CS for CS for CS for SB 1662 First Engrossed
20251662e1
1 A bill to be entitled
2 An act relating to transportation; amending s. 20.23,
3 F.S.; authorizing the Secretary of Transportation to
4 appoint a specified number of assistant secretaries;
5 specifying titles for such assistant secretaries;
6 authorizing the secretary to appoint an Executive
7 Director of Transportation Technology; specifying that
8 such assistant secretaries and executive director
9 positions are exempt from career service and are
10 included in the Senior Management Service; revising
11 qualifications for members of the Florida
12 Transportation Commission; requiring the commission to
13 monitor transit entities that receive certain funding;
14 requiring members of the commission to follow certain
15 standards of conduct; providing legislative findings
16 and intent; creating the Florida Transportation
17 Research Institute; specifying the purpose and mission
18 of the institute; requiring the institute to report to
19 the Department of Transportation; providing for
20 membership of the institute; requiring the department
21 to select a member to serve as the administrative lead
22 of the institute; requiring the Secretary of
23 Transportation to appoint a representative of the
24 department to serve as the executive director of the
25 institute; requiring the department to coordinate with
26 the members of the institute to adopt certain
27 policies; authorizing the institute to award certain
28 grants; authorizing the department to allocate funds
29 to the institute from the State Transportation Trust
30 Fund; authorizing the institute to expend funds for
31 certain operations and programs; requiring the
32 institute to submit an annual report to the Secretary
33 of Transportation and the commission; revising the
34 department’s areas of program responsibility; amending
35 s. 311.07, F.S.; providing that certain spaceport and
36 space industry-related facility projects and
37 commercial shipbuilding and manufacturing facility
38 projects are eligible for grant funding under the
39 Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic
40 Development Program; amending s. 311.09, F.S.;
41 revising the purpose of the Florida Seaport
42 Transportation and Economic Development Council;
43 requiring that the Florida Seaport Mission Plan
44 include certain recommendations; requiring each port
45 member of the council to submit a certain semiannual
46 report to the department; amending s. 311.10, F.S.;
47 requiring seaports located in specified counties to
48 include certain statements in any agreement with the
49 department as a condition of receiving certain grants
50 or state funds; requiring that express approval for
51 certain seaport conversions be obtained by specified
52 entities upon recommendation by the funding agency;
53 defining the term “cargo purposes”; amending s.
54 311.101, F.S.; revising the definition of the term
55 “intermodal logistics center”; creating an intermodal
56 logistics center working group within the department;
57 providing the composition of the working group
58 membership; specifying that members of the working
59 group serve without compensation but are eligible for
60 per diem and travel expenses; providing
61 responsibilities of the working group; requiring the
62 working group to submit a report to the Governor and
63 the Legislature by a specified date; providing for the
64 future repeal of the working group; amending s.
65 316.003, F.S.; revising the definition of the term
66 “special mobile equipment”; repealing s. 316.0741,
67 F.S., relating to high-occupancy-vehicle lanes;
68 amending s. 316.0745, F.S.; deleting language limiting
69 the state funds that may be withheld due to certain
70 violations by a public body or official to state funds
71 for traffic control purposes; providing that such
72 violations are cause for the withholding of state
73 funds deposited in the State Transportation Trust
74 Fund; amending s. 316.550, F.S.; authorizing the
75 department to issue a mobile crane special blanket
76 permit for certain purposes; amending s. 320.084,
77 F.S.; providing for disabled veteran motor vehicle
78 license plates in lieu of “DV” motor vehicle license
79 plates; revising construction; amending s. 320.0848,
80 F.S.; conforming a provision to changes made by the
81 act; amending s. 330.27, F.S.; revising definitions
82 and defining terms; amending s. 330.30, F.S.;
83 requiring a private airport of public interest to
84 obtain a certain certificate from the department
85 before allowing aircraft operations; requiring certain
86 private airports to obtain a certain certificate from
87 the department by a specified date; creating s.
88 330.355, F.S.; prohibiting publicly owned airports
89 from charging a landing fee established on or after a
90 specified date for certain aircraft operations;
91 amending s. 331.371, F.S.; authorizing the department,
92 in consultation with the Department of Commerce and
93 the Department of Environmental Protection, to fund
94 certain infrastructure projects and projects
95 associated with certain critical infrastructure
96 projects; requiring such departments to coordinate in
97 funding certain projects for a specified purpose;
98 amending s. 332.003, F.S.; revising a short title;
99 amending s. 332.005, F.S.; requiring airports to
100 provide the Department of Transportation with the
101 opportunity to use certain airport property for a
102 specified purpose during a declared state of
103 emergency; requiring that such use be conducted
104 pursuant to a written agreement after a certain period
105 of use; amending s. 332.006, F.S.; deleting a
106 requirement that the department meet certain duties
107 and responsibilities within the resources provided
108 pursuant to a specified chapter; providing duties and
109 responsibilities of the department relating to certain
110 educational services; amending s. 332.007, F.S.;
111 requiring commercial service airports to establish and
112 maintain a certain program; defining the term “airport
113 infrastructure”; requiring that such airports provide
114 a certain annual certification to the department;
115 requiring that a certain program report be open to
116 department inspection and maintained for a specified
117 period; providing requirements for such program;
118 revising the list of projects for which the department
119 must provide priority funding; authorizing the
120 department to fund eligible projects performed by
121 certain organizations and postsecondary education
122 institutions; providing that certain programs are
123 eligible projects; authorizing the department to
124 provide certain matching funds; revising the
125 circumstances in which the department may fund
126 strategic airport investment projects; amending s.
127 332.0075, F.S.; revising definitions; requiring that
128 certain information remain posted on a governing
129 body’s website for a certain period; revising the
130 information that must be included on such website;
131 requiring the quarterly, rather than annual, update of
132 certain information; revising information that the
133 governing body of a commercial service airport must
134 submit to the department annually; requiring a
135 commercial service airport to provide certain
136 notifications to the department; creating s. 332.15,
137 F.S.; requiring the department to address certain
138 needs in the statewide aviation system plan and the
139 department’s work program, designate a certain subject
140 matter expert, conduct a specified review, and, in
141 coordination with the Department of Commerce, provide
142 certain coordination and assistance for the
143 development of a viable advanced air mobility system
144 plan; amending s. 334.044, F.S.; revising the general
145 powers and duties of the department; amending s.
146 334.045, F.S.; requiring certain measures developed
147 and adopted by the Florida Transportation Commission
148 to assess performance in a specified business
149 development program, instead of disadvantaged business
150 enterprise and minority business programs; creating s.
151 334.615, F.S.; authorizing certain parking authorities
152 to operate, manage, and control certain parking
153 facilities upon entering into certain interlocal
154 agreements; creating s. 334.62, F.S.; providing
155 legislative findings; establishing the Florida
156 Transportation Academy within the department;
157 authorizing the department to coordinate with certain
158 entities for specified purposes; amending s. 335.182,
159 F.S.; defining the term “modification of an existing
160 connection”; revising the definition of the term
161 “significant change”; amending s. 335.187, F.S.;
162 authorizing the department to modify or revoke certain
163 access permits by requiring modification of an
164 existing connection in certain circumstances; amending
165 s. 337.027, F.S.; revising the definition of the term
166 “small business”; authorizing the department to
167 provide notice of certain opportunities; amending s.
168 337.11, F.S.; requiring the department to give
169 consideration to small business participation, instead
170 of disadvantaged business enterprise participation;
171 repealing s. 337.125, F.S., relating to socially and
172 economically disadvantaged business enterprises and
173 notice requirements; repealing s. 337.135, F.S.,
174 relating to socially and economically disadvantaged
175 business enterprises and punishment for false
176 representation; repealing s. 337.139, F.S., relating
177 to efforts to encourage awarding contracts to
178 disadvantaged business enterprises; amending s.
179 337.18, F.S.; authorizing the Secretary of
180 Transportation to require a surety bond in an amount
181 that is less than the awarded contract price; amending
182 s. 337.251, F.S.; revising factors that may be
183 considered by the department when selecting certain
184 proposals; amending s. 337.401, F.S.; prohibiting a
185 municipality from prohibiting, or requiring a permit
186 for, the installation of certain public sewer
187 transmission lines; amending s. 337.406, F.S.;
188 prohibiting camping on any portion of the right-of-way
189 of the State Highway System; providing applicability;
190 amending s. 338.227, F.S.; revising the purpose for
191 which the department and the Department of Management
192 Services shall create and implement a certain outreach
193 program; amending s. 339.08, F.S.; defining the term
194 “energy policy of the state”; prohibiting the
195 department from expending state funds to support
196 projects or programs of certain entities in certain
197 circumstances; repealing s. 339.0805, F.S., relating
198 to funds to be expended with certified disadvantaged
199 business enterprises, a construction management
200 development program, and a bond guarantee program;
201 amending s. 339.135, F.S.; requiring that funds for
202 rural transit operating block grants be allocated in a
203 certain manner; amending s. 339.2821, F.S.; requiring
204 the department to ensure that it is supportive of
205 small businesses, rather than ensuring that small and
206 minority businesses have equal access to participation
207 in certain transportation projects; repealing s.
208 339.287, F.S., relating to electric vehicle charging
209 stations and infrastructure plan development; amending
210 s. 339.63, F.S.; deleting the definition of the term
211 “intermodal logistics center”; amending s. 339.651,
212 F.S.; authorizing, rather than requiring, the
213 department to make a certain amount available from the
214 existing work program to fund certain projects
215 annually; deleting the scheduled repeal of provisions
216 relating to Strategic Intermodal System supply chain
217 demands; amending s. 341.051, F.S.; providing for the
218 reallocation of certain funds; deleting the scheduled
219 repeal of provisions providing for the reallocation of
220 certain funds; amending s. 341.052, F.S.; revising the
221 list of providers to which certain block grant funds
222 shall be provided; revising the specified report used
223 to verify certain data; creating s. 341.0525, F.S.;
224 creating a rural transit operating block grant program
225 to be administered by the department; requiring the
226 annual allocation of certain funds from the State
227 Transportation Trust Fund for the program; providing
228 for the distribution of funds to each eligible public
229 transit provider in at least a certain amount;
230 providing authorized uses of grant funds; prohibiting
231 state participation in certain costs above a specified
232 percentage or amount; prohibiting an eligible public
233 transit provider from using block grant funds in a
234 certain manner; providing an exception; prohibiting
235 the state from giving a county more than a specified
236 percentage of available funds or a certain amount;
237 providing eligibility requirements; requiring an
238 eligible provider to return funds under certain
239 circumstances; authorizing the department to consult
240 with an eligible provider before distributing funds to
241 make a certain determination; requiring an eligible
242 provider to repay to the department funds expended on
243 unauthorized uses if revealed in an audit; requiring
244 the department to redistribute returned and repaid
245 funds to other eligible providers; amending s.
246 348.754, F.S.; revising the types of businesses the
247 Central Florida Expressway Authority is required to
248 encourage the inclusion of in certain opportunities;
249 amending s. 349.03, F.S.; revising membership
250 requirements for the governing body of the
251 Jacksonville Transportation Authority; amending ss.
252 110.205, 322.27, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, and
253 493.6403, F.S.; conforming cross-references and
254 provisions to changes made by the act; requiring the
255 department to coordinate with state agencies and water
256 management districts to establish a workgroup for a
257 certain purpose relating to statewide mapping
258 programs; providing that the department is the lead
259 agency for the development and review of certain
260 policies, practices, and standards for a specified
261 fiscal year; authorizing the department to issue a
262 request for proposals for the procurement of a program
263 to manage certain survey, mapping, and data
264 collection; requiring the department, in coordination
265 with the workgroup, to review state statutes and
266 policies related to geospatial data sharing and make
267 certain recommendations to the Legislature by a
268 certain date; providing requirements for such
269 recommendations; providing an effective date.
270
271 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
272
273 Section 1. Present subsections (3) through (6) of section
274 20.23, Florida Statutes, are redesignated as subsections (4)
275 through (7), respectively, a new subsection (3) is added to that
276 section, and paragraph (d) of subsection (1), paragraphs (a),
277 (b), and (g) of subsection (2), and paragraph (b) of present
278 subsection (3) of that section are amended, to read:
279 20.23 Department of Transportation.—There is created a
280 Department of Transportation which shall be a decentralized
281 agency.
282 (1)
283 (d) The secretary may appoint up to three assistant
284 secretaries, who shall serve as the Chief Operations Officer,
285 Chief Finance and Administration Officer, and Chief Strategic
286 Development Officer, respectively; be directly responsible to
287 the secretary; and who shall perform such duties as are assigned
288 by the secretary. The secretary may also appoint an Executive
289 Director of Transportation Technology. Such assistant secretary
290 and executive director positions are exempt from career service
291 pursuant to s. 110.205(2)(j) and are included in the Senior
292 Management Service. The secretary shall designate to an
293 assistant secretary the duties related to enhancing economic
294 prosperity, including, but not limited to, the responsibility of
295 liaison with the head of economic development in the Executive
296 Office of the Governor. Such assistant secretary shall be
297 directly responsible for providing the Executive Office of the
298 Governor with investment opportunities and transportation
299 projects that expand the state’s role as a global hub for trade
300 and investment and enhance the supply chain system in the state
301 to process, assemble, and ship goods to markets throughout the
302 eastern United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
303 The secretary may delegate to any assistant secretary the
304 authority to act in the absence of the secretary.
305 (2)(a)1. The Florida Transportation Commission is hereby
306 created and shall be composed consist of nine members appointed
307 by the Governor subject to confirmation by the Senate. Members
308 of the commission shall serve terms of 4 years each.
309 2. Members shall be appointed in such a manner as to
310 equitably represent all geographic areas of the state. Each
311 member must be a registered voter and a citizen of the state. At
312 least three members of the commission must be representatives of
313 or possess expertise in the higher education, transportation, or
314 workforce development industries Each member of the commission
315 must also possess business managerial experience in the private
316 sector.
317 3. A member of the commission shall represent the
318 transportation needs of the state as a whole and may not
319 subordinate the needs of the state to those of any particular
320 area of the state.
321 4. The commission is assigned to the Office of the
322 Secretary of the Department of Transportation for administrative
323 and fiscal accountability purposes, but it shall otherwise
324 function independently of the control and direction of the
325 department.
326 (b) The commission shall:
327 1. Recommend major transportation policies for the
328 Governor’s approval and assure that approved policies and any
329 revisions are properly executed.
330 2. Periodically review the status of the state
331 transportation system, including highway, transit, rail,
332 seaport, intermodal development, and aviation components of the
333 system, and recommend improvements to the Governor and the
334 Legislature.
335 3. Perform an in-depth evaluation of the annual department
336 budget request, the Florida Transportation Plan, and the
337 tentative work program for compliance with all applicable laws
338 and established departmental policies. Except as specifically
339 provided in s. 339.135(4)(c)2., (d), and (f), the commission may
340 not consider individual construction projects but shall consider
341 methods of accomplishing the goals of the department in the most
342 effective, efficient, and businesslike manner.
343 4. Monitor the financial status of the department on a
344 regular basis to assure that the department is managing revenue
345 and bond proceeds responsibly and in accordance with law and
346 established policy.
347 5. Monitor on at least a quarterly basis the efficiency,
348 productivity, and management of the department using performance
349 and production standards developed by the commission pursuant to
350 s. 334.045.
351 6. Perform an in-depth evaluation of the factors causing
352 disruption of project schedules in the adopted work program and
353 recommend to the Governor and the Legislature methods to
354 eliminate or reduce the disruptive effects of these factors.
355 7. Recommend to the Governor and the Legislature
356 improvements to the department’s organization in order to
357 streamline and optimize the efficiency of the department. In
358 reviewing the department’s organization, the commission shall
359 determine if the current district organizational structure is
360 responsive to this state’s changing economic and demographic
361 development patterns. The report by the commission must be
362 delivered to the Governor and the Legislature by December 15
363 each year, as appropriate. The commission may retain experts as
364 necessary to carry out this subparagraph, and the department
365 shall pay the expenses of the experts.
366 8. Monitor the efficiency, productivity, and management of
367 the agencies and authorities created under chapters 348 and 349;
368 the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority re-created pursuant to chapter
369 2000-411, Laws of Florida; and any authority formed under
370 chapter 343; and any transit entity that receives funding under
371 the public transit block grant program pursuant to s. 341.052.
372 The commission shall also conduct periodic reviews of each
373 agency’s and authority’s operations and budget, acquisition of
374 property, management of revenue and bond proceeds, and
375 compliance with applicable laws and generally accepted
376 accounting principles.
377 (g) A member of the commission shall follow the standards
378 of conduct for public officers provided in s. 112.313 may not
379 have any interest, direct or indirect, in any contract,
380 franchise, privilege, or other benefit granted or awarded by the
381 department during the term of his or her appointment and for 2
382 years after the termination of such appointment.
383 (3) The Legislature finds that the transportation industry
384 is critical to the economic future of this state and that the
385 competitiveness of the industry in this state depends upon the
386 development and maintenance of a qualified workforce and
387 cutting-edge research and innovation. The Legislature further
388 finds that the transportation industry in this state has varied
389 and complex workforce needs ranging from technical and
390 mechanical training to continuing education opportunities for
391 workers with advanced degrees and certifications. The timely
392 need also exists for coordinated research and innovation efforts
393 to promote emerging technologies and innovative construction
394 methods and tools and to address alternative funding mechanisms.
395 It is the intent of the Legislature to support programs designed
396 to address the workforce development needs of the state’s
397 transportation industry.
398 (a) The Florida Transportation Research Institute is
399 created as a consortium of higher education professionals. The
400 purpose of the institute is to drive cutting-edge research,
401 innovation, transformational technologies, and breakthrough
402 solutions and to support workforce development efforts that
403 contribute to this state’s transportation industry.
404 (b) The mission of the institute is to advance the state’s
405 transportation infrastructure and systems through research,
406 education, and engagement for a safer and more efficient,
407 resilient, and innovative movement of people and goods
408 throughout this state.
409 (c) The institute shall report to the department and shall
410 be composed of members from the University of Florida, Indian
411 River State College, the University of Central Florida, the
412 University of South Florida, and Florida International
413 University. The department shall select a member to serve as the
414 administrative lead of the institute. The department shall
415 assess the performance of the administrative lead periodically
416 to ensure accountability and assess the attainment of
417 performance goals.
418 (d) The Secretary of Transportation shall appoint a
419 representative of the department to serve as the executive
420 director of the institute. The department shall coordinate with
421 the members of the institute to adopt policies establishing the
422 institute’s executive committee and mission statement.
423 (e) The institute may award grants in alignment with its
424 purpose. Such grants may be directed to member and nonmember
425 institutions that have a proven expertise relevant to the grant,
426 including not-for-profit organizations and institutions of
427 higher education.
428 (f) The department may allocate funds to the institute from
429 the State Transportation Trust Fund. The institute may expend
430 such funds for the institute’s operations and programs to
431 support research and innovation projects that provide solutions
432 for this state’s transportation needs.
433 (g) The institute shall submit an annual report of
434 performance metrics to the Secretary of Transportation and the
435 commission. The report must include, but is not limited to,
436 expenditures of funds allocated to the institute by the
437 department, ongoing and proposed research efforts, and the
438 application and success of past research efforts.
439 (4)(3)
440 (b) The secretary may appoint positions at the level of
441 deputy assistant secretary or director which the secretary deems
442 necessary to accomplish the mission and goals of the department,
443 including, but not limited to, the areas of program
444 responsibility provided in this paragraph, each of whom shall be
445 appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the secretary. The
446 secretary may combine, separate, or delete offices as needed in
447 consultation with the Executive Office of the Governor. The
448 department’s areas of program responsibility include, but are
449 not limited to, all of the following:
450 1. Administration.
451 2. Planning.
452 3. Supply chain and modal development.
453 4. Design.
454 5. Highway operations.
455 6. Right-of-way.
456 7. Toll operations.
457 8. Transportation technology.
458 9. Information technology systems.
459 10. Motor carrier weight inspection.
460 11. Work program and budget.
461 12. Comptroller.
462 13. Construction.
463 14. Statewide corridors.
464 15. Maintenance.
465 16. Forecasting and performance.
466 17. Emergency management.
467 18. Safety.
468 19. Materials.
469 20. Infrastructure and innovation.
470 21. Permitting.
471 22. Traffic operations.
472 23. Operational technology.
473 Section 2. Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of section
474 311.07, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
475 311.07 Florida seaport transportation and economic
476 development funding.—
477 (3)
478 (b) Projects eligible for funding by grants under the
479 program are limited to the following port facilities or port
480 transportation projects:
481 1. Transportation facilities within the jurisdiction of the
482 port.
483 2. The dredging or deepening of channels, turning basins,
484 or harbors.
485 3. The construction or rehabilitation of wharves, docks,
486 structures, jetties, piers, storage facilities, cruise
487 terminals, automated people mover systems, or any facilities
488 necessary or useful in connection with any of the foregoing.
489 4. The acquisition of vessel tracking systems, container
490 cranes, or other mechanized equipment used in the movement of
491 cargo or passengers in international commerce.
492 5. The acquisition of land to be used for port purposes.
493 6. The acquisition, improvement, enlargement, or extension
494 of existing port facilities.
495 7. Environmental protection projects which are necessary
496 because of requirements imposed by a state agency as a condition
497 of a permit or other form of state approval; which are necessary
498 for environmental mitigation required as a condition of a state,
499 federal, or local environmental permit; which are necessary for
500 the acquisition of spoil disposal sites and improvements to
501 existing and future spoil sites; or which result from the
502 funding of eligible projects listed in this paragraph.
503 8. Transportation facilities as defined in s. 334.03(30)
504 which are not otherwise part of the Department of
505 Transportation’s adopted work program.
506 9. Intermodal access projects.
507 10. Construction or rehabilitation of port facilities as
508 defined in s. 315.02, excluding any park or recreational
509 facilities, in ports listed in s. 311.09(1) with operating
510 revenues of $5 million or less, provided that such projects
511 create economic development opportunities, capital improvements,
512 and positive financial returns to such ports.
513 11. Seaport master plan or strategic plan development or
514 updates, including the purchase of data to support such plans.
515 12. Spaceport or space industry-related planning or
516 construction of facilities on seaport property which are
517 necessary or useful for advancing the space industry in this
518 state and provide an economic benefit to this state.
519 13. Commercial shipbuilding and manufacturing facilities on
520 seaport property, if such projects provide an economic benefit
521 to the community in which the seaport is located.
522 Section 3. Subsections (1) and (3) of section 311.09,
523 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
524 311.09 Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic
525 Development Council.—
526 (1) The Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic
527 Development Council is created within the Department of
528 Transportation. The purpose of the council is to support the
529 growth of seaports in this state through review, development,
530 and financing of port transportation and port facilities. The
531 council is composed consists of the following 18 members: the
532 port director, or the port director’s designee, of each of the
533 ports of Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Port Citrus, Fort Pierce,
534 Palm Beach, Port Everglades, Miami, Port Manatee, St.
535 Petersburg, Putnam County, Tampa, Port St. Joe, Panama City,
536 Pensacola, Key West, and Fernandina; the secretary of the
537 Department of Transportation or his or her designee; and the
538 secretary of the Department of Commerce or his or her designee.
539 (3) The council shall prepare a 5-year Florida Seaport
540 Mission Plan defining the goals and objectives of the council
541 concerning the development of port facilities and an intermodal
542 transportation system consistent with the goals of the Florida
543 Transportation Plan developed pursuant to s. 339.155. The
544 Florida Seaport Mission Plan shall include specific
545 recommendations for the construction of transportation
546 facilities connecting any port to another transportation mode,
547 the construction of transportation facilities connecting any
548 port to the space and aerospace industries, and for the
549 efficient, cost-effective development of transportation
550 facilities or port facilities for the purpose of enhancing
551 trade, promoting cargo flow, increasing cruise passenger
552 movements, increasing port revenues, and providing economic
553 benefits to the state. The council shall develop a priority list
554 of projects based on these recommendations annually and submit
555 the list to the Department of Transportation. The council shall
556 update the 5-year Florida Seaport Mission Plan annually and
557 shall submit the plan no later than February 1 of each year to
558 the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of
559 Representatives, the Department of Commerce, and the Department
560 of Transportation. The council shall develop programs, based on
561 an examination of existing programs in Florida and other states,
562 for the training of minorities and secondary school students in
563 job skills associated with employment opportunities in the
564 maritime industry, and report on progress and recommendations
565 for further action to the President of the Senate and the
566 Speaker of the House of Representatives annually. Each port
567 member of the council shall submit a semiannual report related
568 to his or her port’s operations and support of the state’s
569 economic competitiveness and supply chain. Reports must be
570 submitted to the Department of Transportation and include any
571 information required by the Department of Transportation in
572 consultation with the Department of Commerce. Such reports must
573 include, but are not limited to, all of the following
574 information:
575 (a) Bulk break capacity.
576 (b) Liquid storage and capacity.
577 (c) Fuel storage and capacity.
578 (d) Container capacity.
579 (e) A description of any supply chain disruption.
580 Section 4. Subsection (4) is added to section 311.10,
581 Florida Statutes, to read:
582 311.10 Strategic Port Investment Initiative.—
583 (4) As a condition of receiving a project grant under any
584 program established in this chapter and as a condition of
585 receiving state funds as described in s. 215.31, a seaport
586 located in any county identified in s. 331.304(1), (5), or (7)
587 must include in any agreement with the Department of
588 Transportation that the seaport may not convert any planned or
589 existing land, facility, or infrastructure designated for cargo
590 purposes to any alternative purpose unless the conversion is
591 approved by the seaport at a publicly noticed meeting as a
592 separate line item on the agenda and with a reasonable
593 opportunity for public comment. If the conversion is approved by
594 the seaport, express approval must be obtained by the Florida
595 Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council and the
596 Florida Transportation Commission upon recommendation by the
597 funding agency. As used in this subsection, the term “cargo
598 purposes” includes, but is not limited to, any facility,
599 activity, property, energy source, or infrastructure asset that
600 supports spaceport activities.
601 Section 5. Present subsection (8) of section 311.101,
602 Florida Statutes, is redesignated as subsection (9), a new
603 subsection (8) is added to that section, and subsection (2) of
604 that section is amended, to read:
605 311.101 Intermodal Logistics Center Infrastructure Support
606 Program.—
607 (2) For the purposes of this section, the term “intermodal
608 logistics center,” including, but not limited to, an “inland
609 port,” means a facility or group of facilities serving as a
610 point of intermodal transfer of freight in a specific area
611 physically separated from a seaport where activities relating to
612 transport, logistics, goods distribution, consolidation, or
613 value-added activities are carried out and whose activities and
614 services are designed to support or be supported by conveyance
615 or shipping through one or more seaports listed in s. 311.09 or
616 airports as defined in s. 330.27.
617 (8)(a) There is created within the Department of
618 Transportation an intermodal logistics center working group. The
619 purpose of the working group is to coordinate the planning and
620 development of intermodal logistics centers across this state.
621 The working group shall be composed of the following members:
622 1. The Secretary of Transportation, or his or her designee.
623 2. The Secretary of Commerce, or his or her designee.
624 3. The Commissioner of Agriculture, or his or her designee.
625 4. One member from a seaport listed in s. 311.09(1),
626 appointed by the Secretary of Transportation.
627 5. One member from an airport, appointed by the Secretary
628 of Transportation.
629 6. One member from an intermodal logistics center,
630 appointed by the Secretary of Transportation.
631 7. One member from the agricultural industry, appointed by
632 the Commissioner of Agriculture.
633 8. One member from the trucking industry, appointed by the
634 Secretary of Transportation.
635 9. One member from the freight rail industry, appointed by
636 the Secretary of Transportation.
637 10. One member from the passenger rail industry, appointed
638 by the Secretary of Transportation.
639 11. One member from a business located within an intermodal
640 logistics center, appointed by the Secretary of Commerce.
641 12. One member from a local workforce development board
642 created pursuant to chapter 445, appointed by the president of
643 CareerSource Florida, Inc.
644 (b) The Secretary of Transportation, or his or her
645 designee, shall serve as the chair of the working group. The
646 Secretary of Commerce, or his or her designee, shall serve as
647 vice chair of the working group.
648 (c) Members of the working group shall serve without
649 compensation but are eligible for per diem and travel expenses
650 pursuant to s. 112.061.
651 (d) The working group is responsible for all of the
652 following:
653 1. Conducting a study of regional needs regarding
654 intermodal logistics centers, including a breakdown of urban
655 versus rural locations for intermodal logistics centers.
656 2. Determining the statewide benefits of intermodal
657 logistics centers.
658 3. Evaluating the impact of existing and proposed freight
659 and passenger rail service on existing rail corridors and the
660 need for any additional rail capacity.
661 4. Evaluating key criteria used by the state to expand and
662 develop the intermodal logistics center network through the use
663 of the Strategic Intermodal System created pursuant to ss.
664 339.61-339.651, including any recommended changes to state law.
665 5. Evaluating the readiness of existing and proposed
666 locations for intermodal logistics centers and developing a list
667 of improvements that may be necessary to attract businesses to
668 those centers.
669 6. Evaluating and recommending potential state policies
670 that would enhance the development of a long-term statewide
671 strategy regarding intermodal logistics centers.
672 7. Evaluating the operations of freight logistics zones as
673 defined in s. 311.103(1), including the processes for their
674 designation and funding.
675 (e) On or before January 1, 2027, the working group shall
676 submit a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate,
677 and the Speaker of the House of Representatives providing the
678 working group’s findings and recommendations regarding the
679 responsibilities listed in paragraph (d).
680 (f) This subsection is repealed on June 30, 2027.
681 Section 6. Subsection (83) of section 316.003, Florida
682 Statutes, is amended to read:
683 316.003 Definitions.—The following words and phrases, when
684 used in this chapter, shall have the meanings respectively
685 ascribed to them in this section, except where the context
686 otherwise requires:
687 (83) SPECIAL MOBILE EQUIPMENT.—Any vehicle not designed or
688 used primarily for the transportation of persons or property and
689 only incidentally operated or moved over a highway, including,
690 but not limited to, ditchdigging apparatus, well-boring
691 apparatus, and road construction and maintenance machinery, such
692 as asphalt spreaders, bituminous mixers, bucket loaders,
693 tractors other than truck tractors, ditchers, leveling graders,
694 finishing machines, motor graders, road rollers, scarifiers,
695 earthmoving carryalls and scrapers, power shovels and draglines,
696 mobile and self-propelled cranes and accessory support vehicles,
697 and earthmoving equipment. The term does not include house
698 trailers, dump trucks, truck-mounted transit mixers, cranes or
699 shovels, or other vehicles designed for the transportation of
700 persons or property to which machinery has been attached.
701 Section 7. Section 316.0741, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
702 Section 8. Subsection (7) of section 316.0745, Florida
703 Statutes, is amended to read:
704 316.0745 Uniform signals and devices.—
705 (7) The Department of Transportation may, upon receipt and
706 investigation of reported noncompliance and after hearing
707 pursuant to 14 days’ notice, direct the removal of any purported
708 traffic control device that fails to meet the requirements of
709 this section, wherever the device is located and without regard
710 to assigned responsibility under s. 316.1895. The public agency
711 erecting or installing the same shall immediately bring it into
712 compliance with the requirements of this section or remove said
713 device or signal upon the direction of the Department of
714 Transportation and may not, for a period of 5 years, install any
715 replacement or new traffic control devices paid for in part or
716 in full with revenues raised by the state unless written prior
717 approval is received from the Department of Transportation. Any
718 additional violation by a public body or official shall be cause
719 for the withholding of state funds deposited in the State
720 Transportation Trust Fund for traffic control purposes until
721 such public body or official demonstrates to the Department of
722 Transportation that it is complying with this section.
723 Section 9. Subsection (3) of section 316.550, Florida
724 Statutes, is amended to read:
725 316.550 Operations not in conformity with law; special
726 permits.—
727 (3) Notwithstanding subsection (2), the Department of
728 Transportation may issue a mobile crane special blanket permit
729 for any of the following purposes:
730 (a) To authorize a mobile crane to operate on and A permit
731 may authorize a self-propelled truck crane operating off the
732 Interstate Highway System while towing to tow a motor vehicle
733 that which does not weigh more than 5,000 pounds if the combined
734 weight of the crane and such motor vehicle does not exceed
735 95,000 pounds. Notwithstanding s. 320.01(7) or (12), mobile
736 truck cranes that tow another motor vehicle under the provision
737 of this subsection shall be taxed under the provisions of s.
738 320.08(5)(b).
739 (b) To authorize a mobile crane and accessory support
740 vehicles that are up to 12 feet in width, 14 feet 6 inches in
741 height, and 100 feet in length to operate on and off the
742 Interstate Highway System at all hours except as restricted
743 under a local travel-related curfew.
744 (c) To authorize a mobile crane and accessory support
745 vehicles that, due to their design for special use, exceed the
746 weight limits established in s. 316.535 to operate on and off
747 the Interstate Highway System.
748 Section 10. Subsections (1) and (3), paragraphs (a) and (c)
749 of subsection (4), and subsection (6) of section 320.084,
750 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
751 320.084 Free motor vehicle license plate to certain
752 disabled veterans.—
753 (1) One free disabled veteran “DV” motor vehicle license
754 number plate shall be issued by the department for use on any
755 motor vehicle owned or leased by any disabled veteran who has
756 been a resident of this state continuously for the preceding 5
757 years or has established a domicile in this state as provided by
758 s. 222.17(1), (2), or (3), and who has been honorably discharged
759 from the United States Armed Forces, upon application,
760 accompanied by proof that:
761 (a) A vehicle was initially acquired through financial
762 assistance by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs
763 or its predecessor specifically for the purchase of an
764 automobile;
765 (b) The applicant has been determined by the United States
766 Department of Veterans Affairs or its predecessor to have a
767 service-connected 100-percent disability rating for
768 compensation; or
769 (c) The applicant has been determined to have a service
770 connected disability rating of 100 percent and is in receipt of
771 disability retirement pay from any branch of the United States
772 Armed Services.
773 (3) The department shall, as it deems necessary, require
774 each person to whom a motor vehicle license plate has been
775 issued pursuant to subsection (1) to apply to the department for
776 reissuance of his or her registration license plate. Upon
777 receipt of the application and proof of the applicant’s
778 continued eligibility, the department shall issue a new
779 permanent disabled veteran “DV” numerical motor vehicle license
780 plate which shall be of the colors red, white, and blue similar
781 to the colors of the United States flag. The operation of a
782 motor vehicle displaying a disabled veteran “DV” license plate
783 from a previous issue period or a noncurrent validation sticker
784 after the date specified by the department shall subject the
785 owner if he or she is present, otherwise the operator, to the
786 penalty provided in s. 318.18(2). Such permanent license plate
787 shall be removed upon sale of the vehicle, but may be
788 transferred to another vehicle owned by such veteran in the
789 manner prescribed by law. The license number of each plate
790 issued under this section shall be identified by the letter
791 designation “DV.” Upon request of any such veteran, the
792 department is authorized to issue a designation plate containing
793 only the letters “DV,” to be displayed on the front of the
794 vehicle.
795 (4)(a) With the issuance of each new permanent disabled
796 veteran “DV” numerical motor vehicle license plate, the
797 department shall initially issue, without cost to the applicant,
798 a validation sticker reflecting the owner’s birth month and a
799 serially numbered validation sticker reflecting the year of
800 expiration. The initial sticker reflecting the year of
801 expiration may not exceed 27 months.
802 (c) Registration under this section shall be renewed
803 annually or biennially during the applicable renewal period on
804 forms prescribed by the department, which shall include, in
805 addition to any other information required by the department, a
806 certified statement as to the continued eligibility of the
807 applicant to receive the special disabled veteran “DV” license
808 plate. Any applicant who falsely or fraudulently submits to the
809 department the certified statement required by this paragraph is
810 guilty of a noncriminal violation and is subject to a civil
811 penalty of $50.
812 (6)(a) A disabled veteran who meets the requirements of
813 subsection (1) may be issued, in lieu of the disabled veteran
814 “DV” license plate, a military license plate for which he or she
815 is eligible or a specialty license plate embossed with the
816 initials “DV” in the top left-hand corner. A disabled veteran
817 electing a military license plate or specialty license plate
818 under this subsection must pay all applicable fees related to
819 such license plate, except for fees otherwise waived under
820 subsections (1) and (4).
821 (b) A military license plate or specialty license plate
822 elected under this subsection:
823 1. Does not provide the protections or rights afforded by
824 ss. 316.1955, 316.1964, 320.0848, 526.141, and 553.5041.
825 2. is not eligible for the international symbol of
826 accessibility as described in s. 320.0842.
827 Section 11. Paragraph (e) of subsection (2) of section
828 320.0848, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
829 320.0848 Persons who have disabilities; issuance of
830 disabled parking permits; temporary permits; permits for certain
831 providers of transportation services to persons who have
832 disabilities.—
833 (2) DISABLED PARKING PERMIT; PERSONS WITH LONG-TERM
834 MOBILITY PROBLEMS.—
835 (e) A person who qualifies for a disabled parking permit
836 under this section may be issued an international wheelchair
837 user symbol license plate under s. 320.0843 in lieu of the
838 disabled parking permit; or, if the person qualifies for a
839 disabled veteran “DV” license plate under s. 320.084, such a
840 license plate may be issued to him or her in lieu of a disabled
841 parking permit.
842 Section 12. Section 330.27, Florida Statutes, is amended to
843 read:
844 330.27 Definitions, when used in ss. 330.29-330.39.—
845 (1) “Air ambulance operation” means a flight with a patient
846 or medical personnel on board for the purpose of medical
847 transportation.
848 (2) “Aircraft” means a powered or unpowered machine or
849 device capable of atmospheric flight, including, but not limited
850 to, an airplane, an autogyro, a glider, a gyrodyne, a
851 helicopter, a lift and cruise, a multicopter, paramotors, a
852 powered lift, a seaplane, a tiltrotor, an ultralight, and a
853 vectored thrust. The term does not include except a parachute or
854 other such device used primarily as safety equipment.
855 (3)(2) “Airport” means a specific an area of land or water
856 or a structure used for, or intended to be used for, aircraft
857 operations, which may include landing and takeoff of aircraft,
858 including appurtenant areas, buildings, facilities, or rights
859 of-way necessary to facilitate such use or intended use. The
860 term includes, but is not limited to, airparks, airports,
861 gliderports, heliports, helistops, seaplane bases, ultralight
862 flightparks, vertiports, and vertistops.
863 (4) “Commercial air tour operation” means a flight
864 conducted for compensation or hire in an aircraft where a
865 purpose of the flight is sightseeing.
866 (5) “Commuter operation” means any scheduled operation
867 conducted by a person operating an aircraft with a frequency of
868 operations of at least five round trips per week on at least one
869 route between two or more points according to the published
870 flight schedule.
871 (6)(3) “Department” means the Department of Transportation.
872 (7)(4) “Limited airport” means any airport limited
873 exclusively to the specific conditions stated on the site
874 approval order or license.
875 (8) “On-demand operation” means any scheduled passenger
876 carrying operation for compensation or hire conducted by a
877 person operating an aircraft with a frequency of operations of
878 fewer than five round trips per week on at least one route
879 between two or more points according to the published flight
880 schedule.
881 (9)(5) “Private airport” means an airport, publicly or
882 privately owned, which is not open or available for use by the
883 public, but may be made available to others by invitation of the
884 owner or manager.
885 (10) “Private airport of public interest” means a private
886 airport engaged in air ambulance operations, commercial air tour
887 operations, commuter operations, on-demand operations, public
888 charter operations, scheduled operations, or supplemental
889 operations.
890 (11)(6) “Public airport” means an airport, publicly or
891 privately owned, which is open for use by the public.
892 (12) “Public charter operation” means a one-way or round
893 trip charter flight performed by one or more direct air carriers
894 which is arranged and sponsored by a charter operator.
895 (13) “Scheduled operation” means any common carriage
896 passenger-carrying operation for compensation or hire conducted
897 by an air carrier or commercial operator for which the
898 certificateholder or its representative offers in advance the
899 departure location, departure time, and arrival location.
900 (14) “Supplemental operation” means any common carriage
901 operation for compensation or hire conducted with an aircraft
902 for which the departure time, departure location, and arrival
903 location are specifically negotiated with the customer or
904 customer’s representative.
905 (15)(7) “Temporary airport” means an airport at which
906 flight operations are conducted under visual flight rules
907 established by the Federal Aviation Administration and which is
908 used for less than 30 consecutive days with no more than 10
909 operations per day.
910 (8) “Ultralight aircraft” means any aircraft meeting the
911 criteria established by part 103 of the Federal Aviation
912 Regulations.
913 Section 13. Subsections (2) and (4) of section 330.30,
914 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
915 330.30 Approval of airport sites; registration,
916 certification, and licensure of airports.—
917 (2) LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND REGISTRATIONS;
918 REQUIREMENTS, RENEWAL, REVOCATION.—
919 (a) Except as provided in subsection (3), the owner or
920 lessee of an airport in this state shall have a public airport
921 license, private airport registration, or temporary airport
922 registration before the operation of aircraft to or from the
923 airport. Application for a license or registration shall be made
924 in a form and manner prescribed by the department.
925 1. For a public airport, upon granting site approval, the
926 department shall issue a license after a final airport
927 inspection finds the airport to be in compliance with all
928 requirements for the license. The license may be subject to any
929 reasonable conditions the department deems necessary to protect
930 the public health, safety, or welfare.
931 2. For a private airport, upon granting site approval, the
932 department shall provide controlled electronic access to the
933 state aviation facility data system to permit the applicant to
934 complete the registration process. Registration shall be
935 completed upon self-certification by the registrant of
936 operational and configuration data deemed necessary by the
937 department.
938 3. For a temporary airport, the department must publish
939 notice of receipt of a completed registration application in the
940 next available publication of the Florida Administrative
941 Register and may not approve a registration application less
942 than 14 days after the date of publication of the notice. The
943 department must approve or deny a registration application
944 within 30 days after receipt of a completed application and must
945 issue the temporary airport registration concurrent with the
946 airport site approval. A completed registration application that
947 is not approved or denied within 30 days after the department
948 receives the completed application is considered approved and
949 shall be issued, subject to such reasonable conditions as are
950 authorized by law. An applicant seeking to claim registration by
951 default under this subparagraph must notify the agency clerk of
952 the department, in writing, of the intent to rely upon the
953 default registration provision of this subparagraph and may not
954 take any action based upon the default registration until after
955 receipt of such notice by the agency clerk.
956 4. A private airport of public interest must obtain a
957 certificate from the department before allowing aircraft
958 operations. The department shall issue a certificate after a
959 final inspection finds the airport to be in compliance with all
960 certificate requirements. The certificate is subject to any
961 reasonable conditions the department deems necessary to protect
962 the public. A private airport that was engaged in operations
963 associated with a private airport of public interest on or
964 before July 1, 2025, must obtain a certificate from the
965 department by July 1, 2030.
966 (b) The department may license a public airport that does
967 not meet standards only if it determines that such exception is
968 justified by unusual circumstances or is in the interest of
969 public convenience and does not endanger the public health,
970 safety, or welfare. Such a license shall bear the designation
971 “special” and shall state the conditions subject to which the
972 license is granted.
973 (c) A temporary airport license or registration shall be
974 valid for less than 30 days and is not renewable. The department
975 may not approve a subsequent temporary airport registration
976 application for the same general location if the purpose or
977 effect is to evade otherwise applicable airport permitting or
978 licensure requirements.
979 (d)1. Each public airport license shall expire no later
980 than 1 year after the effective date of the license, except that
981 the expiration date of a license may be adjusted to provide a
982 maximum license period of 18 months to facilitate airport
983 inspections, recognize seasonal airport operations, or improve
984 administrative efficiency.
985 2. Registration for private airports shall remain valid
986 provided specific elements of airport data, established by the
987 department, are periodically recertified by the airport
988 registrant. The ability to recertify private airport
989 registration data shall be available at all times by electronic
990 submittal. A private airport registration that has not been
991 recertified in the 24-month period following the last
992 certification shall expire, unless the registration period has
993 been adjusted by the department for purposes of informing
994 private airport owners of their registration responsibilities or
995 promoting administrative efficiency. The expiration date of the
996 current registration period will be clearly identifiable from
997 the state aviation facility data system.
998 3. The effective date and expiration date shall be shown on
999 public airport licenses. Upon receiving an application for
1000 renewal of an airport license in a form and manner prescribed by
1001 the department and receiving a favorable inspection report
1002 indicating compliance with all applicable requirements and
1003 conditions, the department shall renew the license, subject to
1004 any conditions deemed necessary to protect the public health,
1005 safety, or welfare.
1006 4. The department may require a new site approval for any
1007 airport if the license or registration has expired.
1008 5. If the renewal application for a public airport license
1009 has not been received by the department or no private airport
1010 registration recertification has been accomplished within 15
1011 days after the date of expiration, the department may revoke the
1012 airport license or registration.
1013 6. After initial registration, the department may issue a
1014 certificate to a private airport of public interest if the
1015 airport is found, after a physical inspection, to be in
1016 compliance with all certificate requirements. The certificate is
1017 subject to any reasonable condition that the department deems
1018 necessary to protect the public health, safety, or welfare. A
1019 private airport of public interest certificate expires 5 years
1020 after the effective date of the certificate.
1021 (e) The department may revoke, or refuse to allow or issue,
1022 any airport registration or recertification, or any license or
1023 license renewal, if it determines:
1024 1. That the site has been abandoned as an airport;
1025 2. That the airport does not comply with the conditions of
1026 the license, license renewal, or site approval;
1027 3. That the airport has become either unsafe or unusable
1028 for flight operation due to physical or legal changes in
1029 conditions that were the subject of approval; or
1030 4. That an airport required to file or update a security
1031 plan pursuant to paragraph (f) has failed to do so.
1032 (f)1. After initial licensure, a license of a publicly or
1033 privately owned general aviation airport that is open to the
1034 public, that has at least one runway greater than 4,999 feet in
1035 length, and that does not host scheduled passenger-carrying
1036 commercial service operations regulated under 14 C.F.R. part 139
1037 shall not be renewed or reissued unless an approved security
1038 plan has been filed with the department, except when the
1039 department determines that the airport is working in good faith
1040 toward completion and filing of the plan.
1041 2. Security plans required by this paragraph must be
1042 developed in accordance with the 2004 Security Planning for
1043 General Aviation Airports guidelines published by the Florida
1044 Airports Council. Certain administrative data from the approved
1045 security plan shall be submitted to the Department of Law
1046 Enforcement, in a format prescribed by the Department of Law
1047 Enforcement, for use in protecting critical infrastructure of
1048 the state.
1049 3. The department shall not approve a security plan for
1050 filing unless it is consistent with Florida Airports Council
1051 guidelines.
1052 4. An airport required to file a security plan pursuant to
1053 this paragraph shall update its plan at least once every 2 years
1054 after the initial filing date and file the updated plan with the
1055 department. The department shall review the updated plan prior
1056 to approving it for filing to determine whether it is consistent
1057 with Florida Airports Council guidelines. No renewal license
1058 shall be issued to the airport unless the department approves
1059 the updated security plan or determines that the airport is
1060 working in good faith to update it.
1061 (4) EXCEPTIONS.—Private airports with 10 or more based
1062 aircraft may request to be inspected and licensed by the
1063 department. Private airports licensed according to this
1064 subsection shall be considered private airports as defined in s.
1065 330.27 s. 330.27(5) in all other respects.
1066 Section 14. Section 330.355, Florida Statutes, is created
1067 to read:
1068 330.355 Prohibition on landing fees for certain aircraft
1069 operations.—A publicly owned airport in this state may not
1070 charge a landing fee established on or after January 1, 2025,
1071 for aircraft operations conducted by an accredited nonprofit
1072 institution located in this state which offers a 4-year
1073 collegiate aviation program, if such aircraft operations are for
1074 flight training necessary for pilot certification and
1075 proficiency.
1076 Section 15. Section 331.371, Florida Statutes, is amended
1077 to read:
1078 331.371 Strategic space infrastructure investment.—
1079 (1) In consultation with Space Florida, the Department of
1080 Transportation may fund spaceport discretionary capacity
1081 improvement projects, as defined in s. 331.303, at up to 100
1082 percent of the project’s cost if:
1083 (a)(1) Important access and on-spaceport-territory space
1084 transportation capacity improvements are provided;
1085 (b)(2) Capital improvements that strategically position the
1086 state to maximize opportunities in international trade are
1087 achieved;
1088 (c)(3) Goals of an integrated intermodal transportation
1089 system for the state are achieved; and
1090 (d)(4) Feasibility and availability of matching funds
1091 through federal, local, or private partners are demonstrated.
1092 (2)(a) In consultation with the Department of Commerce and
1093 the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of
1094 Transportation may fund infrastructure projects, and projects
1095 associated with critical infrastructure facilities as defined in
1096 s. 692.201, within or outside of a spaceport territory as long
1097 as the project supports aerospace or launch support facilities
1098 within an adjacent spaceport territory boundary.
1099 (b) The Department of Transportation, the Department of
1100 Commerce, and the Department of Environmental Protection shall
1101 coordinate in funding projects under this subsection to optimize
1102 the use of available funds.
1103 Section 16. Section 332.003, Florida Statutes, is amended
1104 to read:
1105 332.003 Florida Airport Development and Accountability
1106 Assistance Act; short title.—Sections 332.003-332.007 may be
1107 cited as the “Florida Airport Development and Accountability
1108 Assistance Act.”
1109 Section 17. Section 332.005, Florida Statutes, is amended
1110 to read:
1111 332.005 Restrictions on authority of Department of
1112 Transportation.—
1113 (1) This act specifically prohibits the Department of
1114 Transportation from regulating commercial air carriers operating
1115 within the state pursuant to federal authority and regulations;
1116 from participating in or exercising control in the management
1117 and operation of a sponsor’s airport, except when officially
1118 requested by the sponsor; or from expanding the design or
1119 operational capability of the department in the area of airport
1120 and aviation consultants’ contract work, other than to provide
1121 technical assistance as requested.
1122 (2)(a) Notwithstanding subsection (1), upon the declaration
1123 of a state of emergency issued by the Governor in preparation
1124 for or in response to a natural disaster, airports shall, at no
1125 cost to the state, provide the Department of Transportation with
1126 the opportunity to use any property that is not subject to an
1127 existing lease agreement with a third party and that is not
1128 within the air navigation facility as defined in s. 332.01(4)
1129 for the staging of equipment and personnel to support emergency
1130 preparedness and response operations.
1131 (b) After 60 days of use under paragraph (a), any further
1132 use of airport property by the Department of Transportation must
1133 be conducted pursuant to a written agreement between the airport
1134 and the department.
1135 Section 18. Section 332.006, Florida Statutes, is amended
1136 to read:
1137 332.006 Duties and responsibilities of the Department of
1138 Transportation.—The Department of Transportation shall, within
1139 the resources provided to the department pursuant to chapter
1140 216:
1141 (1) Provide coordination and assistance for the development
1142 of a viable aviation system in this state. To support the
1143 system, a statewide aviation system plan shall be developed and
1144 periodically updated which summarizes 5-year, 10-year, and 20
1145 year airport and aviation needs within the state. The statewide
1146 aviation system plan shall be consistent with the goals of the
1147 Florida Transportation Plan developed pursuant to s. 339.155.
1148 The statewide aviation system plan shall not preempt local
1149 airport master plans adopted in compliance with federal and
1150 state requirements.
1151 (2) Advise and assist the Governor in all aviation matters.
1152 (3) Upon request, assist airport sponsors, both financially
1153 and technically, in airport master planning.
1154 (4) Upon request, provide financial and technical
1155 assistance to public agencies which operate public-use airports
1156 by making department personnel and department-owned facilities
1157 and equipment available on a cost-reimbursement basis to such
1158 agencies for special needs of limited duration. The requirement
1159 relating to reimbursement of personnel costs may be waived by
1160 the department in those cases in which the assistance provided
1161 by its personnel was of a limited nature or duration.
1162 (5) Participate in research and development programs
1163 relating to airports.
1164 (6) Administer department participation in the program of
1165 aviation and airport grants as provided for in ss. 332.003
1166 332.007.
1167 (7) Develop, promote, and distribute supporting information
1168 and educational services, including, but not limited to,
1169 educational services with a focus on retention and growth of the
1170 aviation industry workforce.
1171 (8) Encourage the maximum allocation of federal funds to
1172 local airport projects in this state.
1173 (9) Support the development of land located within the
1174 boundaries of airports for the purpose of industrial or other
1175 uses compatible with airport operations with the objective of
1176 assisting airports in this state to become fiscally self
1177 supporting. Such assistance may include providing state moneys
1178 on a matching basis to airport sponsors for capital
1179 improvements, including, but not limited to, fixed-base
1180 operation facilities, parking areas, industrial park utility
1181 systems, and road and rail transportation systems which are on
1182 airport property.
1183 Section 19. Subsection (5), paragraph (a) of subsection
1184 (7), and subsections (8) and (9) of section 332.007, Florida
1185 Statutes, are amended, and paragraph (c) is added to subsection
1186 (2) of that section, to read:
1187 332.007 Administration and financing of aviation and
1188 airport programs and projects; state plan.—
1189 (2)
1190 (c) Each commercial service airport as defined in s.
1191 332.0075 shall establish and maintain a comprehensive airport
1192 infrastructure program to ensure the ongoing preservation of
1193 airport infrastructure and facilities in safe and serviceable
1194 condition. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “airport
1195 infrastructure” means the facilities, systems, and structural
1196 components of an airport necessary for the safe and efficient
1197 movement of people and goods. Beginning November 1, 2025, and
1198 annually thereafter, each commercial service airport shall
1199 provide a certification to the department, in a manner
1200 prescribed by the department, that it has established and
1201 maintains a comprehensive airport infrastructure program. The
1202 comprehensive airport infrastructure program report, and related
1203 documents and records, must be open to inspection by the
1204 department and maintained by the airport for at least 5 years.
1205 The comprehensive airport infrastructure program must, at a
1206 minimum, include all of the following:
1207 1. Identification of airport infrastructure subject to
1208 inspection and the schedule for the completion of such
1209 inspections, taking into consideration the age, type, intended
1210 use, and criticality of the infrastructure to undisrupted
1211 commercial or cargo operations.
1212 2. A preventative maintenance program for routine
1213 maintenance of airport infrastructure, for both commercial and
1214 cargo operations.
1215 3. A plan to complete any necessary repairs to, or
1216 rehabilitation or reconstruction of, airport infrastructure,
1217 including prioritization and anticipated timeframe for
1218 completion of the work.
1219 4. A progress report of inspections and their outcomes,
1220 preventative maintenance, and previously identified repair to,
1221 or rehabilitation or reconstruction of, airport infrastructure.
1222 The progress report must include any changes in timeline for
1223 completion, changes in cost estimates, and reasons any
1224 inspection, preventative maintenance, or repair or
1225 rehabilitation did not take place.
1226 (5) Only those projects or programs provided for in this
1227 act that will contribute to the implementation of the state
1228 aviation system plan, that are consistent with the energy policy
1229 of the state as defined in s. 339.08(6)(a), that are consistent
1230 with and will contribute to the implementation of any airport
1231 master plan or layout plan, and that are consistent, to the
1232 maximum extent feasible, with the approved local government
1233 comprehensive plans of the units of government in which the
1234 airport is located are eligible for the expenditure of state
1235 funds in accordance with fund participation rates and priorities
1236 established herein.
1237 (7) Subject to the availability of appropriated funds in
1238 addition to aviation fuel tax revenues, the department may
1239 participate in the capital cost of eligible public airport and
1240 aviation discretionary capacity improvement projects. The annual
1241 legislative budget request shall be based on the funding
1242 required for discretionary capacity improvement projects in the
1243 aviation and airport work program.
1244 (a) The department shall provide priority funding in
1245 support of:
1246 1. Terminal and parking expansion projects that increase
1247 capacity at airports providing commercial service in counties
1248 with a population of 500,000 or less.
1249 2. Land acquisition which provides additional capacity at
1250 the qualifying international airport or at that airport’s
1251 supplemental air carrier airport.
1252 3.2. Runway and taxiway projects that add capacity or are
1253 necessary to accommodate technological changes in the aviation
1254 industry.
1255 4.3. Airport access transportation projects that improve
1256 direct airport access and are approved by the airport sponsor.
1257 5.4. International terminal projects that increase
1258 international gate capacity.
1259 6. Projects that improve safety and efficiency of airport
1260 operations.
1261 7. Emerging technology projects, workforce development
1262 projects, and projects that benefit the strategic intermodal
1263 system through intermodal connectivity.
1264 (8) The department may also fund eligible projects
1265 performed by not-for-profit organizations that represent a
1266 majority of public airports in this state and postsecondary
1267 education institutions as defined in s. 1008.47 that support the
1268 training of pilots, air traffic control personnel, or aircraft
1269 maintenance technical personnel. Eligible projects may include
1270 activities associated with aviation master planning,
1271 professional education, safety and security planning, enhancing
1272 economic development and efficiency at airports in this state,
1273 or other planning efforts to improve the viability and safety of
1274 airports in this state. Programs that support the transition of
1275 honorably discharged military personnel to the aviation industry
1276 are also eligible projects under this subsection. The department
1277 may provide matching funds for eligible projects funded by the
1278 Department of Commerce.
1279 (9) The department may fund strategic airport investment
1280 projects at up to 100 percent of the project’s cost if:
1281 (a) Important access and on-airport capacity improvements
1282 are provided;
1283 (b) Capital improvements that strategically position the
1284 state to maximize opportunities in tourism, international trade,
1285 logistics, and the aviation industry are provided;
1286 (c) Goals of an integrated intermodal transportation system
1287 for the state are achieved; and
1288 (d) Feasibility and availability of matching funds through
1289 federal, local, or private partners are demonstrated.
1290 Section 20. Paragraphs (a), (b), and (d) of subsection (1),
1291 subsection (2), and paragraph (a) of subsection (5) of section
1292 332.0075, Florida Statutes, are amended, and paragraph (c) is
1293 added to subsection (5) of that section, to read:
1294 332.0075 Commercial service airports; transparency and
1295 accountability; penalty.—
1296 (1) As used in this section, the term:
1297 (a) “Commercial service airport” means an airport providing
1298 commercial service, including large, medium, small, and nonhub
1299 airports as classified a primary airport as defined in 49 U.S.C.
1300 s. 47102 which is classified as a large, medium, or small hub
1301 airport by the Federal Aviation Administration.
1302 (b) “Consent agenda” means an agenda which consists of
1303 items voted on collectively or as a group and which does not
1304 provide the opportunity for public comment on each such item
1305 before approval or disapproval by the governing body.
1306 (d) “Governing body” means the governing body of the
1307 county, municipality, or special district that operates a
1308 commercial service airport. The term also includes an appointed
1309 board or oversight entity serving as the governing body for
1310 purposes of a commercial service airport on behalf of a county,
1311 municipality, or special district.
1312 (2) Each governing body shall establish and maintain a
1313 website to post information relating to the operation of a
1314 commercial service airport. The information must remain posted
1315 on the website for 5 years or for the entirety of the period
1316 during which the document is actively in use, whichever is
1317 longer, and must include all of the following, including:
1318 (a) All published notices of meetings and published meeting
1319 agendas of the governing body.
1320 (b) The official minutes of each meeting of the governing
1321 body, which must shall be posted within 7 business days after
1322 the date of the meeting in which the minutes were approved.
1323 (c) The approved budget for the commercial service airport
1324 for the current fiscal year, which shall be posted within 7
1325 business days after the date of adoption. Budgets must remain on
1326 the website for 5 2 years after the conclusion of the fiscal
1327 year for which they were adopted.
1328 (d) Copies of the current airport master plan and the
1329 immediately preceding airport master plan for the commercial
1330 service airport and a link to the current airport master plan
1331 for the commercial service airport on the commercial service
1332 airport’s website.
1333 (e) A link to all financial and statistical reports for the
1334 commercial service airport on the Federal Aviation
1335 Administration’s website.
1336 (f) Any contract or contract amendment for the purchase of
1337 commodities or contractual services executed by or on behalf of
1338 the commercial service airport in excess of the threshold amount
1339 provided in s. 287.017 for CATEGORY FIVE, which must shall be
1340 posted no later than 7 business days after the commercial
1341 service airport executes the contract or contract amendment.
1342 However, a contract or contract amendment may not reveal
1343 information made confidential or exempt by law. Each commercial
1344 service airport must redact confidential or exempt information
1345 from each contract or contract amendment before posting a copy
1346 on its website.
1347 (g) Position and rate information for each employee of the
1348 commercial service airport, including, at a minimum, the
1349 employee’s position title, position description, and annual or
1350 hourly salary. This information must shall be updated quarterly
1351 annually.
1352 (5)(a) Each November 1, the governing body of each
1353 commercial service airport shall submit the following
1354 information to the department:
1355 1. Its approved budget for the current fiscal year.
1356 2. Any financial reports submitted to the Federal Aviation
1357 Administration during the previous calendar year.
1358 3. A link to its website.
1359 4. A statement, verified as provided in s. 92.525, that it
1360 has complied with part III of chapter 112, chapter 287, and this
1361 section.
1362 5. The most recent copies of its strategic plans.
1363 6. Contracts related to any financial awards received
1364 through federally funded grant programs for the preceding year.
1365 (c) A commercial service airport shall:
1366 1. Notify the department within 48 hours after receiving a
1367 communication or directive from a federal agency relating to
1368 public health testing or the transfer of unauthorized aliens
1369 into this state.
1370 2. Notify the department as soon as is reasonably possible,
1371 but no later than 48 hours, after the discovery of a potential
1372 cybersecurity breach or other occurrence impacting the traveling
1373 public, a disruption in state aviation operations directly
1374 impacting multiple airports within this state, or an incident
1375 occurring on airport property which requires coordination with
1376 multiple local, state, or federal agencies.
1377 Section 21. Section 332.15, Florida Statutes, is created to
1378 read:
1379 332.15 Advanced air mobility.—The Department of
1380 Transportation shall:
1381 (1) Address the need for vertiports, advanced air mobility,
1382 and other advances in aviation technology in the statewide
1383 aviation system plan required under s. 332.006(1) and, as
1384 appropriate, in the department’s work program.
1385 (2) Designate a subject matter expert on advanced air
1386 mobility within the department to serve as a resource for local
1387 jurisdictions navigating advances in aviation technology.
1388 (3) Conduct a review of airport hazard zone regulations.
1389 (4) In coordination with the Department of Commerce,
1390 provide coordination and assistance for the development of a
1391 viable advanced air mobility system plan in this state. The
1392 department shall incorporate the plan into the statewide
1393 aviation system plan required under s. 332.006(1) to identify
1394 and develop statewide corridors of need and opportunities for
1395 industry growth.
1396 Section 22. Subsections (5) and (26) of section 334.044,
1397 Florida Statutes, are amended, and subsections (37), (38), and
1398 (39) are added to that section, to read:
1399 334.044 Powers and duties of the department.—The department
1400 shall have the following general powers and duties:
1401 (5) To purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire property and
1402 materials, including the purchase of promotional items as part
1403 of public information and education campaigns for the promotion
1404 of environmental management, scenic highways, traffic and train
1405 safety awareness, alternatives to single-occupant vehicle
1406 travel, commercial motor vehicle safety, workforce development,
1407 electric vehicle use and charging stations, autonomous vehicles,
1408 and context classification design for electric vehicles and
1409 autonomous vehicles; to purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire
1410 equipment and supplies; and to sell, exchange, or otherwise
1411 dispose of any property that is no longer needed by the
1412 department.
1413 (26) To provide for the enhancement of environmental
1414 benefits, including air and water quality; to prevent roadside
1415 erosion; to conserve the natural roadside growth and scenery;
1416 and to provide for the implementation and maintenance of
1417 roadside conservation, enhancement, and stabilization programs.
1418 (a) On an annual basis, an amount equal to at least 1.5
1419 percent of the total amount contracted for the average of the
1420 previous 3 completed fiscal years of construction projects shall
1421 be allocated by the department on a statewide basis for the
1422 purchase of plant materials to enhance State Highway System
1423 rights-of-way and arterial facilities. Such funds must be
1424 allocated on a statewide basis. Department districts may not
1425 expend funds for landscaping in connection with any project that
1426 is limited to resurfacing existing lanes unless the expenditure
1427 has been approved by the department’s secretary or the
1428 secretary’s designee.
1429 (b) To the greatest extent practical, at least 50 percent
1430 of the funds allocated under paragraph (a) this subsection shall
1431 be allocated for large plant materials and the remaining funds
1432 for other plant materials.
1433 (c) Except as prohibited by applicable federal law or
1434 regulation, all plant materials shall be purchased from Florida
1435 commercial nursery stock in this state on a uniform competitive
1436 bid basis. The department shall develop grades and standards for
1437 landscaping materials purchased through this process, which must
1438 include standards for landscaping materials native to specific
1439 regions of this state which are reflective of this state’s
1440 heritage and natural landscapes. To accomplish these activities,
1441 the department may contract with nonprofit organizations having
1442 the primary purpose of developing youth employment
1443 opportunities.
1444 (37) Notwithstanding s. 287.022 or s. 287.025, to directly
1445 enter into insurance contracts with local, national, or
1446 international insurance companies for the purchase of insurance
1447 coverage that the department is contractually and legally
1448 required to provide.
1449 (38) Notwithstanding s. 287.14, to purchase or acquire
1450 heavy equipment and motor vehicles for roadway operations and
1451 emergency response purposes regardless of whether the department
1452 exchanges or ceases to operate any department-owned heavy
1453 equipment or motor vehicles.
1454 (39) To adopt rules for the purpose of compliance with 49
1455 C.F.R. part 26 and any other applicable federal law.
1456 Section 23. Subsection (1) of section 334.045, Florida
1457 Statutes, is amended to read:
1458 334.045 Transportation performance and productivity
1459 standards; development; measurement; application.—
1460 (1) The Florida Transportation Commission shall develop and
1461 adopt measures for evaluating the performance and productivity
1462 of the department. The measures may be both quantitative and
1463 qualitative and must, to the maximum extent practical, assess
1464 those factors that are within the department’s control. The
1465 measures must, at a minimum, assess performance in the following
1466 areas:
1467 (a) Production;
1468 (b) Finance and administration;
1469 (c) Preservation of the current state system;
1470 (d) Safety of the current state system;
1471 (e) Capacity improvements: highways and all public
1472 transportation modes; and
1473 (f) The business development program established under s.
1474 337.027 Disadvantaged business enterprise and minority business
1475 programs.
1476 Section 24. Section 334.615, Florida Statutes, is created
1477 to read:
1478 334.615 Parking authority operations; interlocal
1479 agreements.—A parking authority created by special act may
1480 operate, manage, and control parking facilities in contiguous
1481 counties, municipalities, or other local governmental entities
1482 upon entering into interlocal agreements with the governing
1483 bodies of the appropriate contiguous counties, municipalities,
1484 or local governmental entities.
1485 Section 25. Section 334.62, Florida Statutes, is created to
1486 read:
1487 334.62 Florida Transportation Academy.—The Legislature
1488 finds that the growth and sustainability of the transportation
1489 industry workforce is vital to the continued success and
1490 efficiency of the state’s supply chain and economic
1491 competitiveness. In order to prioritize the continued need for
1492 transportation industry workforce development programs, the
1493 Florida Transportation Academy is established within the
1494 department. In order to support, promote, and sustain workforce
1495 development efforts in the transportation sector, the department
1496 may do all of the following:
1497 (1) Coordinate with the Department of Corrections to
1498 identify and create certification and training opportunities for
1499 nonviolent, scheduled-release inmates and create a notification
1500 process between the Department of Corrections and the department
1501 for nonviolent inmates with imminent scheduled-release dates who
1502 are expected to seek employment upon release.
1503 (2) Coordinate with the Department of Juvenile Justice and
1504 its educational partners to create certification and training
1505 opportunities for eligible youth.
1506 (3) Coordinate with veterans’ organizations to encourage
1507 veterans with honorable military discharge to pursue employment
1508 opportunities within the transportation industry, including, but
1509 not limited to, employment as pilots, mechanics, and air traffic
1510 controllers.
1511 (4) Coordinate with the Department of Commerce,
1512 CareerSource Florida, Inc., and regional business organizations,
1513 within and outside of the transportation industry, to further
1514 understand recruitment and retention needs and job-seeker
1515 pipelines.
1516 (5) Coordinate with the American Council of Engineering
1517 Companies and the Florida Transportation Builders Association to
1518 optimize workforce recruitment and retention and assess future
1519 needs across the transportation industry in this state.
1520 Section 26. Present paragraph (b) of subsection (3) of
1521 section 335.182, Florida Statutes, is redesignated as paragraph
1522 (c) and amended, and a new paragraph (b) is added to that
1523 subsection, to read:
1524 335.182 Regulation of connections to roads on State Highway
1525 System; definitions.—
1526 (3) As used in this act, the term:
1527 (b) “Modification of an existing connection” means the
1528 relocation, alteration, or closure of the connection.
1529 (c)(b) “Significant change” means:
1530 1. A change in the use of the property, including the
1531 development of land, structures, or facilities;, or
1532 2. An expansion of the size of the property, structures, or
1533 facilities causing an increase in the trip generation of the
1534 property exceeding 25 percent more trip generation, (either peak
1535 hour or daily,) and exceeding 100 vehicles per day more than the
1536 existing use.
1537 Section 27. Subsections (3) and (4) of section 335.187,
1538 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1539 335.187 Unpermitted connections; existing access permits;
1540 nonconforming permits; modification and revocation of permits.—
1541 (3) The department may issue a nonconforming access permit
1542 if denying after finding that to deny an access permit would
1543 leave the property without a reasonable means of access to the
1544 State Highway System. The department may specify limits on the
1545 maximum vehicular use of the connection and may condition be
1546 conditioned on the availability of future alternative means of
1547 access for which access permits can be obtained.
1548 (4) After written notice and the opportunity for a hearing,
1549 as provided for in s. 120.60, the department may modify or
1550 revoke an access permit issued after July 1, 1988, by requiring
1551 modification Relocation, alteration, or closure of an existing
1552 connection if:
1553 (a) A significant change occurs in the use, design, or
1554 traffic flow of the connection; or
1555 (b) It would jeopardize the safety of the public or have a
1556 negative impact upon the operational characteristics of the
1557 highway.
1558 Section 28. Section 337.027, Florida Statutes, is amended
1559 to read:
1560 337.027 Authority to implement a business development
1561 program.—
1562 (1) The department may establish a program for highway
1563 projects which would assist small businesses. The purpose of
1564 this program is to increase competition, lower prices, and
1565 provide increased support to meet the department’s future work
1566 program. The program may include, but is not limited to, setting
1567 aside contracts, providing preference points for the use of
1568 small businesses, providing special assistance in bidding and
1569 contract completion, waiving bond requirements, and implementing
1570 other strategies that would increase competition.
1571 (2) For purposes of this section, the term “small business”
1572 means a business with yearly average gross receipts of less than
1573 $25 $15 million for road and bridge contracts and less than $10
1574 $6.5 million for professional and nonprofessional services
1575 contracts. A business’ average gross receipts is determined by
1576 averaging its annual gross receipts over the last 3 years,
1577 including the receipts of any affiliate as defined in s.
1578 337.165.
1579 (3) The department may provide notice of opportunities for
1580 businesses qualified for this program.
1581 (4) The department may adopt rules to implement this
1582 section.
1583 Section 29. Subsection (6) of section 337.11, Florida
1584 Statutes, is amended to read:
1585 337.11 Contracting authority of department; bids; emergency
1586 repairs, supplemental agreements, and change orders; combined
1587 design and construction contracts; progress payments; records;
1588 requirements of vehicle registration.—
1589 (6)(a) If the secretary determines that an emergency in
1590 regard to the restoration or repair of any state transportation
1591 facility exists such that the delay incident to giving
1592 opportunity for competitive bidding would be detrimental to the
1593 interests of the state, the provisions for competitive bidding
1594 do not apply; and the department may enter into contracts for
1595 restoration or repair without giving opportunity for competitive
1596 bidding on such contracts. Within 30 days after such
1597 determination and contract execution, the head of the department
1598 shall file with the Executive Office of the Governor a written
1599 statement of the conditions and circumstances constituting such
1600 emergency.
1601 (b) If the secretary determines that delays on a contract
1602 for maintenance exist due to administrative challenges, bid
1603 protests, defaults or terminations and the further delay would
1604 reduce safety on the transportation facility or seriously hinder
1605 the department’s ability to preserve the state’s investment in
1606 that facility, competitive bidding provisions may be waived and
1607 the department may enter into a contract for maintenance on the
1608 facility. However, contracts for maintenance executed under the
1609 provisions of this paragraph shall be interim in nature and
1610 shall be limited in duration to a period of time not to exceed
1611 the length of the delay necessary to complete the competitive
1612 bidding process and have the contract in place.
1613 (c) When the department determines that it is in the best
1614 interest of the public for reasons of public concern, economy,
1615 improved operations, or safety, and only when circumstances
1616 dictate rapid completion of the work, the department may, up to
1617 the amount of $500,000, enter into contracts for construction
1618 and maintenance without advertising and receiving competitive
1619 bids. The department may enter into such contracts only upon a
1620 determination that the work is necessary for one of the
1621 following reasons:
1622 1. To ensure timely completion of projects or avoidance of
1623 undue delay for other projects;
1624 2. To accomplish minor repairs or construction and
1625 maintenance activities for which time is of the essence and for
1626 which significant cost savings would occur; or
1627 3. To accomplish nonemergency work necessary to ensure
1628 avoidance of adverse conditions that affect the safe and
1629 efficient flow of traffic.
1630
1631 The department shall make a good faith effort to obtain two or
1632 more quotes, if available, from qualified contractors before
1633 entering into any contract. The department shall give
1634 consideration to small disadvantaged business enterprise
1635 participation. However, when the work exists within the limits
1636 of an existing contract, the department shall make a good faith
1637 effort to negotiate and enter into a contract with the prime
1638 contractor on the existing contract.
1639 Section 30. Section 337.125, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
1640 Section 31. Section 337.135, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
1641 Section 32. Section 337.139, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
1642 Section 33. Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of section
1643 337.18, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1644 337.18 Surety bonds for construction or maintenance
1645 contracts; requirement with respect to contract award; bond
1646 requirements; defaults; damage assessments.—
1647 (1)(a) A surety bond shall be required of the successful
1648 bidder in an amount equal to the awarded contract price.
1649 However, the department may choose, in its discretion and
1650 applicable only to multiyear maintenance contracts, to allow for
1651 incremental annual contract bonds that cumulatively total the
1652 full, awarded, multiyear contract price;. The department may
1653 also choose, in its discretion and applicable only to phased
1654 design-build contracts under s. 337.11(7)(b), to allow the
1655 issuance of multiple contract performance and payment bonds in
1656 succession to align with each phase of the contract to meet the
1657 bonding requirement in this subsection; and, at the discretion
1658 of the Secretary of Transportation and notwithstanding any
1659 bonding requirement under s. 337.18, to require a surety bond in
1660 an amount that is less than the awarded contract price.
1661 1. The department may waive the requirement for all or a
1662 portion of a surety bond if:
1663 a. The contract price is $250,000 or less and the
1664 department determines that the project is of a noncritical
1665 nature and that nonperformance will not endanger public health,
1666 safety, or property;
1667 b. The prime contractor is a qualified nonprofit agency for
1668 the blind or for the other severely handicapped under s.
1669 413.036(2); or
1670 c. The prime contractor is using a subcontractor that is a
1671 qualified nonprofit agency for the blind or for the other
1672 severely handicapped under s. 413.036(2). However, the
1673 department may not waive more than the amount of the
1674 subcontract.
1675 2. If the department determines that it is in the best
1676 interests of the department to reduce the bonding requirement
1677 for a project and that to do so will not endanger public health,
1678 safety, or property, the department may waive the requirement of
1679 a surety bond in an amount equal to the awarded contract price
1680 for a project having a contract price of $250 million or more
1681 and, in its place, may set a surety bond amount that is a
1682 portion of the total contract price and provide an alternate
1683 means of security for the balance of the contract amount that is
1684 not covered by the surety bond or provide for incremental surety
1685 bonding and provide an alternate means of security for the
1686 balance of the contract amount that is not covered by the surety
1687 bond. Such alternative means of security may include letters of
1688 credit, United States bonds and notes, parent company
1689 guarantees, and cash collateral. The department may require
1690 alternate means of security if a surety bond is waived. The
1691 surety on such bond shall be a surety company authorized to do
1692 business in the state. All bonds shall be payable to the
1693 department and conditioned for the prompt, faithful, and
1694 efficient performance of the contract according to plans and
1695 specifications and within the time period specified, and for the
1696 prompt payment of all persons defined in s. 713.01 furnishing
1697 labor, material, equipment, and supplies for work provided in
1698 the contract; however, whenever an improvement, demolition, or
1699 removal contract price is $25,000 or less, the security may, in
1700 the discretion of the bidder, be in the form of a cashier’s
1701 check, bank money order of any state or national bank, certified
1702 check, or postal money order. The department shall adopt rules
1703 to implement this subsection. Such rules shall include
1704 provisions under which the department shall refuse to accept
1705 bonds on contracts when a surety wrongfully fails or refuses to
1706 settle or provide a defense for claims or actions arising under
1707 a contract for which the surety previously furnished a bond.
1708 Section 34. Subsection (3) of section 337.251, Florida
1709 Statutes, is amended to read:
1710 337.251 Lease of property for joint public-private
1711 development and areas above or below department property.—
1712 (3) A proposal must be selected by the department based on
1713 competitive bidding, except that the department may consider
1714 other relevant factors specified in the request for proposals.
1715 The department may consider such factors as the value of
1716 property exchanges, the cost of construction, and other
1717 recurring costs for the benefit of the department by the lessee
1718 in lieu of direct revenue to the department if such other
1719 factors are of equal value including innovative proposals to
1720 involve small minority businesses. The department may name a
1721 board of advisers which may be composed of accountants, real
1722 estate appraisers, design engineers, or other experts
1723 experienced in the type of development proposed. The board of
1724 advisers shall review the feasibility of the proposals,
1725 recommend acceptance or rejection of each proposal, and rank
1726 each feasible proposal in the order of technical feasibility and
1727 benefit provided to the department. The board of advisers shall
1728 be reasonably compensated for the services provided and all
1729 department costs for evaluating the proposals shall be
1730 reimbursed from a proposal application fee to be set by the
1731 department and paid by the applicants. The board of advisers
1732 shall not be subject to selection under the provisions of
1733 chapter 287.
1734 Section 35. Section (2) of section 337.401, Florida
1735 Statutes, is amended to read:
1736 337.401 Use of right-of-way for utilities subject to
1737 regulation; permit; fees.—
1738 (2)(a) The authority may grant to any person who is a
1739 resident of this state, or to any corporation which is organized
1740 under the laws of this state or licensed to do business within
1741 this state, the use of a right-of-way for the utility in
1742 accordance with such rules or regulations as the authority may
1743 adopt. A utility may not be installed, located, or relocated
1744 unless authorized by a written permit issued by the authority.
1745 However, for public roads or publicly owned rail corridors under
1746 the jurisdiction of the department, a utility relocation
1747 schedule and relocation agreement may be executed in lieu of a
1748 written permit. The permit must require the permitholder to be
1749 responsible for any damage resulting from the issuance of such
1750 permit. The authority may initiate injunctive proceedings as
1751 provided in s. 120.69 to enforce provisions of this subsection
1752 or any rule or order issued or entered into pursuant thereto. A
1753 permit application required under this subsection by a county or
1754 municipality having jurisdiction and control of the right-of-way
1755 of any public road must be processed and acted upon in
1756 accordance with the timeframes provided in subparagraphs
1757 (7)(d)7., 8., and 9.
1758 (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a municipality may not
1759 prohibit, or require a permit for, the installation of a public
1760 sewer transmission line placed and maintained within and under
1761 publicly dedicated rights-of-way as part of a septic-to-sewer
1762 conversion where the work is being performed under permits
1763 issued by the Department of Transportation pursuant to this
1764 chapter and the Department of Environmental Protection, or its
1765 delegate, pursuant to chapter 403.
1766 Section 36. Subsection (4) of section 337.406, Florida
1767 Statutes, is amended to read:
1768 337.406 Unlawful use of state transportation facility
1769 right-of-way; penalties.—
1770 (4)(a) Camping is prohibited on any portion of the right
1771 of-way of the State Highway System that is within 100 feet of a
1772 bridge, causeway, overpass, or ramp.
1773 (b) This subsection does not apply to a person who has
1774 acquired the appropriate permits and is actively navigating the
1775 federally designated Florida National Scenic Trail recognized by
1776 the state in s. 260.012(6).
1777 Section 37. Subsection (4) of section 338.227, Florida
1778 Statutes, is amended to read:
1779 338.227 Turnpike revenue bonds.—
1780 (4) The Department of Transportation and the Department of
1781 Management Services shall create and implement an outreach
1782 program designed to enhance the participation of small minority
1783 persons and minority business enterprises in all contracts
1784 entered into by their respective departments for services
1785 related to the financing of department projects for the
1786 Strategic Intermodal System Plan developed pursuant to s.
1787 339.64. These services shall include, but are not limited to,
1788 bond counsel and bond underwriters.
1789 Section 38. Subsection (6) is added to section 339.08,
1790 Florida Statutes, to read:
1791 339.08 Use of moneys in State Transportation Trust Fund.—
1792 (6)(a) As used in this subsection, the term “energy policy
1793 of the state” means the energy policy described in s. 377.601
1794 and includes any intended or actual measure, obligation, target,
1795 or timeframe related to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
1796 (b) The department may not expend any state funds as
1797 described in s. 215.31 to support a project or program of any of
1798 the following entities if such entities adopt or promote energy
1799 policy goals inconsistent with the energy policy of the state:
1800 1. A public transit provider as defined in s. 341.031(1).
1801 2. An authority created pursuant to chapter 343, chapter
1802 348, or chapter 349.
1803 3. A public-use airport as defined in s. 332.004.
1804 4. A port listed in s. 311.09(1).
1805 Section 39. Section 339.0805, Florida Statutes, is
1806 repealed.
1807 Section 40. Paragraph (a) of subsection (4) of section
1808 339.135, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1809 339.135 Work program; legislative budget request;
1810 definitions; preparation, adoption, execution, and amendment.—
1811 (4) FUNDING AND DEVELOPING A TENTATIVE WORK PROGRAM.—
1812 (a)1. To assure that no district or county is penalized for
1813 local efforts to improve the State Highway System, the
1814 department shall, for the purpose of developing a tentative work
1815 program, allocate funds for new construction to the districts,
1816 except for the turnpike enterprise, based on equal parts of
1817 population and motor fuel tax collections. Funds for
1818 resurfacing, bridge repair and rehabilitation, bridge fender
1819 system construction or repair, public transit projects except
1820 public transit block grants as provided in s. 341.052 and rural
1821 transit operating block grants as provided in s. 341.0525, and
1822 other programs with quantitative needs assessments shall be
1823 allocated based on the results of these assessments. The
1824 department may not transfer any funds allocated to a district
1825 under this paragraph to any other district except as provided in
1826 subsection (7). Funds for public transit block grants shall be
1827 allocated to the districts pursuant to s. 341.052. Funds for
1828 rural transit operating block grants shall be allocated to the
1829 districts pursuant to s. 341.0525. Funds for the intercity bus
1830 program provided for under s. 5311(f) of the federal
1831 nonurbanized area formula program shall be administered and
1832 allocated directly to eligible bus carriers as defined in s.
1833 341.031(12) at the state level rather than the district. In
1834 order to provide state funding to support the intercity bus
1835 program provided for under provisions of the federal 5311(f)
1836 program, the department shall allocate an amount equal to the
1837 federal share of the 5311(f) program from amounts calculated
1838 pursuant to s. 206.46(3).
1839 2. Notwithstanding the provisions of subparagraph 1., the
1840 department shall allocate at least 50 percent of any new
1841 discretionary highway capacity funds to the Florida Strategic
1842 Intermodal System created pursuant to s. 339.61. Any remaining
1843 new discretionary highway capacity funds shall be allocated to
1844 the districts for new construction as provided in subparagraph
1845 1. For the purposes of this subparagraph, the term “new
1846 discretionary highway capacity funds” means any funds available
1847 to the department above the prior year funding level for
1848 capacity improvements, which the department has the discretion
1849 to allocate to highway projects.
1850 Section 41. Paragraph (b) of subsection (3) and paragraph
1851 (c) of subsection (4) of section 339.2821, Florida Statutes, are
1852 amended to read:
1853 339.2821 Economic development transportation projects.—
1854 (3)
1855 (b) The department must ensure that it is supportive of
1856 small businesses as defined in s. 337.027(2) small and minority
1857 businesses have equal access to participate in transportation
1858 projects funded pursuant to this section.
1859 (4) A contract between the department and a governmental
1860 body for a transportation project must:
1861 (c) Require that the governmental body provide the
1862 department with progress reports. Each progress report must
1863 contain:
1864 1. A narrative description of the work completed and
1865 whether the work is proceeding according to the transportation
1866 project schedule;
1867 2. A description of each change order executed by the
1868 governmental body;
1869 3. A budget summary detailing planned expenditures compared
1870 to actual expenditures; and
1871 4. The identity of each small or minority business used as
1872 a contractor or subcontractor.
1873 Section 42. Section 339.287, Florida Statutes, is repealed.
1874 Section 43. Paragraph (a) of subsection (5) of section
1875 339.63, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1876 339.63 System facilities designated; additions and
1877 deletions.—
1878 (5)(a) The Secretary of Transportation shall designate a
1879 planned facility as part of the Strategic Intermodal System upon
1880 request of the facility if it meets the criteria and thresholds
1881 established by the department pursuant to subsection (4), is
1882 meets the definition of an “intermodal logistics center” as
1883 defined in s. 311.101(2), and has been designated in a local
1884 comprehensive plan or local government development order as an
1885 intermodal logistics center or an equivalent planning term. For
1886 the purpose of this section, the term “intermodal logistics
1887 center” means a facility or group of facilities, including, but
1888 not limited to, an inland port, serving as a point of intermodal
1889 transfer of freight in a specific area physically separated from
1890 a seaport whose activities relating to transport, logistics,
1891 goods distribution, consolidation, or value-added activities are
1892 carried out and whose activities and services are designed to
1893 support or be supported by one or more seaports, as provided in
1894 s. 311.09, or an airport whose activities and services are
1895 designed to support the transport, logistics, goods
1896 distribution, consolidation, or value-added activities related
1897 to airborne cargo.
1898 Section 44. Subsections (3) and (7) of section 339.651,
1899 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1900 339.651 Strategic Intermodal System supply chain demands.—
1901 (3) The department may shall make up to $20 million
1902 available each year for fiscal years 2023-2024 through 2027
1903 2028, from the existing work program revenues, to fund projects
1904 that meet the public purpose of providing increased capacity and
1905 enhanced capabilities to move and store construction aggregate.
1906 Applicants eligible for project funding under this section are
1907 seaports listed in s. 311.09 and rail lines and rail facilities.
1908 (7) This section shall stand repealed on July 1, 2028.
1909 Section 45. Paragraph (b) of subsection (6) of section
1910 341.051, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
1911 341.051 Administration and financing of public transit and
1912 intercity bus service programs and projects.—
1913 (6) ANNUAL APPROPRIATION.—
1914 (b) If funds are allocated to projects that qualify for the
1915 New Starts Transit Program in the current fiscal year and a
1916 project will not be ready for production by June 30, those funds
1917 must The remaining unallocated New Starts Transit Program funds
1918 as of June 30, 2024, shall be reallocated for the purpose of the
1919 Strategic Intermodal System within the State Transportation
1920 Trust Fund for the next fiscal year. This paragraph expires June
1921 30, 2026.
1922
1923 For purposes of this section, the term “net operating costs”
1924 means all operating costs of a project less any federal funds,
1925 fares, or other sources of income to the project.
1926 Section 46. Subsections (1) and (6) of section 341.052,
1927 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
1928 341.052 Public transit block grant program; administration;
1929 eligible projects; limitation.—
1930 (1) There is created a public transit block grant program
1931 which shall be administered by the department. Block grant funds
1932 shall only be provided to “Section 9” providers and “Section 18”
1933 providers designated by the United States Department of
1934 Transportation pursuant to 49 U.S.C. s. 5307 and community
1935 transportation coordinators as defined in chapter 427. Eligible
1936 providers must establish public transportation development plans
1937 consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with approved local
1938 government comprehensive plans of the units of local government
1939 in which the provider is located and the long-range
1940 transportation plans of the metropolitan planning organization
1941 in which the provider is located. In developing public
1942 transportation development plans, eligible providers must
1943 solicit comments from local workforce development boards
1944 established under chapter 445. The development plans must
1945 address how the public transit provider will work with the
1946 appropriate local workforce development board to provide
1947 services to participants in the welfare transition program.
1948 Eligible providers must provide information to the local
1949 workforce development board serving the county in which the
1950 provider is located regarding the availability of transportation
1951 services to assist program participants.
1952 (6) The department shall distribute 85 percent of the
1953 public transit block grant funds to “Section 9” and “Section 18”
1954 providers designated by the United States Department of
1955 Transportation pursuant to 49 U.S.C. s. 5307. The funds shall be
1956 distributed to such “Section 9” providers, and to “Section 18”
1957 providers that are not designated as community transportation
1958 coordinators pursuant to chapter 427, according to the following
1959 formula, except that at least $20,000 shall be distributed to
1960 each eligible provider if application of the formula provides
1961 less than that amount for any such provider:
1962 (a) One-third shall be distributed according to the
1963 percentage that an eligible provider’s county population in the
1964 most recent year for which those population figures are
1965 available from the state census repository is of the total
1966 population of all counties served by eligible providers.
1967 (b) One-third shall be distributed according to the
1968 percentage that the total revenue miles provided by an eligible
1969 provider, as verified by the most recent National Transit
1970 Database “Section 15” report to the Federal Transit
1971 Administration or a similar audited report submitted to the
1972 department, is of the total revenue miles provided by eligible
1973 providers in the state in that year.
1974 (c) One-third shall be distributed according to the
1975 percentage that the total passengers carried by an eligible
1976 provider, as verified by the most recent National Transit
1977 Database “Section 15” report submitted to the Federal Transit
1978 Administration or a similar audited report submitted to the
1979 department, is of the total number of passengers carried by
1980 eligible providers in the state in that year.
1981 Section 47. Section 341.0525, Florida Statutes, is created
1982 to read:
1983 341.0525 Rural transit operating block grant program;
1984 administration; eligible projects.—
1985 (1) There is created a rural transit operating block grant
1986 program that shall be administered by the department. Rural
1987 transit block grant funds are available only to public transit
1988 providers not eligible to receive public transit block grants
1989 pursuant to s. 341.052.
1990 (2) At least $3 million must be allocated annually from the
1991 State Transportation Trust Fund for the program. At least
1992 $20,000 must be distributed to each eligible provider if
1993 application of the following formula provides less than that
1994 amount for any such provider:
1995 (a) One-third must be distributed according to the
1996 percentage that an eligible provider’s non-urbanized county
1997 population in the most recent year official population estimate
1998 pursuant to s. 186.901 is of the total population of all
1999 counties served by eligible providers.
2000 (b) One-third must be distributed according to the
2001 percentage that the total non-urbanized revenue miles provided
2002 by an eligible provider, as verified by the most recent National
2003 Transit Database report or a similar audited report submitted to
2004 the department, is of the total rural revenue miles provided by
2005 eligible providers in the state in that year.
2006 (c) One-third must be distributed according to the
2007 percentage that the total non-urbanized passengers carried by an
2008 eligible provider, as verified by the most recent National
2009 Transit Database report or a similar audited report submitted to
2010 the department, is of the total number of passengers carried by
2011 eligible providers in the state in that year.
2012 (3) Grant funds must be used to pay public transit
2013 operating costs. State participation in such costs may not
2014 exceed 50 percent of such costs or an amount equal to the total
2015 revenue, excluding farebox, charter, and advertising revenue and
2016 federal funds, received by the provider for operating costs,
2017 whichever amount is less.
2018 (4)(a) An eligible public transit provider may not use
2019 block grant funds to supplant local tax revenues made available
2020 to such provider for operations in the previous year; however,
2021 the Secretary of Transportation may waive this provision for
2022 public transit providers located in a county recovering from a
2023 state of emergency declared pursuant to part I of chapter 252.
2024 (b) The state may not give any county more than 39 percent
2025 of the funds available for distribution under this section or
2026 more than the amount that local revenue sources provide to that
2027 county for its transit system.
2028 (5) To remain eligible to receive funding under the
2029 program, eligible public transit providers must comply with s.
2030 341.071(1) and (2).
2031 (6)(a) Any funds distributed to an eligible provider
2032 pursuant to subsection (2) which cannot be expended within the
2033 limitations of the program must be returned to the department
2034 for redistribution to other eligible providers.
2035 (b) The department may consult with an eligible provider,
2036 before distributing funds to that provider, to determine whether
2037 the provider can expend its total block grant within the
2038 limitations of the program. If the department and the provider
2039 agree that the total block grant amount cannot be expended, the
2040 provider may agree to accept a block grant amount of less than
2041 the total amount, in which case the funds that exceed such
2042 lesser agreed-upon amount must be redistributed to other
2043 eligible providers.
2044 (c) If an audit reveals that an eligible provider expended
2045 block grant funds on unauthorized uses, the provider must repay
2046 to the department an amount equal to the funds expended for
2047 unauthorized uses. The department shall redistribute such
2048 repayments to other eligible providers.
2049 Section 48. Subsection (5) of section 348.754, Florida
2050 Statutes, is amended to read:
2051 348.754 Purposes and powers.—
2052 (5) The authority shall encourage the inclusion of local
2053 and small local-, small-, minority-, and women-owned businesses
2054 in its procurement and contracting opportunities.
2055 Section 49. Subsection (2) of section 349.03, Florida
2056 Statutes, is amended to read:
2057 349.03 Jacksonville Transportation Authority.—
2058 (2) The governing body of the authority shall be composed
2059 consist of seven members. Four Three members shall be appointed
2060 by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Of the four members
2061 appointed by the Governor, one must be a resident of Duval
2062 County and three must be residents of Clay County, St. Johns
2063 County, or Nassau County. Three members shall be appointed by
2064 the mayor of the City of Jacksonville subject to confirmation by
2065 the council of the City of Jacksonville. The seventh member
2066 shall be the district secretary of the Department of
2067 Transportation serving in the district that contains the City of
2068 Jacksonville. Except for the seventh member, Members appointed
2069 by the mayor of the City of Jacksonville must shall be residents
2070 and qualified electors of Duval County.
2071 Section 50. Paragraphs (j) and (m) of subsection (2) of
2072 section 110.205, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
2073 110.205 Career service; exemptions.—
2074 (2) EXEMPT POSITIONS.—The exempt positions that are not
2075 covered by this part include the following:
2076 (j) The appointed secretaries and the State Surgeon
2077 General, assistant secretaries, deputy secretaries, and deputy
2078 assistant secretaries of all departments; the executive
2079 directors, assistant executive directors, deputy executive
2080 directors, and deputy assistant executive directors of all
2081 departments; the directors of all divisions and those positions
2082 determined by the department to have managerial responsibilities
2083 comparable to such positions, which positions include, but are
2084 not limited to, program directors, assistant program directors,
2085 district administrators, deputy district administrators, the
2086 Director of Central Operations Services of the Department of
2087 Children and Families, the State Transportation Development
2088 Administrator, the State Public Transportation and Modal
2089 Administrator, district secretaries, district directors of
2090 transportation development, transportation operations,
2091 transportation support, and the managers of the offices of the
2092 Department of Transportation specified in s. 20.23(4)(b) s.
2093 20.23(3)(b). Unless otherwise fixed by law, the department shall
2094 set the salary and benefits of these positions and the positions
2095 of county health department directors and county health
2096 department administrators of the Department of Health in
2097 accordance with the rules of the Senior Management Service.
2098 (m) All assistant division director, deputy division
2099 director, and bureau chief positions in any department, and
2100 those positions determined by the department to have managerial
2101 responsibilities comparable to such positions, which include,
2102 but are not limited to:
2103 1. Positions in the Department of Health and the Department
2104 of Children and Families which are assigned primary duties of
2105 serving as the superintendent or assistant superintendent of an
2106 institution.
2107 2. Positions in the Department of Corrections which are
2108 assigned primary duties of serving as the warden, assistant
2109 warden, colonel, or major of an institution or that are assigned
2110 primary duties of serving as the circuit administrator or deputy
2111 circuit administrator.
2112 3. Positions in the Department of Transportation which are
2113 assigned primary duties of serving as regional toll managers and
2114 managers of offices, as specified in s. 20.23(4)(b) and (5)(c)
2115 s. 20.23(3)(b) and (4)(c).
2116 4. Positions in the Department of Environmental Protection
2117 which are assigned the duty of an Environmental Administrator or
2118 program administrator.
2119 5. Positions in the Department of Health which are assigned
2120 the duties of Environmental Administrator, Assistant County
2121 Health Department Director, and County Health Department
2122 Financial Administrator.
2123 6. Positions in the Department of Highway Safety and Motor
2124 Vehicles which are assigned primary duties of serving as
2125 captains in the Florida Highway Patrol.
2126
2127 Unless otherwise fixed by law, the department shall set the
2128 salary and benefits of the positions listed in this paragraph in
2129 accordance with the rules established for the Selected Exempt
2130 Service.
2131 Section 51. Paragraph (d) of subsection (3) of section
2132 322.27, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
2133 322.27 Authority of department to suspend or revoke driver
2134 license or identification card.—
2135 (3) There is established a point system for evaluation of
2136 convictions of violations of motor vehicle laws or ordinances,
2137 and violations of applicable provisions of s. 403.413(6)(b) when
2138 such violations involve the use of motor vehicles, for the
2139 determination of the continuing qualification of any person to
2140 operate a motor vehicle. The department is authorized to suspend
2141 the license of any person upon showing of its records or other
2142 good and sufficient evidence that the licensee has been
2143 convicted of violation of motor vehicle laws or ordinances, or
2144 applicable provisions of s. 403.413(6)(b), amounting to 12 or
2145 more points as determined by the point system. The suspension
2146 shall be for a period of not more than 1 year.
2147 (d) The point system shall have as its basic element a
2148 graduated scale of points assigning relative values to
2149 convictions of the following violations:
2150 1. Reckless driving, willful and wanton—4 points.
2151 2. Leaving the scene of a crash resulting in property
2152 damage of more than $50—6 points.
2153 3. Unlawful speed, or unlawful use of a wireless
2154 communications device, resulting in a crash—6 points.
2155 4. Passing a stopped school bus:
2156 a. Not causing or resulting in serious bodily injury to or
2157 death of another—4 points.
2158 b. Causing or resulting in serious bodily injury to or
2159 death of another—6 points.
2160 c. Points may not be imposed for a violation of passing a
2161 stopped school bus as provided in s. 316.172(1)(a) or (b) when
2162 enforced by a school bus infraction detection system pursuant to
2163 s. 316.173. In addition, a violation of s. 316.172(1)(a) or (b)
2164 when enforced by a school bus infraction detection system
2165 pursuant to s. 316.173 may not be used for purposes of setting
2166 motor vehicle insurance rates.
2167 5. Unlawful speed:
2168 a. Not in excess of 15 miles per hour of lawful or posted
2169 speed—3 points.
2170 b. In excess of 15 miles per hour of lawful or posted
2171 speed—4 points.
2172 c. Points may not be imposed for a violation of unlawful
2173 speed as provided in s. 316.1895 or s. 316.183 when enforced by
2174 a traffic infraction enforcement officer pursuant to s.
2175 316.1896. In addition, a violation of s. 316.1895 or s. 316.183
2176 when enforced by a traffic infraction enforcement officer
2177 pursuant to s. 316.1896 may not be used for purposes of setting
2178 motor vehicle insurance rates.
2179 6. A violation of a traffic control signal device as
2180 provided in s. 316.074(1) or s. 316.075(1)(c)1.—4 points.
2181 However, points may not be imposed for a violation of s.
2182 316.074(1) or s. 316.075(1)(c)1. when a driver has failed to
2183 stop at a traffic signal and when enforced by a traffic
2184 infraction enforcement officer. In addition, a violation of s.
2185 316.074(1) or s. 316.075(1)(c)1. when a driver has failed to
2186 stop at a traffic signal and when enforced by a traffic
2187 infraction enforcement officer may not be used for purposes of
2188 setting motor vehicle insurance rates.
2189 7. Unlawfully driving a vehicle through a railroad-highway
2190 grade crossing—6 points.
2191 8. All other moving violations (including parking on a
2192 highway outside the limits of a municipality)—3 points. However,
2193 points may not be imposed for a violation of s. 316.0741 or s.
2194 316.2065(11); and points may be imposed for a violation of s.
2195 316.1001 only when imposed by the court after a hearing pursuant
2196 to s. 318.14(5).
2197 9. Any moving violation covered in this paragraph,
2198 excluding unlawful speed and unlawful use of a wireless
2199 communications device, resulting in a crash—4 points.
2200 10. Any conviction under s. 403.413(6)(b)—3 points.
2201 11. Any conviction under s. 316.0775(2)—4 points.
2202 12. A moving violation covered in this paragraph which is
2203 committed in conjunction with the unlawful use of a wireless
2204 communications device within a school safety zone—2 points, in
2205 addition to the points assigned for the moving violation.
2206 Section 52. Subsection (13) of section 365.172, Florida
2207 Statutes, is amended to read:
2208 365.172 Emergency communications.—
2209 (13) FACILITATING EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE
2210 IMPLEMENTATION.—To balance the public need for reliable
2211 emergency communications services through reliable wireless
2212 systems and the public interest served by governmental zoning
2213 and land development regulations and notwithstanding any other
2214 law or local ordinance to the contrary, the following standards
2215 shall apply to a local government’s actions, as a regulatory
2216 body, in the regulation of the placement, construction, or
2217 modification of a wireless communications facility. This
2218 subsection may not, however, be construed to waive or alter the
2219 provisions of s. 286.011 or s. 286.0115. For the purposes of
2220 this subsection only, “local government” shall mean any
2221 municipality or county and any agency of a municipality or
2222 county only. The term “local government” does not, however,
2223 include any airport, as defined in s. 330.27 by s. 330.27(2),
2224 even if it is owned or controlled by or through a municipality,
2225 county, or agency of a municipality or county. Further,
2226 notwithstanding anything in this section to the contrary, this
2227 subsection does not apply to or control a local government’s
2228 actions as a property or structure owner in the use of any
2229 property or structure owned by such entity for the placement,
2230 construction, or modification of wireless communications
2231 facilities. In the use of property or structures owned by the
2232 local government, however, a local government may not use its
2233 regulatory authority so as to avoid compliance with, or in a
2234 manner that does not advance, the provisions of this subsection.
2235 (a) Colocation among wireless providers is encouraged by
2236 the state.
2237 1.a. Colocations on towers, including nonconforming towers,
2238 that meet the requirements in sub-sub-subparagraphs (I), (II),
2239 and (III), are subject to only building permit review, which may
2240 include a review for compliance with this subparagraph. Such
2241 colocations are not subject to any design or placement
2242 requirements of the local government’s land development
2243 regulations in effect at the time of the colocation that are
2244 more restrictive than those in effect at the time of the initial
2245 antennae placement approval, to any other portion of the land
2246 development regulations, or to public hearing review. This sub
2247 subparagraph may not preclude a public hearing for any appeal of
2248 the decision on the colocation application.
2249 (I) The colocation does not increase the height of the
2250 tower to which the antennae are to be attached, measured to the
2251 highest point of any part of the tower or any existing antenna
2252 attached to the tower;
2253 (II) The colocation does not increase the ground space
2254 area, commonly known as the compound, approved in the site plan
2255 for equipment enclosures and ancillary facilities; and
2256 (III) The colocation consists of antennae, equipment
2257 enclosures, and ancillary facilities that are of a design and
2258 configuration consistent with all applicable regulations,
2259 restrictions, or conditions, if any, applied to the initial
2260 antennae placed on the tower and to its accompanying equipment
2261 enclosures and ancillary facilities and, if applicable, applied
2262 to the tower supporting the antennae. Such regulations may
2263 include the design and aesthetic requirements, but not
2264 procedural requirements, other than those authorized by this
2265 section, of the local government’s land development regulations
2266 in effect at the time the initial antennae placement was
2267 approved.
2268 b. Except for a historic building, structure, site, object,
2269 or district, or a tower included in sub-subparagraph a.,
2270 colocations on all other existing structures that meet the
2271 requirements in sub-sub-subparagraphs (I)-(IV) shall be subject
2272 to no more than building permit review, and an administrative
2273 review for compliance with this subparagraph. Such colocations
2274 are not subject to any portion of the local government’s land
2275 development regulations not addressed herein, or to public
2276 hearing review. This sub-subparagraph may not preclude a public
2277 hearing for any appeal of the decision on the colocation
2278 application.
2279 (I) The colocation does not increase the height of the
2280 existing structure to which the antennae are to be attached,
2281 measured to the highest point of any part of the structure or
2282 any existing antenna attached to the structure;
2283 (II) The colocation does not increase the ground space
2284 area, otherwise known as the compound, if any, approved in the
2285 site plan for equipment enclosures and ancillary facilities;
2286 (III) The colocation consists of antennae, equipment
2287 enclosures, and ancillary facilities that are of a design and
2288 configuration consistent with any applicable structural or
2289 aesthetic design requirements and any requirements for location
2290 on the structure, but not prohibitions or restrictions on the
2291 placement of additional colocations on the existing structure or
2292 procedural requirements, other than those authorized by this
2293 section, of the local government’s land development regulations
2294 in effect at the time of the colocation application; and
2295 (IV) The colocation consists of antennae, equipment
2296 enclosures, and ancillary facilities that are of a design and
2297 configuration consistent with all applicable restrictions or
2298 conditions, if any, that do not conflict with sub-sub
2299 subparagraph (III) and were applied to the initial antennae
2300 placed on the structure and to its accompanying equipment
2301 enclosures and ancillary facilities and, if applicable, applied
2302 to the structure supporting the antennae.
2303 c. Regulations, restrictions, conditions, or permits of the
2304 local government, acting in its regulatory capacity, that limit
2305 the number of colocations or require review processes
2306 inconsistent with this subsection do not apply to colocations
2307 addressed in this subparagraph.
2308 d. If only a portion of the colocation does not meet the
2309 requirements of this subparagraph, such as an increase in the
2310 height of the proposed antennae over the existing structure
2311 height or a proposal to expand the ground space approved in the
2312 site plan for the equipment enclosure, where all other portions
2313 of the colocation meet the requirements of this subparagraph,
2314 that portion of the colocation only may be reviewed under the
2315 local government’s regulations applicable to an initial
2316 placement of that portion of the facility, including, but not
2317 limited to, its land development regulations, and within the
2318 review timeframes of subparagraph (d)2., and the rest of the
2319 colocation shall be reviewed in accordance with this
2320 subparagraph. A colocation proposal under this subparagraph that
2321 increases the ground space area, otherwise known as the
2322 compound, approved in the original site plan for equipment
2323 enclosures and ancillary facilities by no more than a cumulative
2324 amount of 400 square feet or 50 percent of the original compound
2325 size, whichever is greater, shall, however, require no more than
2326 administrative review for compliance with the local government’s
2327 regulations, including, but not limited to, land development
2328 regulations review, and building permit review, with no public
2329 hearing review. This sub-subparagraph does not preclude a public
2330 hearing for any appeal of the decision on the colocation
2331 application.
2332 2. If a colocation does not meet the requirements of
2333 subparagraph 1., the local government may review the application
2334 under the local government’s regulations, including, but not
2335 limited to, land development regulations, applicable to the
2336 placement of initial antennae and their accompanying equipment
2337 enclosure and ancillary facilities.
2338 3. If a colocation meets the requirements of subparagraph
2339 1., the colocation may not be considered a modification to an
2340 existing structure or an impermissible modification of a
2341 nonconforming structure.
2342 4. The owner of the existing tower on which the proposed
2343 antennae are to be colocated shall remain responsible for
2344 compliance with any applicable condition or requirement of a
2345 permit or agreement, or any applicable condition or requirement
2346 of the land development regulations to which the existing tower
2347 had to comply at the time the tower was permitted, including any
2348 aesthetic requirements, provided the condition or requirement is
2349 not inconsistent with this paragraph.
2350 5. An existing tower, including a nonconforming tower, may
2351 be structurally modified in order to permit colocation or may be
2352 replaced through no more than administrative review and building
2353 permit review, and is not subject to public hearing review, if
2354 the overall height of the tower is not increased and, if a
2355 replacement, the replacement tower is a monopole tower or, if
2356 the existing tower is a camouflaged tower, the replacement tower
2357 is a like-camouflaged tower. This subparagraph may not preclude
2358 a public hearing for any appeal of the decision on the
2359 application.
2360 (b)1. A local government’s land development and
2361 construction regulations for wireless communications facilities
2362 and the local government’s review of an application for the
2363 placement, construction, or modification of a wireless
2364 communications facility shall only address land development or
2365 zoning issues. In such local government regulations or review,
2366 the local government may not require information on or evaluate
2367 a wireless provider’s business decisions about its service,
2368 customer demand for its service, or quality of its service to or
2369 from a particular area or site, unless the wireless provider
2370 voluntarily offers this information to the local government. In
2371 such local government regulations or review, a local government
2372 may not require information on or evaluate the wireless
2373 provider’s designed service unless the information or materials
2374 are directly related to an identified land development or zoning
2375 issue or unless the wireless provider voluntarily offers the
2376 information. Information or materials directly related to an
2377 identified land development or zoning issue may include, but are
2378 not limited to, evidence that no existing structure can
2379 reasonably be used for the antennae placement instead of the
2380 construction of a new tower, that residential areas cannot be
2381 served from outside the residential area, as addressed in
2382 subparagraph 3., or that the proposed height of a new tower or
2383 initial antennae placement or a proposed height increase of a
2384 modified tower, replacement tower, or colocation is necessary to
2385 provide the provider’s designed service. Nothing in this
2386 paragraph shall limit the local government from reviewing any
2387 applicable land development or zoning issue addressed in its
2388 adopted regulations that does not conflict with this section,
2389 including, but not limited to, aesthetics, landscaping, land
2390 use-based location priorities, structural design, and setbacks.
2391 2. Any setback or distance separation required of a tower
2392 may not exceed the minimum distance necessary, as determined by
2393 the local government, to satisfy the structural safety or
2394 aesthetic concerns that are to be protected by the setback or
2395 distance separation.
2396 3. A local government may exclude the placement of wireless
2397 communications facilities in a residential area or residential
2398 zoning district but only in a manner that does not constitute an
2399 actual or effective prohibition of the provider’s service in
2400 that residential area or zoning district. If a wireless provider
2401 demonstrates to the satisfaction of the local government that
2402 the provider cannot reasonably provide its service to the
2403 residential area or zone from outside the residential area or
2404 zone, the municipality or county and provider shall cooperate to
2405 determine an appropriate location for a wireless communications
2406 facility of an appropriate design within the residential area or
2407 zone. The local government may require that the wireless
2408 provider reimburse the reasonable costs incurred by the local
2409 government for this cooperative determination. An application
2410 for such cooperative determination may not be considered an
2411 application under paragraph (d).
2412 4. A local government may impose a reasonable fee on
2413 applications to place, construct, or modify a wireless
2414 communications facility only if a similar fee is imposed on
2415 applicants seeking other similar types of zoning, land use, or
2416 building permit review. A local government may impose fees for
2417 the review of applications for wireless communications
2418 facilities by consultants or experts who conduct code compliance
2419 review for the local government but any fee is limited to
2420 specifically identified reasonable expenses incurred in the
2421 review. A local government may impose reasonable surety
2422 requirements to ensure the removal of wireless communications
2423 facilities that are no longer being used.
2424 5. A local government may impose design requirements, such
2425 as requirements for designing towers to support colocation or
2426 aesthetic requirements, except as otherwise limited in this
2427 section, but may not impose or require information on compliance
2428 with building code type standards for the construction or
2429 modification of wireless communications facilities beyond those
2430 adopted by the local government under chapter 553 and that apply
2431 to all similar types of construction.
2432 (c) Local governments may not require wireless providers to
2433 provide evidence of a wireless communications facility’s
2434 compliance with federal regulations, except evidence of
2435 compliance with applicable Federal Aviation Administration
2436 requirements under 14 C.F.R. part 77, as amended, and evidence
2437 of proper Federal Communications Commission licensure, or other
2438 evidence of Federal Communications Commission authorized
2439 spectrum use, but may request the Federal Communications
2440 Commission to provide information as to a wireless provider’s
2441 compliance with federal regulations, as authorized by federal
2442 law.
2443 (d)1. A local government shall grant or deny each properly
2444 completed application for a colocation under subparagraph (a)1.
2445 based on the application’s compliance with the local
2446 government’s applicable regulations, as provided for in
2447 subparagraph (a)1. and consistent with this subsection, and
2448 within the normal timeframe for a similar building permit review
2449 but in no case later than 45 business days after the date the
2450 application is determined to be properly completed in accordance
2451 with this paragraph.
2452 2. A local government shall grant or deny each properly
2453 completed application for any other wireless communications
2454 facility based on the application’s compliance with the local
2455 government’s applicable regulations, including but not limited
2456 to land development regulations, consistent with this subsection
2457 and within the normal timeframe for a similar type review but in
2458 no case later than 90 business days after the date the
2459 application is determined to be properly completed in accordance
2460 with this paragraph.
2461 3.a. An application is deemed submitted or resubmitted on
2462 the date the application is received by the local government. If
2463 the local government does not notify the applicant in writing
2464 that the application is not completed in compliance with the
2465 local government’s regulations within 20 business days after the
2466 date the application is initially submitted or additional
2467 information resubmitted, the application is deemed, for
2468 administrative purposes only, to be properly completed and
2469 properly submitted. However, the determination may not be deemed
2470 as an approval of the application. If the application is not
2471 completed in compliance with the local government’s regulations,
2472 the local government shall so notify the applicant in writing
2473 and the notification must indicate with specificity any
2474 deficiencies in the required documents or deficiencies in the
2475 content of the required documents which, if cured, make the
2476 application properly completed. Upon resubmission of information
2477 to cure the stated deficiencies, the local government shall
2478 notify the applicant, in writing, within the normal timeframes
2479 of review, but in no case longer than 20 business days after the
2480 additional information is submitted, of any remaining
2481 deficiencies that must be cured. Deficiencies in document type
2482 or content not specified by the local government do not make the
2483 application incomplete. Notwithstanding this sub-subparagraph,
2484 if a specified deficiency is not properly cured when the
2485 applicant resubmits its application to comply with the notice of
2486 deficiencies, the local government may continue to request the
2487 information until such time as the specified deficiency is
2488 cured. The local government may establish reasonable timeframes
2489 within which the required information to cure the application
2490 deficiency is to be provided or the application will be
2491 considered withdrawn or closed.
2492 b. If the local government fails to grant or deny a
2493 properly completed application for a wireless communications
2494 facility within the timeframes set forth in this paragraph, the
2495 application shall be deemed automatically approved and the
2496 applicant may proceed with placement of the facilities without
2497 interference or penalty. The timeframes specified in
2498 subparagraph 2. may be extended only to the extent that the
2499 application has not been granted or denied because the local
2500 government’s procedures generally applicable to all other
2501 similar types of applications require action by the governing
2502 body and such action has not taken place within the timeframes
2503 specified in subparagraph 2. Under such circumstances, the local
2504 government must act to either grant or deny the application at
2505 its next regularly scheduled meeting or, otherwise, the
2506 application is deemed to be automatically approved.
2507 c. To be effective, a waiver of the timeframes set forth in
2508 this paragraph must be voluntarily agreed to by the applicant
2509 and the local government. A local government may request, but
2510 not require, a waiver of the timeframes by the applicant, except
2511 that, with respect to a specific application, a one-time waiver
2512 may be required in the case of a declared local, state, or
2513 federal emergency that directly affects the administration of
2514 all permitting activities of the local government.
2515 (e) The replacement of or modification to a wireless
2516 communications facility, except a tower, that results in a
2517 wireless communications facility not readily discernibly
2518 different in size, type, and appearance when viewed from ground
2519 level from surrounding properties, and the replacement or
2520 modification of equipment that is not visible from surrounding
2521 properties, all as reasonably determined by the local
2522 government, are subject to no more than applicable building
2523 permit review.
2524 (f) Any other law to the contrary notwithstanding, the
2525 Department of Management Services shall negotiate, in the name
2526 of the state, leases for wireless communications facilities that
2527 provide access to state government-owned property not acquired
2528 for transportation purposes, and the Department of
2529 Transportation shall negotiate, in the name of the state, leases
2530 for wireless communications facilities that provide access to
2531 property acquired for state rights-of-way. On property acquired
2532 for transportation purposes, leases shall be granted in
2533 accordance with s. 337.251. On other state government-owned
2534 property, leases shall be granted on a space available, first
2535 come, first-served basis. Payments required by state government
2536 under a lease must be reasonable and must reflect the market
2537 rate for the use of the state government-owned property. The
2538 Department of Management Services and the Department of
2539 Transportation are authorized to adopt rules for the terms and
2540 conditions and granting of any such leases.
2541 (g) If any person adversely affected by any action, or
2542 failure to act, or regulation, or requirement of a local
2543 government in the review or regulation of the wireless
2544 communication facilities files an appeal or brings an
2545 appropriate action in a court or venue of competent
2546 jurisdiction, following the exhaustion of all administrative
2547 remedies, the matter shall be considered on an expedited basis.
2548 Section 53. Subsection (2) of section 379.2293, Florida
2549 Statutes, is amended to read:
2550 379.2293 Airport activities within the scope of a federally
2551 approved wildlife hazard management plan or a federal or state
2552 permit or other authorization for depredation or harassment.—
2553 (2) An airport authority or other entity owning or
2554 operating an airport, as defined in s. 330.27 s. 330.27(2), is
2555 not subject to any administrative or civil penalty, restriction,
2556 or other sanction with respect to any authorized action taken in
2557 a non-negligent manner for the purpose of protecting human life
2558 or aircraft safety from wildlife hazards.
2559 Section 54. Subsection (22) of section 493.6101, Florida
2560 Statutes, is amended to read:
2561 493.6101 Definitions.—
2562 (22) “Repossession” means the recovery of a motor vehicle
2563 as defined under s. 320.01(1), a mobile home as defined in s.
2564 320.01(2), a motorboat as defined under s. 327.02, an aircraft
2565 as defined in s. 330.27 s. 330.27(1), a personal watercraft as
2566 defined in s. 327.02, an all-terrain vehicle as defined in s.
2567 316.2074, farm equipment as defined under s. 686.402, or
2568 industrial equipment, by an individual who is authorized by the
2569 legal owner, lienholder, or lessor to recover, or to collect
2570 money payment in lieu of recovery of, that which has been sold
2571 or leased under a security agreement that contains a
2572 repossession clause. As used in this subsection, the term
2573 “industrial equipment” includes, but is not limited to,
2574 tractors, road rollers, cranes, forklifts, backhoes, and
2575 bulldozers. The term “industrial equipment” also includes other
2576 vehicles that are propelled by power other than muscular power
2577 and that are used in the manufacture of goods or used in the
2578 provision of services. A repossession is complete when a
2579 licensed recovery agent is in control, custody, and possession
2580 of such repossessed property. Property that is being repossessed
2581 shall be considered to be in the control, custody, and
2582 possession of a recovery agent if the property being repossessed
2583 is secured in preparation for transport from the site of the
2584 recovery by means of being attached to or placed on the towing
2585 or other transport vehicle or if the property being repossessed
2586 is being operated or about to be operated by an employee of the
2587 recovery agency.
2588 Section 55. Paragraph (c) of subsection (1) of section
2589 493.6403, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
2590 493.6403 License requirements.—
2591 (1) In addition to the license requirements set forth in
2592 this chapter, each individual or agency shall comply with the
2593 following additional requirements:
2594 (c) An applicant for a Class “E” license shall have at
2595 least 1 year of lawfully gained, verifiable, full-time
2596 experience in one, or a combination of more than one, of the
2597 following:
2598 1. Repossession of motor vehicles as defined in s.
2599 320.01(1), mobile homes as defined in s. 320.01(2), motorboats
2600 as defined in s. 327.02, aircraft as defined in s. 330.27 s.
2601 330.27(1), personal watercraft as defined in s. 327.02, all
2602 terrain vehicles as defined in s. 316.2074, farm equipment as
2603 defined under s. 686.402, or industrial equipment as defined in
2604 s. 493.6101(22).
2605 2. Work as a Class “EE” licensed intern.
2606 Section 56. (1) The Department of Transportation shall
2607 coordinate with all state agencies, including the Department of
2608 Environmental Protection, and water management districts to
2609 establish a workgroup to review state statutes, policies,
2610 practices, and standards relating to statewide mapping programs.
2611 Notwithstanding s. 20.255(9), Florida Statutes, the Department
2612 of Transportation is the lead agency for the development and
2613 review of policies, practices, and standards related to
2614 geospatial data managed by state agencies and water management
2615 districts under this section for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
2616 (2) The Department of Transportation may issue a request
2617 for proposals pursuant to s. 287.057, Florida Statutes, for the
2618 procurement of a program to manage all surveys, mapping, and
2619 data collection that use light detection and ranging (LiDAR),
2620 high-resolution aerial imagery, including orthoimagery and
2621 oblique imagery, and other similar mapping technologies. The
2622 proposals may provide for co-collection of data by aerial
2623 imagery, LiDAR, and other methods. Surveying, mapping, and data
2624 collection must be conducted in a manner that considers United
2625 States Geological Survey recommendations for technologies,
2626 standards, and specifications.
2627 (3) The Department of Transportation, in coordination with
2628 the workgroup, shall review state statutes and policies related
2629 to geospatial data sharing throughout state government and make
2630 recommendations to the President of the Senate and the Speaker
2631 of the House of Representatives by November 15, 2025, for any
2632 legislative action necessary to establish the Department of
2633 Transportation as the primary point of contact for statewide
2634 geographic information systems and to update statutes relating
2635 to geographic information systems and geospatial data sharing to
2636 allow for coordination and access to such systems and geospatial
2637 data. The recommendations must provide a survey of data needs,
2638 including minimum density and elevation; consider means to
2639 ensure accuracy, consistency, and interoperability that
2640 effectively support critical functions across all users; and
2641 provide recommendations necessary to make the data collected
2642 available to all users, including information technology needs
2643 and any recommendations for cost sharing or interagency
2644 agreements. The recommendations must take into account
2645 anticipated efficiencies and cost savings while balancing the
2646 need for different types and densities of data and their uses.
2647 Section 57. This act shall take effect July 1, 2025.