained in its transportation improvement program which are inconsistent with the approved local government comprehensive plans of the units of local government whose boundaries are within the metropolitan area of the M.P.O.
(h) The M.P.O. shall annually publish or otherwise make available for public review the annual listing of projects for which federal funds have been obligated in the preceding year. Project monitoring systems must be maintained by those agencies responsible for obligating federal funds and made accessible to the M.P.O.’s.
(9) UNIFIED PLANNING WORK PROGRAM.—Each M.P.O. shall develop, in cooperation with the department and public transportation providers, a unified planning work program that lists all planning tasks to be undertaken during the program year. The unified planning work program must provide a complete description of each planning task and an estimated budget therefor and must comply with applicable state and federal law.
(10) AGREEMENTS.—
(a) Each M.P.O. shall execute the following written agreements, which shall be reviewed, and updated as necessary, every 5 years:
1. An agreement with the department clearly establishing the cooperative relationship essential to accomplish the transportation planning requirements of state and federal law.
2. An agreement with the metropolitan and regional intergovernmental coordination and review agencies serving the metropolitan areas, specifying the means by which activities will be coordinated and how transportation planning and programming will be part of the comprehensive planned development of the area.
3. An agreement with operators of public transportation systems, including transit systems, commuter rail systems, airports, seaports, and spaceports, describing the means by which activities will be coordinated and specifying how public transit, commuter rail, aviation, seaport, and aerospace planning and programming will be part of the comprehensive planned development of the metropolitan area.
(b) An M.P.O. may execute other agreements required by state or federal law or as necessary to properly accomplish its functions.
(11) METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION ADVISORY COUNCIL.—
(a) A Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council is created to augment, and not supplant, the role of the individual M.P.O.’s in the cooperative transportation planning process described in this section.
(b) The council shall consist of one representative from each M.P.O. and shall elect a chairperson annually from its number. Each M.P.O. shall also elect an alternate representative from each M.P.O. to vote in the absence of the representative. Members of the council do not receive any compensation for their services, but may be reimbursed from funds made available to council members for travel and per diem expenses incurred in the performance of their council duties as provided in s. 112.061.
(c) The powers and duties of the Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council are to:
1. Establish bylaws by action of its governing board providing procedural rules to guide its proceedings and consideration of matters before the council, or, alternatively, adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement provisions of law conferring powers or duties upon it.
2. Assist M.P.O.’s in carrying out the urbanized area transportation planning process by serving as the principal forum for collective policy discussion pursuant to law.
3. Serve as a clearinghouse for review and comment by M.P.O.’s on the Florida Transportation Plan and on other issues required to comply with federal or state law in carrying out the urbanized area transportation and systematic planning processes instituted pursuant to s. 339.155. The council must also report annually to the Florida Transportation Commission on the alignment of M.P.O. long-range transportation plans with the Florida Transportation Plan.
4. Employ an executive director and such other staff as necessary to perform adequately the functions of the council, within budgetary limitations. The executive director and staff are exempt from part II of chapter 110 and serve at the direction and control of the council. The council is assigned to the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Transportation for fiscal and accountability purposes, but it shall otherwise function independently of the control and direction of the department.
5. Deliver training on federal and state program requirements and procedures to M.P.O. board members and M.P.O. staff.
6. Adopt an agency strategic plan that prioritizes steps the agency will take to carry out its mission within the context of the state comprehensive plan and any other statutory mandates and directives.
(d) The Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council may enter into contracts in accordance with chapter 287 to support the activities described in paragraph (c). Lobbying and the acceptance of funds, grants, assistance, gifts, or bequests from private, local, state, or federal sources are prohibited.
(12) APPLICATION OF FEDERAL LAW.—Upon notification by an agency of the Federal Government that any provision of this section conflicts with federal laws or regulations, such federal laws or regulations will take precedence to the extent of the conflict until such conflict is resolved. The department or an M.P.O. may take any necessary action to comply with such federal laws and regulations or to continue to remain eligible to receive federal funds.
(13) VOTING REQUIREMENTS.—Each long-range transportation plan required pursuant to subsection (7), each annually updated Transportation Improvement Program required under subsection (8), and each amendment that affects projects in the first 3 years of such plans and programs must be approved by each M.P.O. on a recorded roll call vote, or hand-counted vote, of a majority of the membership present.
History.—s. 1, ch. 79-219; s. 1, ch. 82-9; s. 219, ch. 84-309; s. 3, ch. 84-332; s. 30, ch. 85-55; ss. 1, 2, ch. 87-61; ss. 1, 2, ch. 88-86; s. 1, ch. 88-163; s. 6, ch. 89-301; s. 79, ch. 90-136; s. 4, ch. 92-152; s. 60, ch. 93-164; s. 502, ch. 95-148; s. 54, ch. 95-257; s. 53, ch. 96-323; s. 25, ch. 97-280; s. 70, ch. 98-200; s. 9, ch. 99-256; ss. 33, 103, ch. 99-385; s. 20, ch. 2000-266; s. 23, ch. 2002-183; s. 8, ch. 2003-286; s. 4, ch. 2004-366; s. 6, ch. 2005-281; s. 22, ch. 2005-290; s. 40, ch. 2007-196; s. 70, ch. 2008-4; s. 30, ch. 2008-227; s. 240, ch. 2011-142; s. 55, ch. 2012-174; s. 17, ch. 2014-223; s. 17, ch. 2016-181; s. 44, ch. 2016-239; s. 1, ch. 2017-98; s. 12, ch. 2019-101; s. 11, ch. 2019-169; s. 20, ch. 2021-186; s. 13, ch. 2021-188; s. 8, ch. 2023-20; s. 12, ch. 2023-70; s. 15, ch. 2023-197.
1Note.—As amended by s. 15, ch. 2023-197. The amendment by s. 12, ch. 2023-70, uses the word “is” instead of the words “would be.”
Note.—Former s. 334.215.
339.176 Voting membership for M.P.O. with boundaries including certain counties.—In addition to the voting membership established by s. 339.175(3) and notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the voting membership of any Metropolitan Planning Organization whose geographical boundaries include any county as defined in s. 125.011(1) must include an additional voting member appointed by that city’s governing body for each city with a population of 50,000 or more residents.
History.—s. 56, ch. 99-385; s. 58, ch. 2007-196.
339.177 Transportation management programs.—
(1) The Department of Transportation shall, in cooperation with metropolitan planning organizations and other affected governmental entities, develop and implement a separate and distinct system for managing each of the following program areas:
(a) Highway pavement;
(b) Bridges;
(c) Highway safety;
(d) Traffic congestion;
(e) Public transportation facilities and equipment; and
(f) Intermodal transportation facilities and equipment.
(2) Each metropolitan planning organization within the state must develop and implement a traffic congestion management system. The development of the state traffic congestion management system pursuant to subsection (1) shall be coordinated with metropolitan planning organizations so that the state system is reflective of the individual systems developed by the metropolitan planning organizations.
(3) The management systems required by this section should be developed and implemented so as to provide the information needed to make informed decisions regarding the proper allocation of transportation resources. Each system must use appropriate data gathered at the state or local level to define problems, identify needs, analyze alternatives, and measure effectiveness.
(4) Any transportation management system that is in existence on July 1, 1993, and that complies with this section and applicable federal law may continue to be used by the department in lieu of the development of a system under this section.
History.—s. 61, ch. 93-164.
339.24 Beautification of state transportation facilities.—The department shall plan a statewide beautification program for state transportation facilities and shall only expend funds for such program as specifically appropriated by the Legislature. A state beautification project grant requested under this section may not be initiated or funded until a maintenance agreement has been executed between the department and the appropriate local governmental entity. Beautification activities undertaken under this section are recognized by the Legislature as contributing to the prevention of litter.
History.—s. 155, ch. 29965, 1955; s. 2, ch. 61-119; ss. 23, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 73-189; s. 101, ch. 77-104; s. 56, ch. 78-95; s. 43, ch. 83-3; s. 220, ch. 84-309; s. 2, ch. 87-131; s. 37, ch. 93-207.
339.2405 Florida highway beautification grants.—
(1) The department shall:
(a) Provide information to local governments and local highway beautification councils regarding the state highway beautification grants program.
(b) Accept grant requests from local governments.
(c) Review grant requests for compliance with department rules.
(d) Establish rules for evaluating and prioritizing the grant requests. The rules must include, but are not limited to, an examination of each grant’s aesthetic value, cost-effectiveness, level of local support, feasibility of installation and maintenance, and compliance with state and federal regulations. Rules adopted by the department which it uses to evaluate grant applications must take into consideration the contributions made by the highway beautification project in preventing litter.
(e) Maintain a prioritized list of approved grant requests. The list must include recommended funding levels for each request and, if staged implementation is appropriate, provide funding requirements for each stage.
(2) Local highway beautification councils may be created by local governmental entities or by the Legislature. Before being submitted to the department, a grant request must be approved by the local government or governments of the area in which the project is located.
(3) The head of the department shall award grants to local governmental entities that have submitted grant requests for beautification of roads on the State Highway System and which requests are on the approved list. The grants shall be awarded in the order they appear on the prioritized list and in accordance with available funding.
(4) State highway beautification grants may be requested only for projects to beautify through landscaping roads on the State Highway System. The grant request shall identify all costs associated with the project, including sprinkler systems, plant materials, equipment, and labor. A grant shall provide for the costs of purchase and installation of a sprinkler system and the cost of plant materials and fertilizer and may provide for the costs for labor associated with the installation of the plantings. Each local government that receives a grant shall be responsible for any costs for water, for the maintenance of the sprinkler system, for the maintenance of the landscaped areas in accordance with a maintenance agreement with the department, and, except as otherwise provided in the grant, for any costs for labor associated with the installation of the plantings. The department may provide, by contract, services to maintain such landscaping at a level not to exceed the cost of routine maintenance of an equivalent unlandscaped area.
History.—ss. 3, 4, 5, ch. 87-131; s. 4, ch. 88-303; s. 7, ch. 89-301; s. 42, ch. 91-221; s. 5, ch. 91-429; s. 38, ch. 93-207; s. 503, ch. 95-148; s. 19, ch. 99-5; s. 104, ch. 99-385; s. 49, ch. 2002-1; s. 9, ch. 2017-42.
339.241 Florida Junkyard Control Law.—
(1) SHORT TITLE.—This section shall be known as the “Florida Junkyard Control Law.”
(2) DEFINITIONS.—Wherever used or referred to in this section, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context, the term:
(a) “Areas zoned for industrial use” means all areas zoned for industrial use by governmental entities within the state or an unzoned industrial area approved by the department. Such areas must be based upon the existence of at least one industrial activity other than the junkyard or scrap metal processing plant.
(b) “Automobile graveyard” means any establishment or place of business which is maintained, used, or operated for storing, keeping, buying, or selling wrecked, scrapped, ruined, or dismantled motor vehicles or motor vehicle parts.
(c) “Distance from edge of right-of-way” means the distance presently defined in 23 U.S.C. s. 136(g).
(d) “Federal-aid primary highway” means any highway within that portion of the State Highway System as included and maintained under chapter 335, including extensions of such system within municipalities, which has been approved by the Secretary of Transportation pursuant to 23 U.S.C. s. 103(b).
(e) “Fence” means an enclosure so constructed or planted and maintained as to obscure the junkyard from ordinary view to those persons passing upon the highways in this state.
(f) “Interstate highway” means the system presently defined in 23 U.S.C. s. 103(e).
(g) “Junk,” “junkyard,” and “scrap metal processing facility” mean the same as defined in 23 U.S.C. s. 136.
(3) RESTRICTIONS AS TO LOCATION.—No junk, junkyard, automobile graveyard, or scrap metal processing facility shall be operated or maintained within 1,000 feet of the nearest edge of the right-of-way of any interstate or federal-aid primary highway, except:
(a) A junkyard which is screened by natural objects, plantings, fences, or other appropriate means so as not to be visible from the main-traveled way of the highway or which is otherwise removed from sight.
(b) A junkyard or scrap metal processing facility which is located in an area zoned for industrial use.
(c) A junkyard or scrap metal processing facility which is not visible from the main-traveled way of any interstate or federal-aid primary highway.
Any junkyard which was in existence on December 8, 1971, which the department determines cannot be screened because of topography and elevation is not required under this section to be removed, relocated, or disposed of until federal funds are available.
(4) REQUIREMENTS AS TO FENCES; EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS.—
(a) A fence constructed under the provisions of this section shall be kept in good order and repair, and any advertisement on the fence shall be regulated by applicable state law.
(b) The department is authorized to spend such funds as are necessary to obtain federal-aid funds for the purposes described in this subsection.
(5) ENFORCEMENT.—It is the function and duty of the department to administer and enforce the provisions of this section. The department or any public official may apply to the circuit court or another court of competent jurisdiction of the county in which the junkyard or scrap metal processing facility may be located for an injunction to abate such nuisance.
(6) PENALTY.—Any person who violates any provision of this section is subject to a fine of not less than $50 or more than $200. Each day during any portion of which such violation occurs constitutes a continuing separate offense.
History.—ss. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ch. 71-338; ss. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, ch. 71-972; s. 221, ch. 84-309; s. 105, ch. 99-385.
339.28 Willful and malicious damage to boundary marks, guideposts, lampposts, etc. on transportation facility.—
(1) Any person who willfully and maliciously damages, removes, or destroys any milestone, mileboard, or guideboard erected upon a highway or other public transportation facility, or willfully and maliciously defaces or alters the inscription on any such marker, or breaks or removes any lamp or lamppost or railing or post erected on any transportation facility, is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
(2) Any person who violates the provisions of subsection (1) is civilly liable to the department for the actual damages which he or she caused, which damages may be recovered by suit and, when collected, shall be paid into the State Treasury to the credit of the State Transportation Trust Fund.
History.—s. 159, ch. 29965, 1955; s. 240, ch. 71-136; s. 222, ch. 84-309; s. 504, ch. 95-148.
339.281 Damage to transportation facility by vessel; marine accident report; investigative authorities; penalties.—
(1) Whenever any vessel has caused damage to a transportation facility, the managing owner, agent, or master of such vessel shall immediately, or as soon thereafter as possible, report the same to the nearest Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer, the sheriff of the county wherein such accident occurred, or the Florida Highway Patrol, who shall immediately go to the scene of the accident and, if necessary, board the vessel subsequent to the accident in pursuance of its investigation. The law enforcement agency investigating the accident shall submit a copy of its report to the department.
(2) Any person who violates any of the provisions of this section or rules adopted pursuant hereto shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
History.—s. 1, ch. 73-187; s. 223, ch. 84-309; s. 38, ch. 99-245.
339.2815 Purchase orders.—
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, to facilitate the payment of fees, fines, permits, deposits, court fees, or any other services or products provided by or to the department, any agency of the state, any local governmental entity, or any public body doing business with the department may acquire the stated services valued at $10,000 or less per transaction by purchase order and shall accept purchase orders from the department for stated services valued at $10,000 or less per transaction.
(2) The department or any other agency of the state, local governmental entity, or public body may elect not to accept a purchase order as provided in subsection (1), if it can demonstrate that the entity issuing such purchase order has within the preceding 2 years failed to honor, within 60 days of receipt, an invoice submitted for services as provided in subsection (1).
History.—s. 26, ch. 93-164.
339.2816 Small County Road Assistance Program.—
(1) There is created within the Department of Transportation the Small County Road Assistance Program. The purpose of this program is to assist small county governments in resurfacing or reconstructing county roads.
(2) For the purposes of this section, the term “small county” means any county that has a population of 75,000 or less according to 1990 federal census data.
(3) Beginning with fiscal year 1999-2000 until fiscal year 2009-2010, and beginning again with fiscal year 2012-2013, up to $25 million annually from the State Transportation Trust Fund may be used for the purposes of funding the Small County Road Assistance Program as described in this section.
(4)(a) Small counties shall be eligible to compete for funds that have been designated for the Small County Road Assistance Program for resurfacing or reconstruction projects on county roads that were part of the county road system on June 10, 1995. Capacity improvements on county roads shall not be eligible for funding under the program.
(b) In determining a county’s eligibility for assistance under this program, the department may consider whether the county has attempted to keep county roads in satisfactory condition, including the amount of local option fuel tax imposed by the county. The department may also consider the extent to which the county has offered to provide a match of local funds with state funds provided under the program. At a minimum, small counties shall be eligible only if the county has enacted the maximum rate of the local option fuel tax authorized by s. 336.025(1)(a).
(c) The following criteria must be used to prioritize road projects for funding under the program:
1. The primary criterion is the physical condition of the road as measured by the department.
2. As secondary criteria the department may consider:
a. Whether a road is used as an evacuation route.
b. Whether a road has high levels of agricultural travel.
c. Whether a road is considered a major arterial route.
d. Whether a road is considered a feeder road.
e. Whether a road is located in a fiscally constrained county, as defined in s. 218.67(1).
f. Other criteria related to the impact of a project on the public road system or on the state or local economy as determined by the department.
(5) The department is authorized to administer contracts on behalf of a county selected to receive funding for a project under this section. All projects funded under this section shall be included in the department’s work program developed pursuant to s. 339.135.
History.—s. 30, ch. 99-385; s. 19, ch. 2009-85; ss. 65, 66, ch. 2015-222; ss. 101, 102, ch. 2016-62.
1339.2817 County Incentive Grant Program.—
(1) There is created within the Department of Transportation a County Incentive Grant Program for the purpose of providing grants to counties, to improve a transportation facility which is located on the State Highway System or which relieves traffic congestion on the State Highway System.
(2) To be eligible for consideration, projects must be consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with local metropolitan planning organization plans and local government comprehensive plans.
(3) The department must consider, but is not limited to, the following criteria for evaluation of projects for County Incentive Grant Program assistance:
(a) The extent to which the project will encourage, enhance, or create economic benefits;
(b) The likelihood that assistance would enable the project to proceed at an earlier date than the project could otherwise proceed;
(c) The extent to which assistance would foster innovative public-private partnerships and attract private debt or equity investment;
(d) The extent to which the project uses new technologies, including intelligent transportation systems, which enhance the efficiency of the project;
(e) The extent to which the project helps to maintain or protect the environment; and
(f) The extent to which the project includes transportation benefits for improving intermodalism and safety.
(4) The department shall provide 50 percent of project costs for eligible projects.
(5) A municipality may apply to the county in which the municipality is located for consideration by the county for funding under this section of any project or project phase of a transportation facility which is located on the State Highway System or which is demonstrated to relieve congestion on the State Highway System. The county must evaluate all municipal applications as provided in subsection (3). If a municipality’s proposed project is rejected by the county for funding under this section, or if the county’s proposed project adversely affects a municipality within the county, the municipality may request mediation to resolve any concerns of the municipality and the county.
History.—s. 20, ch. 2000-257; s. 32, ch. 2005-290; s. 33, ch. 2013-18.
1Note.—Section 22, ch. 2000-257, provides that “[n]otwithstanding any other law to the contrary the requirements of sections 206.46(3) and 206.606(2), Florida Statutes, shall not apply to any funding, programs, or other provisions contained in this act.”
1339.2818 Small County Outreach Program.—
(1) There is created within the Department of Transportation the Small County Outreach Program. The purpose of this program is to assist small county governments in repairing or rehabilitating county bridges, paving unpaved roads, addressing road-related drainage improvements, resurfacing or reconstructing county roads, or constructing capacity or safety improvements to county roads.
(2) For the purposes of this section, the term “small county” means any county that has a population of 200,000 or less as determined by the most recent official estimate pursuant to s. 186.901.
(3) Funds allocated under this program, pursuant to s. 4, ch. 2000-257, Laws of Florida, are in addition to any funds provided pursuant to s. 339.2816, for the Small County Road Assistance Program.
(4)(a) Small counties shall be eligible to compete for funds that have been designated for the Small County Outreach Program for projects on county roads. The department shall fund 75 percent of the cost of projects on county roads funded under the program.
(b) In determining a county’s eligibility for assistance under this program, the department may consider whether the county has attempted to keep county roads in satisfactory condition, which may be evidenced through an established pavement management plan.
(c) The following criteria shall be used to prioritize road projects for funding under the program:
1. The primary criterion is the physical condition of the road as measured by the department.
2. As secondary criteria the department may consider:
a. Whether a road is used as an evacuation route.
b. Whether a road has high levels of agricultural travel.
c. Whether a road is considered a major arterial route.
d. Whether a road is considered a feeder road.
e. Information as evidenced to the department through an established pavement management plan.
f. Other criteria related to the impact of a project on the public road system or on the state or local economy as determined by the department.
(5) The department is authorized to administer contracts on behalf of a county selected to receive funding for a project under this section. All projects funded under this section shall be included in the department’s work program developed pursuant to s. 339.135.
(6) Funds paid into the State Transportation Trust Fund pursuant to s. 201.15 for the purposes of the Small County Outreach Program are hereby annually appropriated for expenditure to support the Small County Outreach Program.
(7) Subject to a specific appropriation in addition to funds annually appropriated for projects under this section, a municipality within a rural area of opportunity or a rural area of opportunity community designated under s. 288.0656(7)(a) may compete for the additional project funding using the criteria listed in subsection (4) at up to 100 percent of project costs, excluding capacity improvement projects.
History.—s. 19, ch. 2000-257; s. 33, ch. 2005-290; s. 5, ch. 2008-114; s. 4, ch. 2009-89; s. 7, ch. 2014-169; s. 27, ch. 2015-2; s. 62, ch. 2015-222; s. 83, ch. 2015-229; s. 97, 126, ch. 2016-62; s. 45, ch. 2016-239; s. 102, ch. 2019-116; s. 7, ch. 2019-153; s. 6, ch. 2021-52.
1Note.—Section 22, ch. 2000-257, provides that “[n]otwithstanding any other law to the contrary the requirements of sections 206.46(3) and 206.606(2), Florida Statutes, shall not apply to any funding, programs, or other provisions contained in this act.”
339.2819 Transportation Regional Incentive Program.—
(1) There is created within the Department of Transportation a Transportation Regional Incentive Program for the purpose of providing funds to improve regionally significant transportation facilities in regional transportation areas created pursuant to s. 339.155(4).
(2) The percentage of matching funds provided from the Transportation Regional Incentive Program shall be up to 50 percent of project costs.
(3) The department shall allocate funding available for the Transportation Regional Incentive Program to the districts based on a factor derived from equal parts of population and motor fuel collections for eligible counties in regional transportation areas created pursuant to s. 339.155(4).
(4)(a) Projects to be funded with Transportation Regional Incentive Program funds shall, at a minimum:
1. Serve national, statewide, or regional functions and function as part of an integrated regional transportation system.
2. Be identified in the capital improvements element of a comprehensive plan that has been determined to be in compliance with part II of chapter 163, after July 1, 2005. Further, the project shall be in compliance with local government comprehensive plan policies relative to corridor management.
3. Be consistent with the Strategic Intermodal System Plan developed under s. 339.64.
4. Have a commitment for local, regional, or private financial matching funds as a percentage of the overall project cost.
(b) Projects funded under this section shall be included in the department’s work program developed pursuant to s. 339.135. The department may not program a project to be funded under this section unless the project meets the requirements of this section.
(c) The department shall give priority to projects that:
1. Provide connectivity to the Strategic Intermodal System developed under s. 339.64.
2. Support economic development and the movement of goods in rural areas of opportunity designated under s. 288.0656(7).
3. Are subject to a local ordinance that establishes corridor management techniques, including access management strategies, right-of-way acquisition and protection measures, appropriate land use strategies, zoning, and setback requirements for adjacent land uses.
4. Improve connectivity between military installations and the Strategic Highway Network or the Strategic Rail Corridor Network.
The department shall also consider the extent to which local matching funds are available to be committed to the project.
(5) Funds paid into the State Transportation Trust Fund pursuant to s. 201.15 for the purposes of the Transportation Regional Incentive Program are hereby annually appropriated for expenditure to support that program.
History.—s. 12, ch. 2005-290; s. 35, ch. 2006-1; s. 41, ch. 2007-196; s. 6, ch. 2008-114; s. 49, ch. 2011-139; s. 56, ch. 2012-174; s. 37, ch. 2014-218; s. 84, ch. 2015-229.
339.282 Transportation concurrency incentives.—The Legislature finds that allowing private sector entities to finance, construct, and improve public transportation facilities can provide significant benefits to the citizens of this state by facilitating transportation of the general public without the need for additional public tax revenues. In order to encourage the more efficient and proactive provision of transportation improvements by the private sector, if a developer or property owner voluntarily contributes right-of-way and physically constructs or expands a state transportation facility or segment, and such construction or expansion improves traffic flow, capacity, or safety, the voluntary contribution may be applied as a credit for that property owner or developer against any future transportation concurrency requirements pursuant to chapter 163, provided such contributions and credits are set forth in a legally binding agreement executed by the property owner or developer, the local government of the jurisdiction in which the facility is located, and the department. If the developer or property owner voluntarily contributes right-of-way and physically constructs or expands a local government facility or segment and such construction or expansion meets the requirements in this section and is set forth in a legally binding agreement between the property owner or developer and the applicable local government, the contribution to the local government collector and the arterial system may be applied as credit against any future transportation concurrency requirements within the jurisdiction under chapter 163.
History.—s. 42, ch. 2007-196.
339.2821 Economic development transportation projects.—
(1)(a) The department, in consultation with the Department of Commerce, may make and approve expenditures and contract with the appropriate governmental body for the direct costs of transportation projects. The Department of Commerce and the Department of Environmental Protection may formally review and comment on recommended transportation projects, although the department has final approval authority for any project authorized under this section.
(b) As used in this section, the term:
1. “Governmental body” means an instrumentality of the state or a county, municipality, district, authority, board, or commission, or an agency thereof, within which jurisdiction the transportation project is located and which is responsible to the department for the transportation project.
2. “Transportation project” means a transportation facility, as defined in s. 334.03, which the department, in consultation with the Department of Economic Opportunity, deems necessary to facilitate the economic development and growth of the state.
(2) The department, in consultation with the Department of Economic Opportunity, shall review each transportation project for approval and funding. In the review, the department must consider:
(a) The cost per job created or retained considering the amount of transportation funds requested;
(b) The average hourly rate of wages for jobs created;
(c) The reliance on any program as an inducement for determining the transportation project’s location;
(d) The amount of capital investment to be made by a business;
(e) The demonstrated local commitment;
(f) The location of the transportation project in an enterprise zone as designated in s. 290.0055;
(g) The location of the transportation project in a spaceport territory as defined in s. 331.304;
(h) The unemployment rate of the surrounding area; and
(i) The poverty rate of the community.
The department may contact any agency it deems appropriate for additional information regarding the approval of a transportation project. A transportation project must be approved by the department to be eligible for funding.
(3)(a) The department must approve a transportation project if it determines that the transportation project will:
1. Attract new employment opportunities to the state or expand or retain employment in existing companies operating within the state.
2. Allow for the construction or expansion of a state or federal correctional facility in a county having a population of 75,000 or fewer which creates new employment opportunities or expands or retains employment in the county.
(b) The department must ensure that small and minority businesses have equal access to participate in transportation projects funded pursuant to this section.
(c) In addition to administrative costs and equipment purchases specified in the contract, funds for approved transportation projects may be used for expenses that are necessary for building new, or improving existing, transportation facilities. Funds made available pursuant to this section may not be expended for the relocation of a business from one community to another community in this state unless the department determines that, without the relocation, the business will move outside the state or determines that the business has a compelling economic reason for the relocation, such as creating additional jobs.
(4) A contract between the department and a governmental body for a transportation project must:
(a) Specify that the transportation project is for the construction of a new or expanding business and specify the number of full-time permanent jobs that will result from the project.
(b) Identify the governmental body and require that the governmental body award the construction of the particular transportation project to the lowest and best bidder in accordance with applicable state and federal statutes or rules unless the transportation project can be constructed using existing local governmental employees within the contract period specified by the department.
(c) Require that the governmental body provide the department with progress reports. Each progress report must contain:
1. A narrative description of the work completed and whether the work is proceeding according to the transportation project schedule;
2. A description of each change order executed by the governmental body;
3. A budget summary detailing planned expenditures compared to actual expenditures; and
4. The identity of each small or minority business used as a contractor or subcontractor.
(d) Require that the governmental body make and maintain records in accordance with accepted governmental accounting principles and practices for each progress payment made for work performed in connection with the transportation project, each change order executed by the governmental body, and each payment made pursuant to a change order. The records are subject to financial audit as required by law.
(e) Require that the governmental body, upon completion and acceptance of the transportation project, certify to the department that the transportation project has been completed in compliance with the terms and conditions of the contract between the department and the governmental body and meets the minimum construction standards established in accordance with s. 336.045.
(f) Specify that funds will not be transferred to the governmental body unless construction has begun on the facility of the business on whose behalf the award was made. The grant award shall be terminated if construction of the transportation project does not begin within 4 years after the date of the initial grant award.
(g) Require that funds be used only on a transportation project that has been properly reviewed and approved in accordance with the criteria provided in this section.
(h) Require that the governing board of the governmental body adopt a resolution accepting future maintenance and other attendant costs occurring after completion of the transportation project if the transportation project is constructed on a county or municipal system.
(5) For purposes of this section, Space Florida may serve as the governmental body or as the contracting agency for a project within a spaceport territory as defined by s. 331.304.
(6) Each governmental body receiving funds under this section shall submit to the department a financial audit of the governmental body conducted by an independent certified public accountant. The department, in consultation with the Department of Economic Opportunity, shall develop procedures to ensure that audits are received and reviewed in a timely manner and that deficiencies or questioned costs noted in the audit are resolved.
(7) The department shall monitor the construction or building site for each transportation project that receives funding under this section, including, but not limited to, the construction of the business facility, to ensure compliance with contractual requirements.
History.—s. 32, ch. 2012-128; s. 18, ch. 2014-223; s. 125, ch. 2023-173.
339.2825 Approval of contractor-financed projects.—
(1) Before the department solicits proposals pursuant to s. 334.30 to advance a project programmed in the adopted 5-year work program or in the 10-year Strategic Intermodal Plan using funds provided by a public-private partnership or a private entity to be reimbursed from department funds for the project as programmed in the adopted work program, the department must provide a summary of the proposed project to the Executive Office of the Governor, the chair of each legislative appropriations committee, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The summary must include a description of any anticipated commitment by the department for the years outside the adopted work program, a description of the anticipated impacts on the department’s overall debt load, and sufficient information to demonstrate that the project will not cause the department to exceed the overall debt limitation provided in s. 339.139. The department may proceed with the project upon approval of the Governor. If the chair of either legislative appropriations committee, the President of the Senate, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives objects to the proposed project in writing within 14 days after receipt of the summary, the Governor may not approve the project.
(2) If the department receives an unsolicited proposal pursuant to s. 334.30 to advance a project programmed in the adopted 5-year work program or in the 10-year Strategic Intermodal Plan using funds provided by public-private partnerships or private entities to be reimbursed from department funds for the project as programmed in the adopted work program, the department shall provide a summary of the proposed project to the Executive Office of the Governor, the chair of each legislative appropriations committee, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives before the department advertises receipt of the proposal as provided in s. 334.30. The summary must include a description of any anticipated commitments by the department for the years outside the adopted work program, a description of any anticipated impacts on the department’s overall debt load, and sufficient information to demonstrate that the project will not cause the department to exceed the overall debt limitation provided in s. 339.139. The department may not accept the unsolicited proposal, advertise receipt of the unsolicited proposal, or solicit other proposals for the same project purpose without the approval of the Executive Office of the Governor. If the chair of either legislative appropriations committee, the President of the Senate, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives objects to the proposed project in writing within 14 days after receipt of the summary, the Executive Office of the Governor may not approve the proposed project.
(3) This section does not apply to a public-private partnership agreement authorized in s. 334.30(2)(a).
History.—s. 34, ch. 2012-128; s. 51, ch. 2013-15.
339.285 Enhanced Bridge Program for Sustainable Transportation.—
(1) There is created within the Department of Transportation the Enhanced Bridge Program for Sustainable Transportation for the purpose of providing funds to improve the sufficiency rating of local bridges and to improve congested roads on the State Highway System or local corridors on which high-cost bridges are located in order to improve a corridor or provide an alternative corridor.
(2) Matching funds provided from the program may fund up to 50 percent of project costs.
(3) The department shall allocate a minimum of 25 percent of funding available for the program for local bridge projects to replace, rehabilitate, paint, or install scour countermeasures to highway bridges located on public roads, other than those on the State Highway System. A project to be funded must, at a minimum:
(a) Be classified as a structurally deficient bridge having a poor condition rating for the deck, superstructure, substructure component, or culvert;
(b) Have a sufficiency rating of 35 or below; and
(c) Have average daily traffic of at least 500 vehicles.
(4) Special consideration shall be given to bridges that are closed to all traffic or that have a load restriction of less than 10 tons.
(5) The department shall allocate remaining funding available for the program to improve highly congested roads on the State Highway System or local corridors on which high-cost bridges are located in order to improve the corridor or provide an alternative corridor. A project to be funded must, at a minimum:
(a) Be on or provide direct relief to an existing corridor that is backlogged or constrained; and
(b) Be a major bridge having an estimated cost greater than $25 million.
(6) Preference shall be given to bridge projects located on corridors that connect to the Strategic Intermodal System, created under s. 339.64, and that have been identified as regionally significant in accordance with s. 339.155(4)(c), (d), and (e).
History.—s. 43, ch. 2007-196; s. 90, ch. 2012-174.
339.287 Electric vehicle charging stations; infrastructure plan development.—
(1) The Legislature finds that:
(a) Climate change may have significant impacts to this state which will require the development of avoidance, adaptation, and mitigation strategies to address these potential impacts on future state projects, plans, and programs;
(b) A significant portion of the carbon dioxide emissions in this state is produced by the transportation sector;
(c) Electric vehicles can help reduce these emissions, thereby helping to reduce the impact of climate change on this state;
(d) The use of electric vehicles for nonlocal driving requires adequate, reliable charging stations to address electric vehicle battery range limitations;
(e) Having adequate, reliable charging stations along the State Highway System will also help with evacuations during hurricanes or other disasters;
(f) Ensuring the prompt installation of adequate, reliable charging stations is in the public interest; and
(g) A recommended plan for electric vehicle charging station infrastructure should be established to address changes in the emerging electric vehicle market and necessary charging infrastructure.
(2)(a) The department shall coordinate, develop, and recommend a master plan for current and future plans for the development of electric vehicle charging station infrastructure along the State Highway System, as defined in s. 334.03(24). The department shall develop the recommended master plan and submit it to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by July 1, 2021. The plan must include recommendations for legislation and may include other recommendations as determined by the department.
(b) The department, in consultation with the Public Service Commission and the Office of Energy within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and any other public or private entities as necessary or appropriate, shall be primarily responsible for the following goals and objectives in developing the plan:
1. Identifying the types or characteristics of possible locations for electric vehicle charging station infrastructure along the State Highway System to support a supply of electric vehicle charging stations that will:
a. Accomplish the goals and objectives of this section;
b. Support both short-range and long-range electric vehicle travel;
c. Encourage the expansion of electric vehicle use in this state; and
d. Adequately serve evacuation routes in this state.
2. Identifying any barriers to the use of electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging station infrastructure both for short-range and long-range electric vehicle travel along the State Highway System.
3. Identifying an implementation strategy for expanding electric vehicle and charging station infrastructure use in this state.
4. Quantifying the loss of revenue to the State Transportation Trust Fund due to the current and projected future use of electric vehicles in this state and summarizing efforts of other states to address such revenue loss.
(c) The Public Service Commission, in consultation with the department and the Office of Energy within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and any other public or private entities as necessary or appropriate, shall be primarily responsible for the following goals and objectives in developing the plan:
1. Projecting the increase in the use of electric vehicles in this state over the next 20 years and determining how to ensure an adequate supply of reliable electric vehicle charging stations to support and encourage this growth in a manner supporting a competitive market with ample consumer choice.
2. Evaluating and comparing the types of electric vehicle charging stations available at present and which may become available in the future, including the technology and infrastructure incorporated in such stations, along with the circumstances within which each type of station and infrastructure is typically used, including fleet charging, for the purpose of identifying any advantages to developing particular types or uses of these stations.
3. Considering strategies to develop this supply of charging stations, including, but not limited to, methods of building partnerships with local governments, other state and federal entities, electric utilities, the business community, and the public in support of electric vehicle charging stations.
4. Identifying the type of regulatory structure necessary for the delivery of electricity to electric vehicles and charging station infrastructure, including competitive neutral policies and the participation of public utilities in the marketplace.
(d) The Public Service Commission, in consultation with the Office of Energy within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, shall review emerging technologies in the electric and alternative vehicle market, including alternative fuel sources.
(e) The department, the Public Service Commission, and the Office of Energy within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services may agree to explore other issues deemed necessary or appropriate for purposes of the report required in paragraph (a).
(f) By December 1, 2020, the department shall file a status report with the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives containing any preliminary recommendations, including recommendations for legislation.
History.—s. 3, ch. 2020-21.
1339.55 State-funded infrastructure bank.—
(1) There is created within the Department of Transportation a state-funded infrastructure bank for the purpose of providing loans and credit enhancements to government units and private entities for use in constructing and improving transportation facilities or ancillary facilities that produce or distribute natural gas or fuel.
(2) The bank may lend capital costs or provide credit enhancements for:
(a) A transportation facility project that is on the State Highway System or that provides for increased mobility on the state’s transportation system or provides intermodal connectivity with airports, seaports, rail facilities, and other transportation terminals, pursuant to s. 341.053, for the movement of people and goods.
(b) Projects of the Transportation Regional Incentive Program which are identified pursuant to s. 339.2819(4).
(c)1. Emergency loans for damages incurred to public-use commercial deepwater seaports, public-use airports, and other public-use transit and intermodal facilities that are within an area that is part of an official state declaration of emergency pursuant to chapter 252 and all other applicable laws. Such loans:
a. May not exceed 24 months in duration except in extreme circumstances, for which the Secretary of Transportation may grant up to 36 months upon making written findings specifying the conditions requiring a 36-month term.
b. Require application from the recipient to the department that includes documentation of damage claims filed with the Federal Emergency Management Agency or an applicable insurance carrier and documentation of the recipient’s overall financial condition.
c. Are subject to approval by the Secretary of Transportation and the Legislative Budget Commission.
2. Loans provided under this paragraph must be repaid upon receipt by the recipient of eligible program funding for damages in accordance with the claims filed with the Federal Emergency Management Agency or an applicable insurance carrier, but no later than the duration of the loan.
(d) Beginning July 1, 2017, applications for the development and construction of natural gas fuel production or distribution facilities used primarily to support the transportation activities at seaports or intermodal facilities. Loans under this paragraph may be used to refinance outstanding debt.
(3) Loans from the bank may be subordinated to senior project debt that has an investment grade rating of “BBB” or higher. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the total outstanding state-funded infrastructure bank loan repayments over the average term of the loan repayment period, as needed to meet the requirements of the documents authorizing the bonds issued or proposed to be issued under s. 215.617 to be paid from the State Transportation Trust Fund, may not exceed 0.75 percent of the revenues deposited into the State Transportation Trust Fund.
(4) Loans from the bank may bear interest at or below market interest rates, as determined by the department. Repayment of any loan shall commence not later than 5 years after the project has been completed or, in the case of a highway project, the facility has opened to traffic, whichever is later, and shall be repaid within 30 years, except for loans provided under paragraph (2)(c), which shall be repaid within 36 months.
(5) To be eligible for consideration, projects must be consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with local metropolitan planning organization plans and local government comprehensive plans and must provide a dedicated repayment source to ensure the loan is repaid to the bank.
(6) Funding awarded for projects under paragraph (2)(b) must be matched by a minimum of 25 percent from funds other than the state-funded infrastructure bank loan.
(7) The department may consider, but is not limited to, the following criteria for evaluation of projects for assistance from the bank:
(a) The credit worthiness of the project.
(b) A demonstration that the project will encourage, enhance, or create economic benefits.
(c) The likelihood that assistance would enable the project to proceed at an earlier date than would otherwise be possible.
(d) The extent to which assistance would foster innovative public-private partnerships and attract private debt or equity investment.
(e) The extent to which the project would use new technologies, including intelligent transportation systems, that would enhance the efficient operation of the project.
(f) The extent to which the project would maintain or protect the environment.
(g) A demonstration that the project includes transportation benefits for improving intermodalism, cargo and freight movement, and safety.
(h) The amount of the proposed assistance as a percentage of the overall project costs with emphasis on local and private participation.
(i) The extent to which the project will provide for connectivity between the State Highway System and airports, seaports, rail facilities, and other transportation terminals and intermodal options pursuant to s. 341.053 for the increased accessibility and movement of people and goods.
(j) The extent to which damage from a disaster that results in a declaration of emergency has impacted a public transportation facility’s ability to maintain its previous level of service and remain accessible to the public or has had a major impact on the cash flow or revenue-generation ability of the public-use facility.
(8) Loan assistance provided by the bank shall be included in the department’s work program developed in accordance with s. 339.135.
(9) Funds paid into the State Transportation Trust Fund pursuant to s. 201.15(4)(a) for the purposes of the State Infrastructure Bank are hereby annually appropriated for expenditure to support that program.
(10) Financial information of a private entity applicant which the department requires as part of the application process for loans or credit enhancements from the state-funded infrastructure bank is exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. This exemption does not apply to records of an applicant who is in default of a loan issued under this section. As used in this subsection, the term “financial information” means any business plan, pro forma statement, account balance, operating income or revenue, asset value, or debt of the applicant.
History.—s. 16, ch. 2000-257; s. 84, ch. 2002-20; s. 36, ch. 2005-2; s. 11, ch. 2005-281; s. 23, ch. 2005-290; s. 44, ch. 2007-196; s. 7, ch. 2008-114; s. 34, ch. 2013-18; s. 30, ch. 2015-229; s. 1, ch. 2016-38; s. 46, ch. 2016-239; s. 1, ch. 2021-26; s. 4, ch. 2021-39.
1Note.—Section 22, ch. 2000-257, provides that “[n]otwithstanding any other law to the contrary the requirements of sections 206.46(3) and 206.606(2), Florida Statutes, shall not apply to any funding, programs, or other provisions contained in this act.”
339.61 Florida Strategic Intermodal System; legislative findings, declaration, and intent.—
(1) There is hereby created the Florida Strategic Intermodal System. For purposes of funding projects under the system, the department shall allocate from the State Transportation Trust Fund in its program and resource plan a minimum of $60 million each year, beginning in the 2004-2005 fiscal year. This allocation of funds is in addition to any funding provided to this system by any other provision of law.
(2) The Legislature finds that increasing demands are continuing to be placed on the state’s transportation system by a fast-growing economy, continued population growth, and projected increases in freight movement, international trade, and tourism. The Legislature also finds that the state’s growing regional and intercity economic centers will increase the demand for interregional and intercity travel and that the evolving service-based and information-based industries will change the type of transportation system that business and industry demand, increasing the importance of speed and reliability. The Legislature further finds that our transportation system must be designed and operated in such a way that it preserves the abundance of natural and manmade amenities that have been so successful in attracting new residents, businesses, and tourists to this state. Therefore, the Legislature declares that the designation of a strategic intermodal system, composed of facilities and services of statewide and interregional significance, will efficiently serve the mobility needs of Florida’s citizens, businesses, and visitors and will help Florida become a worldwide economic leader, enhance economic prosperity and competitiveness, enrich quality of life, and reflect responsible environmental stewardship. To that end, it is the intent of the Legislature that the Strategic Intermodal System consist of transportation facilities that meet a strategic and essential state interest and that limited resources available for the implementation of statewide and interregional transportation priorities be focused on that system.
(3) Funds paid into the State Transportation Trust Fund pursuant to s. 201.15 for the purposes of the Florida Strategic Intermodal System are hereby annually appropriated for expenditure to support that program.
History.—s. 46, ch. 2003-286; s. 12, ch. 2004-366; s. 35, ch. 2005-290; s. 8, ch. 2008-114; s. 85, ch. 2015-229.
339.62 System components.—The Strategic Intermodal System shall consist of appropriate components of:
(1) Highway corridors established under s. 339.65.
(2) The National Highway System.
(3) Airport, seaport, and spaceport facilities.
(4) Rail lines and rail facilities.
(5) Selected intermodal facilities; passenger and freight terminals; and appropriate components of the State Highway System, county road system, city street system, inland waterways, and local public transit systems that serve as existing or planned connectors between the components listed in subsections (1)-(4).
(6) Other existing or planned corridors that serve a statewide or interregional purpose.
History.—s. 47, ch. 2003-286; s. 57, ch. 2012-174.
339.63 System facilities designated; additions and deletions.—
(1) The initial Strategic Intermodal System shall include all facilities that meet the criteria recommended by the Strategic Intermodal Steering Committee in a report titled “Steering Committee Final Report: Recommendations for Designating Florida’s Strategic Intermodal System” dated December 2002.
(2) The Strategic Intermodal System and the Emerging Strategic Intermodal System include five different types of facilities that each form one component of an interconnected transportation system which types include:
(a) Existing or planned hubs that are ports and terminals including airports, seaports, spaceports, passenger terminals, and rail terminals serving to move goods or people between Florida regions or between Florida and other markets in the United States and the rest of the world.
(b) Existing or planned corridors that are highways, rail lines, waterways, and other exclusive-use facilities connecting major markets within Florida or between Florida and other states or nations.
(c) Existing or planned intermodal connectors that are highways, rail lines, waterways or local public transit systems serving as connectors between the components listed in paragraphs (a) and (b).
(d) Existing or planned military access facilities that are highways or rail lines linking Strategic Intermodal System corridors to the state’s strategic military installations.
(e) Existing or planned facilities that significantly improve the state’s competitive position to compete for the movement of additional goods into and through this state.
(3) After the initial designation of the Strategic Intermodal System under subsection (1), the department shall, in coordination with the metropolitan planning organizations, local governments, regional planning councils, transportation providers, and affected public agencies, add facilities to or delete facilities from the Strategic Intermodal System described in paragraphs (2)(b) and (c) based upon criteria adopted by the department.
(4) After the initial designation of the Strategic Intermodal System under subsection (1), the department shall, in coordination with the metropolitan planning organizations, local governments, regional planning councils, transportation providers, and affected public agencies, add facilities to or delete facilities from the Strategic Intermodal System described in paragraph (2)(a) based upon criteria adopted by the department. However, an airport that is designated as a reliever airport to a Strategic Intermodal System airport which has at least 75,000 itinerant operations per year, has a runway length of at least 5,500 linear feet, is capable of handling aircraft weighing at least 60,000 pounds with a dual wheel configuration which is served by at least one precision instrument approach, and serves a cluster of aviation-dependent industries, shall be designated as part of the Strategic Intermodal System by the Secretary of Transportation upon the request of a reliever airport meeting this criteria.
(5)(a) The Secretary of Transportation shall designate a planned facility as part of the Strategic Intermodal System upon request of the facility if it meets the criteria and thresholds established by the department pursuant to subsection (4), meets the definition of an “intermodal logistics center” 1as defined in s. 311.101(2), and has been designated in a local comprehensive plan or local government development order as an intermodal logistics center or an equivalent planning term. 2For the purpose of this section, the term “intermodal logistics center” means a facility or group of facilities, including, but not limited to, an inland port, serving as a point of intermodal transfer of freight in a specific area physically separated from a seaport whose activities relating to transport, logistics, goods distribution, consolidation, or value-added activities are carried out and whose activities and services are designed to support or be supported by one or more seaports, as provided in s. 311.09, or an airport whose activities and services are designed to support the transport, logistics, goods distribution, consolidation, or value-added activities related to airborne cargo.
(b) A facility designated part of the Strategic Intermodal System pursuant to paragraph (a) that is within the jurisdiction of a local government that maintains a transportation concurrency system shall receive a waiver of transportation concurrency requirements applicable to Strategic Intermodal System facilities in order to accommodate any development at the facility which occurs pursuant to a building permit issued on or before December 31, 2017, but only if such facility is located:
1. Within an area designated pursuant to s. 288.0656(7) as a rural area of opportunity;
2. Within a rural enterprise zone as defined in s. 290.004(5); or
3. Within 15 miles of the boundary of a rural area of opportunity or a rural enterprise zone.
History.—s. 48, ch. 2003-286; s. 45, ch. 2007-196; s. 5, ch. 2011-164; s. 35, ch. 2012-128; s. 58, ch. 2012-174; s. 38, ch. 2014-218; s. 94, ch. 2020-114; s. 11, ch. 2022-5.
1Note.—As created by s. 58, ch. 2012-174. Subsection (5) was also created by s. 35, ch. 2012-128, and that version did not include the words “as defined in s. 311.101(2).”
2Note.—As created by s. 35, ch. 2012-128. Subsection (5) was also created by s. 58, ch. 2012-174, and that version did not include this sentence.
339.64 Strategic Intermodal System Plan.—
(1) The department shall develop, in cooperation with metropolitan planning organizations, regional planning councils, local governments, and other transportation providers, a Strategic Intermodal System Plan. The plan shall be consistent with the Florida Transportation Plan developed pursuant to s. 339.155 and shall be updated at least once every 5 years, subsequent to updates of the Florida Transportation Plan.
(2) In association with the continued development of the Strategic Intermodal System Plan, the Florida Transportation Commission, as part of its work program review process, shall conduct an annual assessment of the progress that the department and its transportation partners have made in realizing the goals of economic development, improved mobility, and increased intermodal connectivity of the Strategic Intermodal System. The Florida Transportation Commission shall coordinate with the department and other appropriate entities when developing this assessment. The Florida Transportation Commission shall deliver a report to the Governor and Legislature no later than 14 days after the regular session begins, with recommendations as necessary to fully implement the Strategic Intermodal System.
(3)(a) During the development of updates to the Strategic Intermodal System Plan, the department shall provide metropolitan planning organizations, regional planning councils, local governments, transportation providers, affected public agencies, and citizens with an opportunity to participate in and comment on the development of the update.
(b) The department also shall coordinate with federal, regional, and local partners the planning for the Strategic Highway Network and the Strategic Rail Corridor Network transportation facilities that either are included in the Strategic Intermodal System or that provide a direct connection between military installations and the Strategic Intermodal System. In addition, the department shall coordinate with regional and local partners to determine whether the roads and other transportation infrastructure that connect military installations to the Strategic Intermodal System, the Strategic Highway Network, or the Strategic Rail Corridor are regionally significant and should be included in the Strategic Intermodal System Plan.
(c) The department shall coordinate with federal, regional, and local partners, as well as industry representatives, to consider infrastructure and technological improvements necessary to accommodate advances in vehicle technology, such as automated driving systems and other developments, in Strategic Intermodal System facilities.
(4) The Strategic Intermodal System Plan shall include the following:
(a) A needs assessment that must include, but is not limited to, consideration of infrastructure and technological improvements necessary to accommodate advances in vehicle technology, such as automated driving systems and other developments.
(b) A project prioritization process.
(c) A map of facilities designated as Strategic Intermodal System facilities; facilities that are emerging in importance and are likely to become part of the system in the future; and planned facilities that will meet the established criteria.
(d) A finance plan based on reasonable projections of anticipated revenues, including both 10-year and at least 20-year cost-feasible components.
(e) An assessment of the impacts of proposed improvements to Strategic Intermodal System corridors on military installations that are either located directly on the Strategic Intermodal System or located on the Strategic Highway Network or Strategic Rail Corridor Network.
History.—s. 49, ch. 2003-286; s. 37, ch. 2005-2; s. 7, ch. 2005-281; s. 36, ch. 2006-1; s. 8, ch. 2012-27; s. 59, ch. 2012-174; s. 18, ch. 2016-181; s. 47, ch. 2016-239; s. 13, ch. 2019-101.
339.65 Strategic Intermodal System highway corridors.—
(1) The department shall plan and develop Strategic Intermodal System highway corridors, including limited and controlled access facilities, allowing for high-speed and high-volume traffic movements within the state. The primary function of the corridors is to provide such traffic movements. Access to abutting land is subordinate to this function, and such access must be prohibited or highly regulated.
(2) Strategic Intermodal System highway corridors shall include facilities from the following components of the State Highway System that meet the criteria adopted by the department pursuant to s. 339.63:
(a) Interstate highways.
(b) The Florida Turnpike System.
(c) Interregional and intercity limited access facilities.
(d) Existing interregional and intercity arterial highways previously upgraded or upgraded in the future to limited access or controlled access facility standards.
(e) New limited access facilities necessary to complete a balanced statewide system.
(3) The department shall adhere to the following policy guidelines in the development of Strategic Intermodal System highway corridors. The department shall:
(a) Make capacity improvements to existing facilities where feasible to minimize costs and environmental impacts.
(b) Identify appropriate arterial highways in major transportation corridors for inclusion in a program to bring these facilities up to limited access or controlled access facility standards.
(c) Coordinate proposed projects with appropriate limited access projects undertaken by expressway authorities and local governmental entities.
(d) Maximize the use of limited access facility standards when constructing new arterial highways.
(e) Identify appropriate new limited access highways for inclusion as a part of the Florida Turnpike System.
(f) To the maximum extent feasible, ensure that proposed projects are consistent with approved local government comprehensive plans of the local jurisdictions in which such facilities are to be located and with the transportation improvement program of any metropolitan planning organization where such facilities are to be located.
(4) The department shall develop and maintain a plan of Strategic Intermodal System highway corridor projects that are anticipated to be let to contract for construction within a time period of at least 20 years. The plan shall also identify when segments of the corridor will meet the standards and criteria developed pursuant to subsection (5).
(5) The department shall establish the standards and criteria for the functional characteristics and design of facilities proposed as part of Strategic Intermodal System highway corridors.
(6) For the purposes of developing the proposed Strategic Intermodal System highway corridors, beginning in fiscal year 2012-2013 and for each fiscal year thereafter, the minimum amount allocated shall be based on the fiscal year 2003-2004 allocation of $450 million adjusted annually by the change in the Consumer Price Index for the prior fiscal year compared to the Consumer Price Index for fiscal year 2003-2004.
(7) Any project to be constructed as part of a Strategic Intermodal System highway corridor shall be included in the department’s adopted work program. Any Strategic Intermodal System highway corridor projects that are added to or deleted from the previous adopted work program, or any modification to Strategic Intermodal System highway corridor projects contained in the previous adopted work program, shall be specifically identified and submitted as a separate part of the tentative work program.
History.—s. 60, ch. 2012-174.
339.651 Strategic Intermodal System supply chain demands.—
(1) The Legislature finds that Strategic Intermodal System components defined in s. 339.62 ensure a multimodal transportation system; that the Strategic Intermodal System is a critical network supporting economic activities and the transport of people and goods; and that the Strategic Intermodal System is instrumental in the movement of road building materials for infrastructure investments. The Legislature further finds that Florida’s rapid economic and population growth can compound supply chain demands on the transportation system, and the demand for construction aggregate continues to outpace supply.
(2) The department shall specifically address in its transportation plans, including the Florida Transportation Plan and the Strategic Intermodal System Plan, movement and storage of construction aggregate materials essential for building roadways.
(3) The department shall make up to $20 million available each year for fiscal years 2023-2024 through 2027-2028, from existing work program revenues, to fund projects that meet the public purpose of providing increased capacity and enhanced capabilities to move and store construction aggregate. Applicants eligible for project funding under this section are seaports listed in s. 311.09 and rail lines and rail facilities.
(4) The department must consider at least the following criteria when evaluating projects for assistance under this section:
(a) The ability of the project to serve the strategic state interest of mitigating supply chain demands for construction aggregate sufficient to ensure ongoing improvement of the Strategic Intermodal System and the state’s entire transportation network.
(b) The ability of the project to facilitate the cost-effective and efficient movement and storage of construction aggregate.
(c) The extent to which the project efficiently interacts with and supports the transportation network.
(d) Any commitment of a funding match, which may be investment or commitment made by the owner or developer of the existing or proposed facility that facilitates or will facilitate the movement and storage of construction aggregate, local financial support or commitment, or a combination of both. Projects with a funding match shall be prioritized based on the amount of the match and shall be prioritized over projects having no such funding match.
(5) The State Transportation Trust Fund may fund up to 100 percent of the cost of a project selected based on the criteria specified herein.
(6) The department may adopt rules to implement this section.
(7) This section shall stand repealed on July 1, 2028.
History.—s. 16, ch. 2023-197.
339.66 Upgrade of arterial highways with controlled access facilities.—
(1) The Legislature finds that the provision and maintenance of safe, reliable, and predictably free-flowing facilities to support the movement of people and freight and to enhance hurricane evacuation efficiency is important. It is in the best interest of the state to plan now for population growth and technology changes while prudently making timely improvements to address demand.
(2) The department, in coordination with the Florida Turnpike Enterprise, shall evaluate existing roadways or portions thereof for development of specific controlled access facilities and include such projects as identified in the work program.
(3) The department may upgrade roadways with targeted improvements, such as adding new tolled or nontolled limited access alignments to manage congestion points and retrofitting existing roadway with a series of electronically tolled or nontolled grade separations that provide an alternative to a signalized intersection for through traffic. Such improvements must be made with the goal of enhancing the economic prosperity and preserving the character of the communities impacted by such improvements.
(a) The department may not reduce any nontolled general use lanes of an existing facility.
(b) The department shall maintain existing access points to the roadway provided by designated streets, graded roads, or driveways.
(c) Upon application or as otherwise agreed to by the department, after construction is completed, property owners with parcels of land having no existing access shall have the right to one access point, and property owners having more than 1 mile of roadway frontage shall be allowed one access point for each mile owned.
(d) Any tolling points must be located such that a nontolled alternative exists for local traffic.
(4) Any tolled facilities are approved turnpike projects that are part of the turnpike system. A controlled-access portion of a roadway constructed pursuant to this section is considered a Strategic Intermodal System facility.
(5) Any existing applicable requirements relating to department projects shall apply to projects undertaken by the department pursuant to this section. The department shall take into consideration the guidance and recommendations of any previous studies or reports relevant to the projects authorized by this section and ss. 339.67 and 339.68, including, but not limited to, the task force reports prepared pursuant to chapter 2019-43, Laws of Florida.
(6) Any existing applicable requirements relating to turnpike projects apply to projects undertaken by the Turnpike Enterprise pursuant to this section. The Turnpike Enterprise shall take into consideration the guidance and recommendations of any previous studies or reports relevant to the projects authorized by this section and ss. 339.67 and 339.68, including, but not limited to, the task force reports prepared pursuant to chapter 2019-43, Laws of Florida, and with respect to any extension of the Florida Turnpike from its northerly terminus in Wildwood.
(7) The department shall consider innovative concepts to combine right-of-way acquisition with the acquisition of lands or easements to facilitate environmental mitigation or ecosystem, wildlife habitat, or water quality protection or restoration.
(8)(a) Decisions on matters such as configuration, project alignment, and interchange locations must be determined in accordance with applicable department rules, policies, and procedures.
(b) To the greatest extent practicable, roadway alignments, project alignment, and interchange locations shall be designed so that project rights-of-way are not located within conservation lands acquired under the Florida Preservation 2000 Act established in s. 259.101 and the Florida Forever Act established in s. 259.105.
(9) Subject to applicability of existing requirements as provided in subsections (5) and (6), projects may be funded through turnpike revenue bonds or right-of-way acquisition and bridge construction bonds or financing by the Florida Department of Transportation Financing Corporation; by advances from the State Transportation Trust Fund; with funds obtained through the creation of public-private partnerships; or any combination thereof. The department also may accept donations of land for use as transportation rights-of-way or to secure or use transportation rights-of-way for such projects in accordance with s. 337.2505. To the extent legally available, any toll revenues from the turnpike system not required for payment of principal, interest, reserves, or other required deposits for bonds; costs of operations and maintenance; other contractual obligations; or system improvement project costs must be used to repay advances received from the State Transportation Trust Fund.
(10) Project construction is not eligible for funding until completion of 30 percent of the design phase, except for projects that are under construction or for which project alignment has been determined.
(11) In accordance with ss. 337.276, 338.227, and 339.0809, the Division of Bond Finance may issue, on behalf of the department, right-of-way acquisition and bridge construction bonds, turnpike revenue bonds, and Florida Department of Transportation Financing Corporation bonds to finance projects as provided in the State Bond Act.
History.—s. 9, ch. 2021-161; s. 21, ch. 2021-186.
339.67 U.S. 19 controlled access facilities.—The department shall develop and include in the work program the construction of controlled access facilities as necessary to achieve free flow of traffic on U.S. 19, beginning at the terminus of the Suncoast Parkway 2, Phase 3, north predominantly along U.S. 19 to a logical terminus on Interstate 10 in Madison County. This Strategic Intermodal System facility shall be developed using existing roadway, or portions thereof, to ensure the free flow of traffic along the roadway by improvements such as limited access alignments to manage congestion points and retrofitting existing roadway with a series of grade separations that provide an alternative to a signalized intersection for through traffic. To the maximum extent feasible, the facilities shall be developed no later than December 31, 2035.
History.—s. 10, ch. 2021-161; s. 22, ch. 2021-186.
339.68 Arterial rural highway projects.—The department shall identify and include in the work program projects to increase capacity by widening existing two-lane arterial rural roads to four lanes. To be included in a work program project, the road must be classified as an arterial rural road, and truck traffic using the road must amount to at least 15 percent of all such traffic, as determined by the department. The department shall fund at least $20 million annually for such projects.
History.—s. 11, ch. 2021-161; s. 23, ch. 2021-186.
339.70 Authority referendum.—
(1) An authority created by an act of the Legislature, under condition to become effective upon approval by vote of the electors of the area affected, which has authority over matters related to transportation, including matters concerning a public right-of-way, and which has the authority to issue bonds, must not, in the event of referendum, be subject to consolidation or dissolution more than once every 8 years.
(2) A referendum that has not been expressly agreed to by an authority affected under this section may apply only to future bond issuances and may not affect an existing bond issuance.
(3) This section does not apply to the following:
(a) If the authority subject to referendum expressly agrees to a consolidation or dissolution.
(b) An entity governed by or created by chapter 308, chapter 309, chapter 310, chapter 311, chapter 313, chapter 315, chapter 329, chapter 330, chapter 331, chapter 332, chapter 333, chapter 343, chapter 348, or chapter 349.
History.—s. 38, ch. 2014-216.
339.81 Florida Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trail Network.—
(1) The Legislature finds that increasing demands continue to be placed on the state’s transportation system by a growing economy, continued population growth, and increasing tourism. The Legislature also finds that accommodating alternative travel modes to meet the needs of residents and visitors and providing trails for bicyclist and pedestrian travel that allows for the appreciation of the conservation and stewardship of environmentally important lands in Florida are of significant importance. The Legislature finds that the investment of the state in the Florida wildlife corridor as defined in s. 259.1055 is of significant interest to the public and that the provision of paved multiuse trails within or between areas of the Florida wildlife corridor would provide the public the ability to enjoy Florida’s natural resources and bring ecotourism and economic opportunities to local trail town communities. The Legislature further finds that improving bicyclist and pedestrian safety for both residents and visitors is a high priority. Therefore, the Legislature declares that the development of a nonmotorized trail network will increase mobility and recreational alternatives for Florida’s residents and visitors; enhance economic prosperity; enrich quality of life; enhance safety; reflect responsible environmental stewardship; and facilitate support for the protection, preservation, and enhancement of the natural and recreational value of the Florida wildlife corridor by providing minimally invasive public access to it when feasible and compatible with the lands. To that end, it is the intent of the Legislature that the department make use of its expertise in efficiently providing transportation projects to develop and construct the Florida Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trail Network.
(2)(a) The Florida Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trail Network is created as a component of the Florida Greenways and Trails System established in chapter 260. The Florida Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trail Network consists of a statewide network of nonmotorized trails that allow bicyclists and pedestrians to access a variety of points of origin and destinations with limited exposure to motorized vehicles.
(b) The multiuse trails or shared-use paths of the statewide network must be physically separated from motor vehicle traffic and constructed with asphalt, concrete, or another hard surface.
(c) The statewide network provides nonmotorized transportation opportunities for bicyclists and pedestrians statewide between and within a wide range of points of origin and destinations, including, but not limited to, communities, conservation areas, lands of the Florida wildlife corridor, state parks, beaches, and other natural or cultural attractions for a variety of trip purposes, including work, school, shopping, and other personal business, as well as social, recreational, and personal fitness purposes.
(3) Network components do not include sidewalks, nature trails, loop trails wholly within a single park or natural area, or on-road facilities, such as bicycle lanes or routes. However, components that connect to nature trails, loop trails, or other points of public access wholly within a single park or natural area may be included in the network, as well as any of the following:
(a) On-road facilities that are no longer than one-half mile connecting two or more nonmotorized trails, if the provision of non-road facilities is infeasible and if such on-road facilities are signed and marked for nonmotorized use.
(b) On-road components of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.
(4) The planning, development, operation, and maintenance of the Florida Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trail Network is declared to be a public purpose, and the department, together with other agencies of this state and all counties, municipalities, and special districts of this state, may spend public funds for such purposes and accept gifts and grants of funds, property, or property rights from public or private sources to be used for such purposes.
(5)(a) The department shall include the Florida Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trail Network in its work program developed pursuant to s. 339.135. For purposes of funding and maintaining projects within the network, the department shall allocate in its program and resource plan a minimum of $50 million annually, beginning with the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
(b) The department shall give funding priority to projects that:
1. Are recommended priorities by the Florida Greenways and Trails Council as regionally significant trails pursuant to s. 260.0142(4)(c).
2. Have national, statewide, or regional importance.
3. Are otherwise identified by the Florida Greenways and Trails Council as a priority for critical linkage and trail connectedness within the Florida Greenways and Trails System under chapter 260.
4. Facilitate an interconnected system of trails by completing gaps between existing trails.
5. Support the transportation needs of bicyclists and pedestrians.
(c) For trail projects to be constructed within the Florida wildlife corridor as defined in s. 259.1055 or on conservation lands or other lands subject to conservation easements, land management plans, or agreements, to the greatest extent possible, the department shall ensure projects are constructed using previously disturbed lands, such as abandoned roads and railroads, utility rights-of-way, canal corridors and drainage berms, permanent fire lines, and other lands having appropriate potential to serve the purposes specified by law of both the trail network and the Florida wildlife corridor. In developing the planning and design of trails, the department shall coordinate with other state agencies to ensure that appropriate recreation or public access is available for such projects.
(d) To the greatest extent practicable, the department shall program projects in the work program to plan for development of the entire trail and to minimize the creation of gaps between trail segments. The department shall, at a minimum, ensure that local support exists for projects and trail segments, including the availability or dedication of local funding sources and of contributions by private landowners who agree to make their land, or property interests in such land, available for public use as a trail.
(e) Each metropolitan planning organization or board of county commissioners, as appropriate, shall include in its list of project priorities required under ss. 339.135(4)(c)1. and 339.175(8) one or more projects that are a priority under paragraph (b) and meet the requirements of this section. When developing the district work program under s. 339.135(4), each district must ensure that projects are included in the work program which are a priority under paragraph (b) and meet the requirements of this section.
(6)(a) The department shall create uniform signage to identify trails that are part of the statewide network and shall, when feasible and permissible, erect signage on all such trails open to public use, regardless of when the trail was first opened. The department is not otherwise obligated to provide funds for the operation and maintenance of any trail on the statewide network.
(b) The department may enter into a memorandum of agreement with a local government or other agency of the state to transfer maintenance responsibilities of an individual network component. The department may contract with a not-for-profit entity or private sector business or entity to provide maintenance services on an individual network component.
(7)(a) The department may enter into a sponsorship agreement with a not-for-profit entity or private sector business or entity for commercial sponsorship displays on multiuse trails and related facilities. The department shall deposit any sponsorship agreement revenues into the State Transportation Trust Fund to be used for maintenance, signage, and provision of amenities on the multiuse trails and related facilities. Local governments may also enter into sponsorship agreements and likewise use the revenues for maintenance, signage, and provision of amenities on the multiuse trails and related facilities. A sponsorship agreement shall be administered by the department or the local government, as appropriate, and the department or the local government shall ensure that the sponsorship agreement complies with the requirements of s. 335.065(3)(b) and (c).
(b) Commercial sponsorship displays are subject to the requirements of the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 and all federal laws and agreements, when applicable. This subsection does not create a proprietary or compensable interest in any sign, display site, or location.
(8) By June 30, 2026, and every third year on June 30 thereafter, the department, in coordination with the Department of Environmental Protection, shall submit a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives summarizing the status of the Florida Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trail Network. The report may include recommendations for any legislative revisions deemed appropriate to facilitate connectivity of the statewide network.
(a) At a minimum, the report must include all of the following:
1. The total number of completed miles of nonmotorized trails on the network.
2. The total number of completed miles of nonmotorized trails on the network not adjacent to a roadway facility.
3. The total number of completed miles of nonmotorized trails on the network adjacent to a roadway facility.
4. The total number of completed miles of nonmotorized trails on the network which are within or between areas of the Florida wildlife corridor as defined in s. 259.1055.
5. The total remaining miles of nonmotorized trails on the network which are planned for acquisition and construction.
6. The total expenditures, by funding source, associated with implementing the network.
7. The total expenditures, by project phase, including preliminary and environmental planning, design, acquisition of right-of-way, and new construction of trail surfaces and bridges on the network.
(b) The department shall also coordinate with the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, local governments, or other entities who have related information to include in the report. For each existing trail on the network which is open to public use, identified by the department’s trailway identification number, segment name, segment length, and county of location, the department’s report must provide nonmotorized trail operational and performance measures that include, but are not limited to:
1. The total number of trail visits.
2. The primary travel modes used on the trail.
3. The frequency of trail usage.
4. The average duration of trail usage.
5. The distance traveled during a trail visit.
6. The average amount spent by a user during a typical trail visit.
7. The total amount of user expenditures.
8. Any other measure deemed appropriate.
History.—s. 2, ch. 2015-228; s. 3, ch. 2021-53; s. 9, ch. 2023-20.
339.83 Enrollment in federal pilot programs.—The Secretary of Transportation may enroll the State of Florida in any federal pilot program or project for the collection and study of data for the review of federal or state roadway safety, infrastructure sustainability, congestion mitigation, transportation system efficiency, automated driving systems, or capacity challenges.
History.—s. 15, ch. 2017-42; s. 14, ch. 2019-101.
339.84 Workforce development.—Beginning in the 2023-2024 fiscal year and annually thereafter for 5 years, $5 million shall be allocated from the State Transportation Trust Fund to the workforce development program as provided in s. 334.044(35) to promote career paths in Florida’s road and bridge industry.
History.—s. 17, ch. 2023-197.