The Florida Senate
BILL ANALYSIS AND FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(This document is based on the provisions contained in the legislation as of the latest date listed below.)
Prepared By: The Professional Staff of the Committee on Fiscal Policy
BILL: CS/SB 274
INTRODUCER: Fiscal Policy Committee and Senator Arrington
SUBJECT: Transportation Facility Designations
DATE: March 20, 2025
ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR REFERENCE ACTION
1. Johnson Vickers TR Favorable
2. Nortelus Nortelus ATD Favorable
3. Johnson Siples FP Fav/CS
Please see Section IX. for Additional Information:
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE - Substantial Changes
I. Summary:
CS/SB 274 designates “Geraldine Thompson Way” and “Harris Rosen Way” in Orange County
and directs the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to erect suitable markers for each
of these designations.
The estimated cost to the FDOT to install the designation markers is $4,800. See Section V.
Fiscal Impact Statement.
The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
II. Present Situation:
Section 334.071, F.S., provides that legislative designations of transportation facilities are for
honorary or memorial purposes or to distinguish a particular facility. Such designations are not to
be construed as requiring any action by local governments or private parties regarding the
changing of any street signs, mailing addresses, or 911 emergency telephone number system
listings, unless the legislation specifically provides for such changes.
1
When the Legislature establishes road or bridge designations, the FDOT is required to place
markers only at the termini specified for each highway segment or bridge designated by the law
1
Section 334.071(1), F.S.
REVISED: BILL: CS/SB 274 Page 2
creating the designation and to erect any other markers it deems appropriate for the
transportation facility.
2
The FDOT may not erect the markers for honorary road or bridge designations unless the
affected city or county commission enacts a resolution supporting the designation. When the
designated road or bridge segment is located in more than one city or county, each affected local
government must pass resolutions supporting the designations before the installation of the
markers.
3
III. Effect of Proposed Changes:
The bill creates an undesignated section of Florida law;
Subsection 1 designates that potion of W. South Street between South Division Avenue and U.S.
441 in Orange County as “Geraldine Thompson Way.”
Senator Geraldine Thompson served as a teacher, advocate, and college administrator. She was
also instrumental in the establishment of the Wells’Built Museum of African American History
and Culture and served as chair of the Florida Museum of Black History’s Task Force. Senator
Thompson served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2006 to 2012 and from 2018 to
2022. She served in the Florida Senate from 2012 to 2016 and from 2022 until her passing.
Senator Thompson passed away on February 13, 2025.
4
Subsection 2 designates that portion of International Drive between S.R. 528 and Sand Lake
Road in Orange County as “Harris Rosen Way.”
Harris Rosen was the founder, President, and Chief Operating Officer of Rosen Hotels and
Resorts, a company operating seven Orlando-area hotels. Mr. Rosen created programs to provide
free preschool to children in underserved communities, was instrumental in the founding of the
Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida and was involved
in other philanthropic efforts. Mr. Rosen passed away on November 25, 2024.
5
Subsection 3 directs the FDOT to erect suitable markers for each of the above designations.
The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
IV. Constitutional Issues:
A. Municipality/County Mandates Restrictions:
None.
2
Section 334.071(2), F.S.
3
Section 334.071(3), F.S.
4
Senator Geraldine F. Thompson Obituary, https://mitchellsfuneralhome.com/obituary/senator-geraldine-f-thompson (last
visited March 20, 2025).
5
Harris Rosen – Founder, Rosen Hotels & Resorts, https://www.rosenhotels.com/leadership/harris-rosen/ (last visited
February 25, 2025). BILL: CS/SB 274 Page 3
B. Public Records/Open Meetings Issues:
None.
C. Trust Funds Restrictions:
None.
D. State Tax or Fee Increases:
None.
E. Other Constitutional Issues:
None.
V. Fiscal Impact Statement:
A. Tax/Fee Issues:
None.
B. Private Sector Impact:
None.
C. Government Sector Impact:
The estimated cost to erect the designation markers required under this bill is $4,800,
based on the assumption that a minimum of two markers are required at a cost to the
FDOT of no less than $1,200 each. The estimate includes labor, materials,
manufacturing, and installation.
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The FDOT is expected to absorb the estimated cost
within existing resources.
VI. Technical Deficiencies:
None.
VII. Related Issues:
The proposed designations for Geraldine Thompson Way and Harris Rosen Way are not located
on the State Highway System.
VIII. Statutes Affected:
The bill creates an undesignated section of Florida law.
6
E-mail from Jack Rogers, FDOT Legislative Affairs Director, RE: Transportation Facility Designation Costs, December 9,
2024. (On file with Senate Committee on Transportation). BILL: CS/SB 274 Page 4
IX. Additional Information:
A. Committee Substitute – Statement of Substantial Changes:
(Summarizing differences between the Committee Substitute and the prior version of the bill.)
CS by Fiscal Policy on March 20, 2025:
Designates Geraldine Thompson Way in Orange County and directs FDOT to erect
suitable markers.
B. Amendments:
None.
This Senate Bill Analysis does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill’s introducer or the Florida Senate.