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 Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development BILL: SB 654 INTRODUCER: Senator Bradley SUBJECT: Transportation Facility Designations/Heroes Memorial Overpass DATE: March 18, 2025 ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR REFERENCE ACTION 1. Johnson Vickers TR Favorable 2. Griffin Nortelus ATD Favorable 3. FP I. Summary: SB 654 designates the railroad overpass located on S.R. 100 in the City of Starke in Bradford County as “Heroes Memorial Overpass” and directs the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to erect suitable markers. The estimated cost to the FDOT to install the designation markers is $2,400. 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 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 1 Section 334.071(1), F.S. 2 Section 334.071(2), F.S. REVISED: BILL: SB 654 Page 2 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 Heroes Memorial Overpass Heroes Memorial Overpass in the City of Starke honors those individuals, such as military service members, first responders, and other heroes, who have served and protected the community and made invaluable contributions to the safety, security, and well-being of the residents of Starke, often risking their lives in service to others. 4 III. Effect of Proposed Changes: The bill creates an undesignated section of Florida law designating the railroad overpass located on S.R. 100 in the City of Starke in Bradford County as “Heroes Memorial Overpass” and directs the FDOT to erect suitable markers. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025. IV. Constitutional Issues: A. Municipality/County Mandates Restrictions: None. 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. 3 Section 334.071(3), F.S. 4 Resolution of the City Commission of the City of Starke, Florida, supporting the designation of “Heroes Memorial Overpass” Resolution 2025-12; adopted February 4, 2024. (On file with Senate Committee on Transportation). BILL: SB 654 Page 3 B. Private Sector Impact: None. C. Government Sector Impact: The estimated cost to erect the designation markers required under this bill is $2,400, 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. 5 The FDOT is expected to absorb the estimated cost within existing resources. VI. Technical Deficiencies: None. VII. Related Issues: None. VIII. Statutes Affected: This bill creates an undesignated section of Florida law. IX. Additional Information: A. Committee Substitute – Statement of Changes: (Summarizing differences between the Committee Substitute and the prior version of the bill.) None. B. Amendments: None. This Senate Bill Analysis does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill’s introducer or the Florida Senate. 5 E-mail from Jack Rogers, FDOT Legislative Affairs Director, RE: Transportation Facility Designation Costs, December 9, 2024. (On file with Senate Committee on Transportation).