Florida Senate Bill S1662 Analysis / Analysis

                    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 Committee on Appropriations  
 
BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662 
INTRODUCER:  Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development, 
Transportation Committee and Senator Collins 
SUBJECT:  Transportation 
DATE: April 16, 2025 
 
 ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR  REFERENCE  	ACTION 
1. Johnson Vickers TR Fav/CS 
2. Griffin Nortelus ATD  Fav/CS 
3. Griffin Sadberry AP Pre-meeting 
 
Please see Section IX. for Additional Information: 
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE - Substantial Changes 
 
I. Summary: 
CS/CS/SB 1662 addresses various provisions relating to transportation. Specifically, the bill: 
• Provides position titles for the assistant secretaries of the Florida Department of 
Transportation (FDOT) and authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to appoint an 
Executive Director of Transportation Technology. 
• Revises provisions regarding the qualifications of Florida Transportation Commission (FTC) 
members.  
• Requires the FTC to monitor any transit entity receiving public transit block grant funding. 
• Creates the Florida Transportation Research Institute. 
• Authorizes certain space-related and commercial shipbuilding projects to receive Florida 
Seaport Transportation and Economic Development funding. 
• Requires seaports to submit semiannual reports to the FDOT regarding their operations. 
• Prohibits state funding to seaports near spaceport territory unless such seaports agree to 
specified land use requirements. 
• Authorizes the FDOT to issue blanket permits allowing the movement of certain large cranes, 
including movement at night. 
• Repeals provisions regarding high-occupancy vehicle lanes, including a related toll 
exemption. 
• Authorizes the withholding of state transportation funds to local jurisdictions for traffic 
signals not in compliance with the FDOT’s uniform system for traffic control devices. 
REVISED:   BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 2 
 
• Requires the FDOT to inspect and certify private airports of public interest. 
• Authorizes the FDOT to fund certain infrastructure projects associated with spaceports. 
• Requires airports to provide the FDOT with the opportunity to use certain airport property as 
a staging area during  declared states of emergency. 
• Requires commercial service airports to establish comprehensive airport infrastructure 
programs with annual certifications to the FDOT regarding these programs. 
• Authorizes the FDOT to fund additional aviation-related workforce development projects. 
• Makes nonhub airports subject to commercial service airport transparency and accountability 
requirements and amends such requirements for all commercial service airports. 
• Requires commercial service airports to notify the FDOT after receiving certain 
communications or directives from the federal government and following specified incidents 
of concern. 
• Codifies advanced air mobility into Florida law. 
• Revises the FDOT’s authorization regarding public information and education campaigns. 
• Authorizes the FDOT to adopt rules to comply with federal disadvantaged business 
enterprise rules. 
• Authorizes parking authorities, pursuant to an interlocal agreement, to operate in jurisdictions 
contiguous with their chartered jurisdiction. 
• Creates the Florida Transportation Academy, within the FDOT, to coordinate with certain 
entities regarding workforce development. 
• Authorizes the FDOT to require the modification of an existing connection to a state road 
due to safety or operational concerns. 
• Increases the size of a “small business” as it relates to the FDOT’s business development 
program. 
• Repeals the FDOT’s disadvantaged business enterprise program. 
• Authorizes the FDOT to require a surety bond in an amount less than the awarded contract 
price. 
• Prohibits camping on right-of-way of the State Highway System, except on the Florida 
National Scenic Trail with the appropriate permit. 
• Prohibits the FDOT from providing funds to transportation-related entities for projects or 
programs that are inconsistent with the energy policy of the state. 
• Repeals an obsolete report requirement related to electric vehicle charging infrastructure. 
• Revises and makes permanent the FDOT’s Strategic Intermodal System supply chain 
demands program. 
• Revises and makes permanent the allocation of unused New Starts Transit funds to the 
Strategic Intermodal System. 
• Revises the membership of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority’s governing body. 
 
The bill has an indeterminate fiscal impact on state and local governments as well as the private 
sector. See Section V. Fiscal Impact Statement. 
 
This bill takes effect July 1, 2025.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 3 
 
II. Present Situation: 
For ease or organization and readability, the present situation is discussed below with the effect 
of proposed changes. 
III. Effect of Proposed Changes: 
Florida Department of Transportation (Section 1) 
Present Situation 
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is a decentralized agency headed by the 
Secretary of Transportation.
1
 The secretary may appoint up to three assistant secretaries who 
report to the secretary and perform such duties as the secretary assigns.
2
 The FDOT employs the 
following assistant secretaries: Engineering and Operations, Finance and Administration, and 
Strategic Development.
3
 
 
According to the FDOT, Transportation Technology prioritizes technology projects to ensure 
enterprise coordination and management of technology and technology resources to deliver the 
FDOT’s core mission. Transportation Technology resources bolster safety and connectivity on 
Florida roadways by aligning technology and data; automating services; creating enterprise data 
and technology standards; and enhancing cybersecurity, mitigating risks resulting from emerging 
technologies.
4
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to appoint three assistant secretaries: a Chief 
Operations Officer, a Chief Finance and Administration Officer, and a Chief Strategic 
Development Officer. The Secretary of Transportation may also appoint an Executive Director 
of Transportation Technology. These positions are included in Senior Management Service and 
are exempt from the Career Service System.
5
 
 
Florida Transportation Commission (Section 1) 
Present Situation 
The Florida Transportation Commission (FTC) is a nine-member citizen's oversight board for the 
FDOT and expressway and regional transportation authorities. While the FTC is assigned to the 
FDOT for administrative and fiscal accountability purposes, it is independent of the FDOT. Each 
FTC member, who must have private sector business managerial experience, is appointed by the 
Governor, subject to Senate confirmation.
6
  
 
1
 Section 20.23, F.S. 
2
 Section 20.23(1)(d), F.S. 
3
 Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Organizational Chart, February 2025. Available at: 
https://fdotwww.blob.core.windows.net/sitefinity/docs/default-source/humanresources/documents/fdotorganizationchart.pdf 
(last visited March 3, 2025). 
4
 FDOT, Office of Transportation Technology, https://www.fdot.gov/technology/default.shtm (last visited March 3, 2025). 
5
 This is pursuant to s. 110.205(2)(j), F.S. 
6
 Florida Transportation Commission (FTC), Summary of Organization and Responsibilities, 
http://www.ftc.state.fl.us/aboutus.shtm (last visited March 5, 2025). The FTC is codified in s. 20.23(2), F.S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 4 
 
 
FTC commissioners are prohibited from, while serving on the FTC and for two years after 
leaving the FTC, having any direct or indirect interest in any contract, franchise, privilege, or 
other benefit granted or awarded by the FDOT.
7
 
 
Among its statutorily required duties, the FTC must monitor the efficiency, productivity, and 
management of legislatively-created expressway and transit authorities, including, the Greater 
Miami-Expressway Agency, the Tampa-Hillsborough County Expressway Authority, the Central 
Florida Expressway Authority, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, the Mid-Bay Bridge 
Authority, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, and the Central Florida 
Regional Transportation Authority. The FTC must also periodically review each of these 
entities’ operations and budget, acquisition of property, management of revenue and bond 
proceeds, and compliance with applicable laws and generally accepted accounting principles.
8
 
 
For purposes of the Standards of Conduct for Public Officers, the term “public officer” includes 
any person elected or appointed to hold office in any agency, including any person serving on an 
advisory body.
9
 These standards of conduct include provisions relating to the solicitation or 
acceptance of gifts, doing business with one’s agency, unauthorized compensation, salary and 
expenses, misuse of public position, conflicting employment or contractual relationships, the 
disclosure or use of certain information, and postemployment restrictions.
10
 
 
The FDOT administers a public transit block grant program, which provides grant funds to 
public transit providers
11
 in urbanized areas. These public transit block grants may be used for 
capital projects, service development and transit corridor projects, and operations.
12
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill repeals the statutory requirement that each FTC member possess private-sector business 
experience. In its place, the bill requires at least three FTC members to be representatives of or 
possess expertise in the higher education, transportation, or workforce development industries. 
 
The bill removes the prohibition of FTC commissioners, while serving on the FTC and for two 
years afterwords, from having any direct or indirect interest in any contract, franchise, privilege, 
or other benefit granted or awarded by the FDOT. In its place, the bill requires the FTC 
commissioners to follow the standards of conduct for public officers or employees. 
 
The bill requires the FTC to monitor the efficiency, productivity, and management of any transit 
entity that receives public transit block grant funding. 
 
 
7
 Section 20.23(2)(g), F.S. 
8
 Section 20.23(2)(b)8., F.S. These are the agencies and authorities created in chs. 343, 348, and 349, F.S., and ch. 2000-411, 
Laws of Fla. 
9
 Section 112.313(1), F.S. 
10
 Section 112.313, F.S. 
11
 Section 341.031(1), F.S., defines the term “public transit provider” to mean a public agency providing public transit 
service, including rail authorities created in ch. 343, F.S. 
12
 Section 341.052(2), F.S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 5 
 
Florida Transportation Research Institute (Section 1) 
Present Situation 
Florida’s colleges and universities conduct various transportation-related research projects. 
Statutorily-created transportation research entities at Florida’s public universities include the 
Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR)
13
 at the University of South Florida and the 
Implementing Solutions from Transportation Research and Evaluating Emerging Technologies 
(I-STREET) Living Lab
14
 at the University of Florida. 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill provides legislative findings that: 
• The transportation industry is critical to Florida's economic future and the competitiveness of 
Florida’s transportation industry depends upon the development and maintenance of a 
qualified workforce and cutting-edge research and innovation. 
• Florida’s transportation industry has varied and complex workforce needs ranging from 
technical and mechanical training to continuing education opportunities for workers with 
advanced degrees and certifications. 
• The timely need also exists for coordinated research and innovation efforts to promote 
emerging technologies and innovative construction methods and tools to address alternative 
funding mechanisms.  
 
The bill provides the Legislature’s intent to support programs designed to address the workforce 
development needs of Florida’s transportation industry. 
 
The bill creates the Florida Transportation Research Institute (FTRI) as a consortium of higher 
education professionals. The FTRI’s purpose is to drive cutting-edge research, innovation, 
transformational technologies, and breakthrough solutions to support workforce development 
efforts that contribute to Florida’s transportation industry. 
 
The bill provides that it is the FTRI’s mission to advance Florida's transportation infrastructure 
and systems through research, education and engagement for a safer, more efficient, resilient, 
and innovative movement of people and goods throughout the state. 
 
The FTRI reports to the FDOT and is composed of members from the University of Florida, 
Indian River State College, the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida, 
and Florida International University. The FDOT must select a member to serve as the institute’s 
administrative lead. The FDOT must periodically assess the administrative lead’s performance to 
ensure accountability and assess the attainment of performance goals. 
 
The Secretary of Transportation must appoint a representative from the FDOT to serve as the 
FTRI’s executive director. The FDOT must coordinate with the FTRI’s members to adopt 
policies establishing its executive committee and mission statement. 
 
13
 The Center for Urban Transportation Research is codified in s. 334.065, F.S. 
14
 Implementing Solutions from Transportation Research and Evaluating Emerging Technologies (I-STREET) Living Lab is 
codified in s. 334.066, F.S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 6 
 
 
The FTRI may award grants that align with its purpose. Such grants may be directed to member 
and nonmember institutions with proven expertise relevant to the grant, including not-for-profit 
organization and institutes of higher education. The FDOT may allocate funds to the FTRI from 
the State Transportation Trust Fund (STTF). The FTRI may expend such funds for its operations 
and programs to support research and innovation projects that provide solutions to Florida’s 
transportation needs. 
 
The FTRI must submit an annual report to the Secretary of Transportation and the FTC on its 
performance metrics. The report must include, but is not limited to, the expenditure of its 
allocated funds, ongoing and proposed research efforts, and the application and success of past 
research efforts. 
 
FDOT’s Areas of Program Responsibility (Section 1) 
Present Situation 
The FDOT’s areas of program responsibility are administration, planning, modal development, 
design, highway operations, right-of-way, transportation technology, information technology, 
motor carrier weight inspection, work program and budget, comptroller, statewide corridors, 
maintenance, forecasting and performance, emergency management, safety materials, 
infrastructure and innovation, permitting, and traffic operations.
15
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill adds “operational technology” to the FDOT’s areas of program responsibility. The bill 
also changes “modal development” to “supply chain and modal development” and “information 
systems” to “information technology.” 
 
Seaport Transportation and Economic Development (Sections 2 and 3) 
Present Situation 
Florida’s seaports include Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Port Citrus, Fort Pierce, Palm Beach, 
Port Everglades, Miami, Port Manatee, St. Petersburg, Putnam County, Tampa, Port St. Joe, 
Panama City, Pensacola, Key West, and Fernandina.
16
 
 
The FDOT’s Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development (FSTED) Council 
consists of the director, or the director's designee of each seaport, the Secretary of Transportation 
or his or her designee; and the Secretary of the Commerce or his or her designee.
17
  
 
The FSTED Council annually prepares its five-year Florida Seaport Mission Plan, providing its 
goals and objectives regarding the development of port facilities and an intermodal transportation 
system. The plan must include specific recommendations for the construction of transportation 
facilities connecting any port to another transportation mode and for the efficient, cost-effective 
 
15
 Section 20.23(3)(b), F.S. 
16
 Section 311.09(1), F.S. 
17
 Section 311.09(1), F.S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 7 
 
development of transportation facilities or port facilities for the purpose of enhancing trade, 
promoting cargo flow, increasing cruise passenger movements, increasing port revenues, and 
providing economic benefits.
18
,
19
 
 
The FDOT’s FSTED Program finances port transportation or seaport facilities projects to 
improve the movement and intermodal transportation of cargo or passengers and support the 
interests, purposes, and requirements of the ports.
20
 The FDOT must annually provide a 
minimum of $25 million from the STTF to fund this program.
21
 
 
Projects eligible for the FSTED Program funding include: 
• Transportation facilities within the port. 
• The dredging or deepening of channels, turning basins, or harbors. 
• The construction or rehabilitation of certain port facilities. 
• The acquisition of equipment used in the movement of cargo or passengers. 
• The acquisition of land for port purposes. 
• The acquisition, improvement, enlargement, or extension of existing port facilities. 
• Environmental protection projects meeting specified requirements. 
• Transportation facilities not otherwise included in the FDOT's work program. 
• Intermodal access projects. 
• Construction or rehabilitation of port facilities in small ports under certain conditions. 
• Seaport master plan or strategic plan development or updates.
22
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill provides that the purpose of the FSTED Council is to support the growth of Florida’s 
seaports through review, development, and financing of port transportation and port facilities. 
 
The bill makes the following additional project types eligible for the FSTED Program funding: 
• Spaceport or space industry-related planning or construction of facilities on seaport property 
which are necessary or useful for advancing Florida’s space industry and provide an 
economic benefit to this state. 
• Commercial shipbuilding and manufacturing facilities on seaport property, if such projects 
provide an economic benefit to the community where the seaport is located. 
 
The bill requires that the Florida Seaport Mission Plan include specific recommendations 
regarding the construction of transportation facilities connecting any port to the space or 
aerospace industries. 
 
The bill requires each port member of the FSTED Council to submit a semiannual report to the 
FDOT related to his or her port’s operations and support of Florida’s economic competitiveness 
and supply chain. Each report must include any information required by the FDOT in 
 
18
 Section 311.09(3), F.S. 
19
 Section 311.09(3), F.S. A copy of the 2023-2024 Seaport Mission Plan is available at: https://flaports.org/wp-
content/uploads/Florida-SMP-2024-PRINT-V2.pdf (last visited March 7, 2025). 
20
 Section 311.07(1), F.S. 
21
 Section 311.07(2), F.S. 
22
 Section 311.07(3)(b), F.S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 8 
 
consultation with the Department of Commerce. Reports must include, but are not limited to, the 
following: 
• Bulk break capacity; 
• Liquid storage and capacity; 
• Fuel storage and capacity; 
• Container capacity; and 
• A description of any supply chain disruption. 
 
Seaport Funding (Section 4) 
Present Situation 
In addition to the FSTED Program, ch. 311, F.S., relating to seaports, authorizes the following 
seaport-related funding programs: 
• The Strategic Port Investment Initiative to fund port-related strategic investments.
23
 
• The Seaport Employment Training Grant Program to provide grants to stimulate and support 
seaport training and employment programs.
24
 
• The Seaport Security Grant Program to assist seaports in implementing security plans and 
security measures.
25
 
 
Section 215.31, F.S., describes the term “state funds” as revenue, including licenses, fees, 
imposts, or exactions collected or received under Florida law by each and every state official, 
office, employee, bureau, division, board, commission, institution, agency, or undertaking of the 
state or the judicial branch. 
 
In Brevard County, spaceport territory includes: Patrick Space Force Base, Cape Canaveral 
Space Force Station, John F. Kennedy Space Center, Space Coast Regional Airport, Space Coast 
Regional Airport Industrial Park, and Spaceport Commerce Park.
26
 
 
In Bay County, spaceport territory includes Tyndall Air Force Base.
 27
  
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill provides that as a condition of receiving a project grant under any seaport program and 
as a condition of receiving state funds, a seaport located in a county identified in the description 
of spaceport territory, must include in any agreement with the FDOT that the seaport may not 
convert any planned or existing land, facility, or infrastructure designated for cargo purposes  to 
any alternative purposes unless the conversion is approved by the seaport at a publicly noticed 
meeting as a separate line item on the agenda and with a reasonable opportunity for public 
comment. If the seaport approves the conversion, express approval must be obtained by the 
FSTED Council and the FTC upon recommendation by the funding agency. 
 
 
23
 Section 311.10, F.S. 
24
 Section 311.11, F.S. 
25
 Section 311.12(6), F.S. 
26
 Section 331.304(1) and (5), F.S. 
27
 Section 331.304(7), F.S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 9 
 
The bill defines the term “cargo purposes” to include, but is not limited to, a facility, activity, 
property, energy source, or infrastructure asset that support spaceport activities. 
 
Special Mobile Equipment (Sections 5 and 8) 
Present Situation 
Special Mobile Equipment 
Florida law defines the term ”special mobile equipment” to mean any vehicle not designed or 
used primarily for the transportation of persons or property and only incidentally operated or 
moved over a highway.
28
 
 
Special mobile equipment includes, but is not limited to, ditchdigging apparatus, well-boring 
apparatus, and road construction and maintenance machinery, such as asphalt spreaders, 
bituminous mixers, bucket loaders, tractors other than truck tractors, ditchers, leveling graders, 
finishing machines, motor graders, road rollers, scarifiers, earthmoving carryalls and scrapers, 
power shovels and draglines, and self-propelled cranes and earthmoving equipment.
29
 
 
Special Permits for Oversize or Overweight Vehicles 
Florida law prohibits oversize or overweight vehicles or loads from entering onto or operating on 
a public road unless the vehicle’s owner or operator has first obtained a special permit for such 
movement from the appropriate governing jurisdiction.
30
 
 
Florida’s statutory limits for the width, height, length, and weight of vehicle, including the load, 
on its roadways are: 
• Width - 102 inches; however, the use of certain roads may be restricted due to safety 
concerns.
31
 
• Height - 13 feet six inches.
32
 
• Length – 40 feet for a straight truck, 48 feet for a semi-trailer, and 28 fee for tandem trailer 
trucks.
33
 
• Weight – 80,000, including enforcement tolerances.
34
 
 
The FDOT or a local authority may, with respect to highways under their respective 
jurisdictions, issue a special permit authorizing an applicant to operate or move a vehicle or 
combination of vehicles of an excess size or weight upon any highway under its jurisdiction.
35
 
The permit must describe the vehicle or vehicles and load to be operated or moved and the 
highways for which the permit is requested. The FDOT or local authority may at its discretion, 
 
28
 Section 316.003(83). F.S. 
29
 Id. 
30
 Section 316.550(1), F.S. 
31
 Section 316.515(1), F.S. 
32
 Section 316.515(2), F.S.  
33
 Section 316.515(3), F.S. 
34
Section 316.515, F.S., maximum weight limits are set by formula, but the vehicle’s overall gross vehicle weight may not 
exceed 80,000 points, including enforcement tolerances. 
35
 Section 316.550(2), F.S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 10 
 
issue or withhold a permit. If a permit is issued, FDOT or local authority, may limit or prescribe 
the conditions of operation of such vehicle or vehicles.
36
 
 
Such a permit may authorize a self-propelled truck crane operating off the Interstate Highway 
System to tow a motor vehicle which does not weigh more than 5,000 pounds, if the combined 
weight of the crane and such motor vehicle does not exceed 95,000 pounds.
37
 
 
FDOT Permit Rules – Overweight and Overdimensional Vehicles 
Pursuant to its overweight and overdimensional permit rules,
38
 FDOT, when evaluating permit 
requests and prescribing permit conditions, must consider items including whether the load can 
be reasonably dismantled or disassembled, traffic flow and safety issues, and any assistance that  
may be needed.
39
 
 
For nighttime movement, when FDOT’s criteria for issuing a permit are met, FDOT must issue a 
permit provided that: 
• Nighttime travel is recommended by the appropriate FDOT District Traffic Engineering 
Offices or determined to be a permit requirement. Law enforcement escorts are used. 
• Warning lights delineate the load’s shape and size. 
• The sides and rear of trailers and loads are as prescribed in state law and federal 
regulations.
40
 
 
For self-propelled equipment,
41
 including cranes, the FDOT requires a trip or multi-trip permit to 
be issued when specified criteria is met. For all self-propelled equipment, the boom must be fully 
retracted. For nighttime movement, front overhang must have a minimum of 80 inches clearance 
above the roadway. In addition, the following restrictions apply: 
• Total length up to 80 feet. 
o Front overhang over six feet up to nine feet. Movement is permitted on all days, all hours. 
A warning light is required to be mounted at the extreme end of the protrusion in such a 
way as to be seen by all approaching traffic. 
o Front overhang over nine feet. Movement is permitted on all days, during daytime hours 
only. A warning light is required to be mounted at the extreme end of the protrusion in 
such a way as to be seen by all approaching traffic. 
• Total Length over 80 feet. Movement is permitted daytime hours only, excluding holidays. 
Flags and warning signs are required. A warning light is required to be mounted at the 
extreme end of the protrusion in such a way as to be seen by all approaching traffic.
42
 
 
 
36
 Id. 
37
 Section 316.550(3), F.S. 
38
 Rule 14-26, F.A.C. 
39
 Rule 14-26.00425, F.A.C. 
40
 Rule 14-26.012(5)(f), F.A.C. 
41
 Rule 14-26.0041(27), F.A.C., defines the term “self-propelled equipment” to mean a single rigid frame unit propelled with 
its own power source which does not transport a divisible load, and includes equipment such as earth handling equipment, 
cranes (which may include a dolly attachment), derricks and fire trucks. 
42
 Rule 14-26.012(9)(c), F.A.C.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 11 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill amends the statutory definition of “special mobile equipment” changing the term “self-
propelled cranes” to “mobile cranes and accessory support vehicles.” The bill also removes 
“cranes or shovels” from the list of items that the term “special mobile equipment” does not 
include. 
 
The bill authorizes the FDOT to issue a mobile crane special blanket permit for any of the 
following purposes: 
• To authorize a mobile crane to operate on and off the Interstate Highway System while 
towing a motor vehicle that does not weigh more than 5,000 pounds of the combined weight 
of the motor vehicle does not exceed 95,000 pounds; 
• To authorize a mobile crane and accessory support vehicles that are up to 12 feet in width, 14 
feet six inches in height, and 100 feet in length to operate on and off the Interstate Highway 
System at all hours except as restricted under a local travel-related curfew; or 
• To authorize a mobile crane and accessory support vehicle which, due to their design for 
special use, exceed the statutory weight limits
43
 to operate on and off the Interstate Highway 
System. 
 
High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes (Section 6 and 42) 
Present Situation 
Florida law defines the term “high-occupancy-vehicle lane” or “HOV lane” to mean a lane of a 
public roadway designated for use by vehicles in which there is more than one occupant unless 
otherwise authorized by federal law.
44
 
 
Florida law authorizes hybrid and low-emission vehicles that federal minimum fuel economy 
standards to drive in the HOV lane at any time.
45
 
 
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) issues annual decals and 
registration certificates, reflecting the HOV lane designation, on vehicles authorized to drive in 
an HOV lane at any time. The DHSMV may charge up to $5 per decal but may not exceed its 
costs. This fee is deposited in the Highway Safety Operating Trust Fund.
46
 According to the 
DHSMV, as of March 7, 2025, there were 25,428 active HOV decals.
47
 
 
Florida law provides a toll exemption for the use of HOV toll lanes or express lanes by vehicles 
issued HOV decals and are registered to use HOV toll lanes or express lanes and issued HOV 
decals.
48
 The FDOT rules provide such a toll exemption for the I-95 Express lanes in Miami-
Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
49
 
 
43
 These weight limits are established in s. 316.535, F.S. 
44
 Section 316.0741(1)(a), F.S. 
45
 Section 316.0741(4), F.S. The federal minimum fuel economy standards are in 23 U.S.C. s. 166(f)(3)(B), 
46
 Section 316.0741(5), F.S. 
47
 Email from Jonas Marquez, Director of Legislative Affairs, Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Re: SB 
1662 HOV Lanes, March 11, 2025. (On file with Senate Committee on Transportation). 
48
 Section 316.714(6), F.S. 
49
 Rule 14-100.004, F.A.C.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 12 
 
 
Unlawfully driving in an HOV lane is punishable as a moving violation;
50
 however, points are 
not assessed against a driver license for this violation.
51
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill repeal s. 316.0741, F.S., repealing HOV lanes. This includes the DHSMV’s authority to 
issue HOV decals and authorization for FDOT to provide toll exemption for HOV toll lanes or 
express lanes for specified vehicles. 
 
The bill removes a reference to HOV lanes in s. 322.27(3)(d), F.S., that provides that no points 
are assessed on a driver license for an HOV lane violation. 
 
Uniform Signals and Devices (Section 7) 
Present Situation 
The FDOT is required to adopt a uniform system of traffic control devices that must be used on 
Florida’s streets and highways.
52
 All official traffic control signals or official traffic control 
devices purchased and installed by any public body or official must conform to the FDOT’s 
specifications.
53
 However, upon a showing of good cause, the FDOT is authorized to permit 
traffic control devices not in conformity with its uniform system.
54
 
 
The FDOT may, upon receiving and investigating a report of noncompliance and after a hearing, 
direct the removal of any traffic control device not meeting the uniform system. The public 
agency with authority over the traffic control device must immediately bring the device into 
compliance or remove the device. An additional violation of this provision is cause for 
withholding state funds for traffic control purposes until the public body or official demonstrates 
to the FDOT that it is in compliance.
55
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill authorizes the withholding of state funds deposited into the State Transportation Trust 
Fund for additional violations associated with uniform system for signals and devices. This 
withholding of funds is until the public body or official demonstrates to the FDOT that it is in 
compliance with the uniform system. 
 
Florida Airport Licensing Law (Sections 9 and 10) 
Present Situation 
The Florida Airport Licensing Law,
56
 includes definitions for following terms: 
 
50
 Section 316.0741(3), F.S. 
51
 Section 322.27(3)(d)8., F.S. 
52
 Section 316.0745(1), F.S. Rule 14-15.010, F.A.C., incorporates, by reference, the Federal Highway Administration’s 
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices into the Florida Administrative Code. 
53
 Section 316.0745(3), F.S. 
54
 Section 316.0745(8), F.S. 
55
 Section 316.0745(7), F.S. 
56
 Sections 330.27-330.39, F.S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 13 
 
• Aircraft - a powered or unpowered machine or device capable of atmospheric flight, except a 
parachute or other such device used primarily as safety equipment.
57
 
• Airport - an area of land or water used for, or intended to be used for, landing and takeoff of 
aircraft, including appurtenant areas, buildings, facilities, or rights-of-way necessary to 
facilitate such use or intended use.
58
 
• Ultralight aircraft - any aircraft meeting the criteria established by part 103 of Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
59
 
 
Under Florida law, a proposed airport’s owner or lessee must obtain site approval from the 
FDOT. The FDOT must grant site approval if it is satisfied that  specific conditions are met 
related to safety, local land development or zoning regulations, and notification of affected 
entities.
60
 The FDOT may grant site approval for a public airport
61
 only after its favorable 
inspection of the proposed site.
62
 For a private airport,
63
 the FDOT grants site approval after its 
receives documentation that the airport has satisfied the conditions required for site approval.
64
 
The FDOT may subject its site approval to reasonable conditions necessary to protect public 
health, safety, or welfare.
65
 
 
Under Florida law, before operating aircraft to or from the airport, the airport’s owner or lessee 
must receive, from the FDOT, a public airport license or a private airport registration.
66
 For a 
public airport, upon granting site approval, the FDOT must issue the airport’s license after its 
final inspection finds that the airport complies with all license requirements. A public-airport 
license may be subject to reasonable conditions necessary to protect public health, safety, or 
welfare.
67
 For a private airport, upon the FDOT granting site approval, it must provide the 
applicant with access to the state aviation facility data system to permit the applicant to complete 
the registration process. Registration is completed upon the registrant’s self-certification of the 
FDOT-required data.
68
 
 
Florida law does not currently address private airports of public interest. 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill amends various provisions of the Florida Airport Licensing Law. It amends various the  
definitions, including: 
 
57
 Section 330.27(1), F.S. 
58
 Section 330.27(2), F.S. 
59
 Section 330.27(8), F.S. 14 C.F.R., part 103 relates to ultralight vehicles. 
60
 Section 330.30(1)(a), F.S. 
61
 Section 330.27(6), F.S., defines the term “public airport” means an airport, publicly or privately owned, which is open for 
use by the public. 
62
 Section 334.30(1)(b), F.S. 
63
 Section 330.27(5), F.S., defines the term “private airport” to mean an airport, publicly or privately owned, which is not 
open or available for use by the public, but may be made available to others by invitation of the owner or manager. 
64
 Section 334.30(1)(c), F.S. 
65
 Section 330.30(1)(f), F.S. 
66
 Section 330.30(2)(a), F.S.  
67
 Section 330.30(2)(a)1., F.S. 
68
 Section 330.30(2)(a)2., F.S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 14 
 
• “Aircraft” to provide that the term includes, but is not limited to, an airplane, an autogiro, a 
glider, a gyrodyne, a helicopter, a lift and cruise, a multicoptor, paramotors, a powered lift, a 
seaplane, a tiltrotor, an ultralight, and a vectored thrust. 
• “Airport” to provide a specific area of land or water or a structure used for aircraft 
operations. The term includes, but is not limited to, airparks, airports, gliderports, heliports, 
helistops, seaplane bases, ultralight flight parks, vertiports, and vertistops. 
 
The bill defines the term “private airport of public interest” to mean a private airport engaged in 
air ambulance operations, commercial air tour operations, on-demand operations, public charter 
operations, scheduled operations, or supplemental operations. 
 
The bill defines the following terms referred to in the definition of private airport of public 
interest: 
• Air ambulance operations – a flight with a patient or medical personnel on board for the 
purpose of medical transportation. 
• Commercial air tour operation – a flight conducted for compensation or hire in an aircraft 
where a purpose of the flight is sightseeing. 
• Commuter operation – any scheduled operation conducted by a person operating an aircraft 
with a frequency of operations of at least five round trips per week on at least one route 
between two or more points according to the published flight schedule. 
• On-demand operation – any scheduled passenger carrying operation for compensation or hire 
conducted by a person operating an aircraft with a frequency of operations of fewer than five 
round trips per week on at least one route between two or more points according to the 
published flight schedule. 
• Public charter operation – a one-way or round-trip charter flight performed by one or more 
direct air carriers which is arranged and sponsored by a charter operator. 
• Scheduled operation – any common carriage passenger-carrying operation for compensation 
or hire conducted by an air carrier or commercial operator for which the certificate holder or 
its representative offers in advance the departure location, departure time, and arrival 
location. 
• Supplemental operation – any common carriage operation for compensation or hire 
conducted with an aircraft for which the departure time, departure location, and arrival 
location are specifically negotiated with the customer or customer’s representative. 
 
The bill repeals the definition of the “ultralight aircraft” since that term is described in FAA 
regulations. 
 
The bill requires a private airport of public interest, before allowing aircraft operations, to obtain 
a certificate from the FDOT. The FDOT must issue a certificate after a final inspection finds the 
airport complies with all certificate requirements. The certificate is subject to any reasonable 
conditions the FDOT deems necessary to protect the public. A private airport that was engaged 
in operations associated with a private airport of public interest on or before July 1, 2025, must 
obtain a certificate by July 1, 2030. 
 
The bill authorizes the FDOT, after an initial registration, to issue a certificate to a private airport 
of public interest if the airport is found, after physical inspection, to comply with all certificate  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 15 
 
requirements. The certificate is subject to any reasonable condition that the FDOT deems 
necessary to protect the public health, safety, or welfare. A private airport of public interest’s 
certificate expires five years after its effective date. 
 
FDOT Funding of Space-Related Infrastructure Projects (Section 11) 
Present Situation 
Under Florida law, the following specified properties constitute spaceport territory: 
• Certain real property in Brevard County within Patrick Space Force Base, Cape Canaveral 
Space Force Station, or John F. Kennedy Space Center.  
• Certain real property in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Gulf, and Walton Counties within Eglin Air 
Force Base. 
• Certain real property in Duval County within the Cecil Airport and Cecil Commerce Center. 
• Real property which is a FAA-licensed spaceport, as designated by Space Florida’s board of 
directors. 
• Certain real property in Brevard County within Space Coast Regional Airport, Space Coast 
Regional Airport Industrial Park, and Spaceport Commerce Park. 
• Certain real property in Miami-Dade County which was formerly included in Homestead Air 
Force Base and is included within Homestead Air Reserve Base or deeded to Miami-Dade 
County or the City of Homestead. 
• Certain real property in Bay County is within Tyndall Air Force Base.
69
 
 
Florida law defines the term “critical infrastructure facility” to mean a chemical manufacturing 
facility, a refinery, an electrical power plant, a water treatment facility or wastewater treatment 
plant, a liquid natural gas terminal, a telecommunications central switching office, a gas 
processing plant, a seaport, a spaceport territory, or an airport.
70
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill authorizes the FDOT to fund infrastructure projects, and projects associated with critical 
infrastructure facilities within or outside a spaceport territory as long as the project supports 
aerospace
71
 or launch support facilities
72
 within an adjacent spaceport territory. The FDOT must 
consult with the Department of Commerce and the Department of Environmental Protection in 
funding these projects. These three agencies must coordinate in funding these projects in order to 
optimize the use of available funds. 
 
 
69
 Section 334.304, F.S. 
70
 Section 692.201(2), F.S. This is if the facility employs measures to exclude unauthorized persons. 
71
 Section 331.303(1), F.S., defines the term “aerospace” to mean the technology and industry related to the design, 
manufacture, maintenance, repair, and operation of aircraft or any other device intended to be used or designed for flight or 
reentry, including rockets, missiles, spacecraft, satellites, space vehicles, space stations, space and aircraft facilities or 
components thereof, and related equipment, systems, facilities, simulators, programs, and activities, including, but not limited 
to, the application of aerospace and aviation technologies in air-based, land-based, space-based, and sea-based platforms for 
commercial, civil, and defense purposes. 
72
 Section 338.301(11), F.S., defines the term “launch support facilities” to mean facilities that are located at launch sites or 
launch ranges that are required to support launch activities, including launch vehicle assembly, launch vehicle operations and 
control, communications, and flight safety functions, as well as payload operations, control, and processing.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 16 
 
Florida Airport Development and Assistance Act (Sections 12-15) 
The Florida Airport Development and Assistance Act
73
 generally prohibits the FDOT from 
participating in or exercising control in the management and operation of a sponsor's
74
 airport.
75
 
 
The FDOT has statutory duties and responsibilities related to aviation development and 
assistance, including duty to develop, promote, and distribute supporting information and 
educational services.
76
 
 
The FDOT must prepare and continuously update its aviation and airport work program based on 
local sponsors' proposed aviation projects. The FDOT’s airport work program must separately 
identify development projects
77
 and discretionary capacity improvement projects.
78
,
79
 
 
To be eligible to receive state funds, aviation projects must contribute to implementing the 
statewide aviation system plan,
80
 be consistent with and will contribute to the implementation of 
any airport master plan or layout plan, and be consistent with, to the maximum extent feasible, 
the appropriate approved local government comprehensive plans.
81
 
 
Subject to the availability of appropriated funds in addition to aviation fuel tax revenues,
82
 the 
FDOT may participate in the capital cost of eligible public airport and aviation discretionary 
capacity improvement projects. The FDOT must prioritize its aviation funding to support: 
• Land acquisition which provides additional capacity at the qualifying international airport or 
at that airport's supplemental air carrier airport. 
• Runway and taxiway projects that add capacity or are necessary to accommodate 
technological changes in the aviation industry. 
• Airport access transportation projects that improve direct airport access and are approved by 
the airport sponsor. 
• International terminal projects that increase international gate capacity.
83
 
 
The FDOT may also fund eligible projects performed by not-for-profit organizations 
representing a majority of Florida’s public airports. Eligible projects include aviation master 
planning, professional education, safety and security planning, enhancing economic development 
 
73
 Sections 332.003-332.007, F.S. 
74
 Section 332.004(15), F.S., defines the term “sponsor” to mean any eligible agency which, either individually or jointly with 
one or more eligible agencies, submits to FDOT an application for financial assistance for an airport development project in 
accordance with this act. 
75
 Section 332.005, F.S. There are some exceptions associated with requests from the airport’s sponsor. 
76
 Section 332.006(7), F.S. 
77
 Section 332.004(4), F.S., defines the term “airport or aviation development project” to mean any activity associated with 
the design, construction, purchase, improvement, or repair of a public-use airport or portion thereof, etc. 
78
 Section 332.004(5), F.S., defines the term “airport or aviation discretionary capacity improvement projects” or to mean 
capacity improvements which are consistent, to the maximum extent feasible, with the approved local government 
comprehensive plans of the units of local government in which the airport is located, and which enhance intercontinental 
capacity at airports which meet certain requirements. 
79
 Section 332.007(2)(a), F.S. 
80
 FDOT is required to develop and periodically update the statewide aviation system plan pursuant to s. 332.006(1), F.S. 
81
 Section 332.007(5), F.S. 
82
 Section 332.007(7), F.S. Aviation fuel tax is authorized and collected pursuant to part III of ch. 216, F.S. 
83
 Section 332.007(7)(a), F.S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 17 
 
and efficiency at airports, or other planning efforts to improve the viability of Florida’s 
airports.
84
 
 
Under the State Emergency Management Act,
85
 the Governor must declare a state of emergency 
if an emergency
86
 has occurred or there is an imminent threat of an emergency. A state of 
emergency may last up to 60 days and may be renewed by the Governor.
87
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill changes the short title of the “Florida Airport Development and Assistance Act” to the 
“Florida Airport Development and Accountability Act.” 
 
The bill requires airports
88
 to, upon the Governor’s issuance a state of emergency in preparation 
for or in response to a natural disaster, at no cost to the state, provide the FDOT with the 
opportunity to use any airport property that is not within an air navigation facility,
89
 to stage 
equipment and personnel to support emergency preparedness or operations. The bill provides 
that after 60 days of use as a staging area, the FDOT’s further use of airport property must be 
pursuant to a written agreement between the airport and the FDOT. 
 
The bill amends the FDOT’s duty to develop, promote and distribute supporting information and 
educational services, to include, but not limit it to, educational services with a focus on retention 
and growth of the aviation industry workforce. 
 
The bill requires each commercial service airport to establish and maintain an airport 
infrastructure program to ensure the ongoing preservation of airport infrastructure facilities in 
safe and serviceable condition. 
 
The bill defines the term “airport infrastructure” to mean the facilities, systems, and structural 
components of an airport necessary for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. 
 
Beginning November 1, 2025, and annually thereafter, each commercial service airport must 
certify to the FDOT, in a manner prescribed by the FDOT, that it has established and maintains a 
comprehensive airport infrastructure program. The comprehensive airport infrastructure program 
report, and related documents and records, must be open to inspection by the FDOT and must be 
 
84
 Section 332.007(8), F.S. 
85
 Chapter 252, F.S. 
86
 Section 252.34(4), F.S., defines the term “emergency” to mean any occurrence, or threat thereof, whether natural, 
technological, or manmade, in war or in peace, which results or may result in substantial injury or harm to the population or 
substantial damage to or loss of property. 
87
 Section 252.36(2), F.S. 
88
 Section 332.004(1), F.S., defines the term “airport” to mean any area of land or water, or any manmade object or facility 
located therein, which is used, or intended for public use, for the landing and takeoff of aircraft, and any appurtenant areas 
which are used, or intended for public use, for airport buildings or other airport facilities or rights-of-way. 
89
 Section 332.01(4), F.S., defines the term “air navigation facility” to mean any facility used in, available for use in, or 
designed for use in, aid of air navigation, including airports, restricted landing areas, and any structures, mechanisms, lights, 
beacons, marks, communicating systems, or other instrumentalities or devices used or useful as an aid, or constituting an 
advantage or convenience, to the safe taking off, navigation, and landing of aircraft, or the safe and efficient operation or 
maintenance of an airport, or restricted landing area, and any combination of any or all of such facilities.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 18 
 
maintained by the airport for at least five years. At a minimum: the airport comprehensive airport 
infrastructure program must include: 
• Identification of airport infrastructure subject to inspection and the schedule for the 
completion of such inspections, taking into consideration the age, type, intended use, and 
criticality of the infrastructure to undisrupted commercial or cargo operations. 
• A preventative maintenance program for routine maintenance of airport infrastructure, for 
both commercial and cargo operations. 
• A plan to complete any necessary repairs to, or rehabilitation or reconstruction of, airport 
infrastructure, including prioritization and anticipated timeframe for completion of the work. 
• A progress report of inspections and their outcomes, preventative maintenance, and 
previously identified repair to, or rehabilitation or reconstruction of, airport infrastructure. 
The progress report must include any changes in timeline for completion, changes in cost 
estimates, and reasons that any inspection, preventative maintenance, or repair or 
rehabilitation did not take place. 
 
The bill requires the FDOT-funded aviation projects to be consistent with the energy policy of 
the state. 
 
The bill requires the FDOT to provide priority aviation funding in support of: 
• Terminal and parking expansion projects that increase capacity at airports providing 
commercial service in counties with a population of 500,000 or less. 
• Projects that improve safety and efficiency of airport operations. 
• Emerging technology projects, workforce development projects, and projects that benefit the 
strategic intermodal system through intermodal connectivity. 
 
The bill authorizes the FDOT to fund eligible projects performed by not-for-profit organizations 
and postsecondary institutions
90
 to support the training of pilots, air traffic control personnel, or 
aircraft maintenance technical personnel. The bill also authorizes the FDOT to fund planning 
efforts to improve safety at airports. The FDOT may also fund programs that support the 
transition of honorably discharged military personnel to employment in the aviation industry. 
The FDOT’s funds may provide matching funds for eligible projects funded by the Department 
of Commerce. 
 
The bill authorizes the FDOT’s strategic airport investment initiative to fund up to 100 percent 
the project’s costs for capital improvements to strategically position the state to maximize 
opportunities in tourism. 
 
 
90
 Section 1008.47(1), F.S., defines the term “postsecondary education institution” to mean a Florida College System 
institution, state university, or nonpublic postsecondary education institution that receives state funds.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 19 
 
Commercial Service Airport Transparency and Accountability (Section 16) 
Present Situation 
FAA regulations define the term “commercial service airport” to mean a publicly owned airport 
with at least 2,500 annual enplanements and scheduled air carrier service.
91
 Commercial service 
airports are categorized as follows: 
• Large Hub Airports each receive one percent or more of the annual U.S. commercial 
enplanements. Florida’s large hub airports are Orlando International, Miami International, Ft. 
Lauderdale International, and Tampa International. 
• Medium Hub Airports each receive 0.25 to 1.0 percent of the annual U.S. commercial 
enplanements. Florida’s medium hub airports are Southwest Florida International, Palm 
Beach International, and Jacksonville International. 
• Small Hub airports each receives 0.05 to 0.25 percent of the annual U.S. commercial 
enplanements. Florida’s small hub airports are Sarasota/Bradenton International, Orlando 
Sanford International, St. Pete-Clearwater International, Destin-Ft. Walton Beach, Punta 
Gorda, Northwest Florida Beaches International, and Key West International. 
• Nonhub airports each receives less than 0.05 percent but more than 10,000 of the annual U.S. 
commercial enplanements. Florida’s nonhub airports are Tallahassee International, 
Melbourne Orlando International, Daytona Beach International, Gainesville Regional, Vero 
Beach Regional, and Ft. Lauderdale Executive.
92
 
 
Florida law contains provisions regarding the transparency and accountability of commercial 
service airports. For this purpose, the following terms are defined to mean: 
• Commercial service airport - a primary airport, as defined by federal law,
93
 which is 
classified by the FAA as a large, medium, or small hub airport.
94
 
• Consent agenda - an agenda which consists of items voted on as a group and which does not 
provide the opportunity for public comment on each such item before approval or 
disapproval by the governing body.
95
 
• Governing body - the governing body of the county, municipality, or special district that 
operates a commercial service airport.
96
 
 
Each governing body of a commercial service airport must establish and maintain a website 
posting the following: 
• All published notices of the governing body’s meetings and published meeting agendas. 
• The official minutes of each meeting of the governing body. 
• The airport’s approved budget for the current fiscal year. 
• A link to the airport’s Airport Master Plan. 
 
91
 Federal Aviation Administration, Airport Categories, https://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/categories (last 
visited March 4, 2025). 
92
 FAA passenger statistics, October 2024, https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/2024-10/cy23-all-enplanements.pdf (last 
visited March 5, 2025) 
93
 Federal law defines the term "primary airport" to mean a commercial service airport the Secretary of Transportation 
determines to have more than 10,000 passenger boardings each year. in 49 U.S.C. s. 47102. 
94
 Section 332.0075(1)(a), F.S. 
95
 Section 332.0075(1)(b), F.S. 
96
 Section 332.0075(1)(d), F.S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 20 
 
• A link to all of its financial and statistical reports on the FAA's website. 
• Any contract or contract amendment for the purchase of commodities or contractual services 
executed by or on behalf of the commercial service airport in excess of $350,000.
97
 
• Position and rate information for each airport employee, which must be updated annually.
98
 
 
Each November 1, each commercial service airport’s governing body must submit to FDOT: 
• Its approved budget for the current fiscal year; 
• Any financial reports submitted to the FAA during the previous calendar year; 
• A link to its website; 
• A verified statement that it has complied with ethics requirements, competitive procurement 
requirements, and statutes relating to commercial service airport accountability.
99
 
 
The FDOT may not expend any funds allocated to a commercial service airport, unless pledged 
for debt service, until the commercial service airport demonstrates compliance with Florida 
law.
100
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes  
The bill amends the definition of “commercial service airport” to include airports classified by 
the FAA as nonhub airports, requiring such airports to comply with these statutes. 
 
The bill clarifies the definition of the term “consent agenda” to include agenda items voted on 
collectively. 
 
The bill amends the definition of the term “governing body” to have it include an appointed 
board or oversight entity serving as the governing body of a commercial service airport on behalf 
of a county, municipality, or special district. 
 
The bill requires that information required to be posted on the governing body’s website to 
remain posted for the longer of five years or the entirety of the period during which airport 
actively uses the required information. 
 
The bill requires that each commercial service airport’s website have posted both its current 
airport master plan and immediately preceding airport master plan be posted. Airports must also 
update employee salary information quarterly, instead of annually. 
 
The bill requires commercial service airports to annually submit to the FDOT: 
• The most recent copies of its strategic plans; and 
• Contracts related to any financial awards received through federally funded grant programs 
for the preceding fiscal years. 
 
The bill requires commercial service airports to notify the FDOT: 
 
97
 This is purchasing CATEGORY FIVE provided in s. 287.017, F.S. 
98
 Section 332.0075(2), F.S. 
99
 Section 332.0075(5)(a), F.S. 
100
 Section 332.0075(6), F.S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 21 
 
• Within 48 hours after receiving a communication or directive from a federal agency relating 
to public health testing or the transfer of unauthorized aliens into this state. 
• As soon as reasonably possible, but no later than 48 hours, after the discovery of potential 
cybersecurity breach or other occurrence impacting the traveling public, a disruption on state 
aviation operations directly impacting multiple airports with this state, or an incident 
occurring on airport property which require coordination with multiple local, state, or federal 
agencies. 
 
Advanced Air Mobility (Section 17) 
Present Situation 
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) defines the term “advanced air 
mobility” (AAM) to mean “an air transportation system that moves people and cargo between 
places previously not served or underserved by aviation – local, regional, intraregional, urban – 
using revolutionary new aircraft that are only just now becoming possible.”
101
 
 
Numerous uses for AAM are being explored, including air taxi, air cargo, and public services. 
Air taxi supports passenger transportation within and around urban and regional areas, including 
routes connecting city centers to airports or to neighboring city centers. Air cargo uses feature 
cargo transportation supporting the middle-mile of logistics, generally seen as from the cargo 
port to the distribution center. Public service uses, such as search and rescue, disaster relief, and 
air ambulance operations are all likely early use cases for electric vertical take-off and landing 
(eVTOL) aircraft.
102
 
 
In 2022, the FDOT established an AAM Working Group consisting of various stakeholders. The 
working group developed various recommendations regarding AAM, including: 
• Designate an AAM subject matter expert within the FDOT. 
• Review airport hazard regulations and update those regulations as appropriate. 
• Incorporate AAM into state transportation planning documents. 
• Lead a statewide education campaign for local decision makers and a public awareness 
campaign for the general public.
103
 
 
Currently, Florida law does not address advanced air mobility. 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill codifies AAM into Florida law. The bill requires the FDOT to: 
• Address the need for vertiports, advanced air mobility, and other advances in aviation 
technology in the statewide aviation system plan,
104
 and, as appropriate, in the FDOT’s work 
program. 
 
101
 FDOT, Advanced Air Mobility, https://www.fdot.gov/aviation/advanced-air-mobility (last visited March 3, 2025). 
102
 Id. at 2. 
103
 FDOT AAM Report and Recommendations, August 2023. Available at: 
https://fdotwww.blob.core.windows.net/sitefinity/docs/default-source/aviation/pdfs/fdot-aamwg-final-report---august-10-
2023.pdf?sfvrsn=56d82d5d_1 (last visited March 7, 2025). 
104
 The statewide aviation system plan is required under s. 332.006(1), F.S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 22 
 
• Designate, within the FDOT, a subject matter expert on AAM to serve as a resource for local 
jurisdictions navigating advances in aviation technology. 
• Conduct a review of airport hazard zone regulations.
105
 
• In coordination with the Florida Department of Commerce, provide coordination and 
assistance for the development of a viable AAM system plan. The FDOT must incorporate 
this plan into its statewide aviation system plan to identify corridors of need and 
opportunities for industry growth. 
 
FDOT’s Purchase of Promotional Items (Section 18) 
Present Situation 
The FDOT may purchase promotional items as part of public information and education 
campaigns to promote scenic highways, traffic and train safety awareness, alternatives to single-
occupant vehicle travel, commercial motor vehicle safety, electric vehicle use and charging 
stations, autonomous vehicles, and context design for electric vehicles and autonomous 
vehicles.
106
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill revises the FDOT’s authorization to purchase promotional items. The bill authorizes the 
FDOT to purchase such items to promote environmental management and workforce 
development. The bill changes the design of electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles to the 
classification of those vehicles and removes authorization regarding alternatives to single-
occupant vehicle travel. 
 
FDOT’s Purchase of Insurance (Section 18) 
Present Situation 
Except for title insurance and emergency purchases, the Department of Management Services 
(DMS) purchases insurance for all agencies.
107
 While insurance is not a commodity, Florida law 
requires that the purchase of insurance, whether purchased by the DMS or another agency, be 
done using statutory procedures for the purchase of commodities.
108
 
 
Florida law prohibits a primary insurance contract from being purchased on any property or 
insurable subjects when it is loaned to, leased by, or intended to be leased by, the state or its 
departments, unless the lease agreement requires insurance coverage. In those cases, the DMS 
must approve, in writing, the insurance coverage required by the lease.
109
 
 
 
105
 Chapter 333, F.S., relates to airport zoning. 
106
 Section 334.044(5), F.S. 
107
 Section 287.012(1), F.S., defines the term “agency” to mean any of the various state officers, departments, boards, 
commissions, divisions, bureaus, and councils and any other unit of organization, however designated, of the executive 
branch of state government. 
108
 Section 287.022(1), F.S. The purchase of commodities is pursuant to s. 287.057, F.S. 
109
 Section 287.025(4), F.S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 23 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill authorizes the FDOT, notwithstanding statutory provisions relating to the state’s 
purchase of insurance, to directly enter into insurance contracts with local, national, or 
international insurance companies to purchase insurance coverage that the FDOT is contractually 
and legally required to provide. 
 
FDOT’s Purchase of Motor Vehicles and Heavy Equipment (Section 18) 
Present Situation 
Any executive or judicial branch officer or employee may not authorize the purchase or 
continuous lease of any motor vehicle which is to be paid for from state or department funds 
unless the Legislature has appropriated funds for the motor vehicle. This does not apply to motor 
vehicles needed to meet unforeseen or emergency situations, which, after consultation with 
legislative appropriations committees, requires approval from the Executive Office of the 
Governor.
110
 
 
State agencies are prohibited from retaining motor vehicles for which funds have been 
appropriated for a replacement, unless the agency requires such vehicles to be retained to meet 
emergency or major unforeseen needs. State agencies, in their budget requests, must report all 
retained vehicles to the Legislature and provide the specific justification for each vehicle it 
retained.
111
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill authorizes the FDOT, notwithstanding statutory requirements relating to the purchase 
and retention of motor vehicles by state agencies, to purchase or acquire heavy equipment and 
motor vehicles for roadway operations and emergency response regardless of whether the FDOT 
exchanges or ceases to operate any of the FDOT-owned heavy equipment or motor vehicle. 
 
Parking Authorities (Section 20) 
Present Situation 
In most parts of Florida, parking enforcement is administered by the city or county and is 
administratively housed in a parking division within the local government, as in Jacksonville and 
Orlando. However, the Miami Parking Authority (MPA), a dependent special district, was 
created in 1955 by Special Act
112
 and incorporated into the City of Miami’s Charter in 1968. The 
MPA is governed by a volunteer five-member Board of Directors. The City of Miami 
Commission has final authority to confirm board appointments, approve MPA’s budget, issue 
parking revenue bonds, and determine parking rates for MPA-managed facilities.
113
 
 
This appears to be the only special district the purpose of which relates to parking. 
 
 
110
 Section 287.14(1) and(3), F.S. 
111
 Section 287.14(4), F.S. 
112
 Chapter 30997, Laws of Florida. 
113
 Miami Parking Authority, https://www.miamiparking.com/the-mpa/ (last visited April 8, 2025).  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 24 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill grants a parking authority established under Florida law or any of its counties, 
municipalities or political subdivisions to have full power to conduct business; to operate, 
manage, and control facilities; and to provide services in contiguous geographical boundaries of 
such counties, municipalities, or political subdivisions that originally chartered such authority. 
The authority may engage in activities outside of its chartering jurisdiction upon entering into an 
interlocal agreement with the governing body of the affected contiguous, county, municipality, 
or political subdivisions. 
 
Florida Transportation Academy (Section 21) 
Present Situation 
The FDOT is authorized to provide, in consultation with affected stakeholders, a construction 
workforce development program to deliver projects in the FDOT's work program.
114
 The FDOT 
must annually allocate $5 million from the STTF for this program.
115
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill creates the Florida Transportation Academy within the FDOT to prioritize the continued 
need for transportation industry workforce development programs. The bill provides a legislative 
finding that the growth and sustainability of the transportation industry workforce is vital to the 
continued success of Florida’s supply chain and economic competitiveness. In order to support, 
promote, and sustain workforce development efforts in the transportation sector, the FDOT may: 
• Coordinate with the Department of Corrections to identify and create certification and 
training opportunities for nonviolent, scheduled-release inmates and create a notification 
process between the Department of Corrections and the FDOT for nonviolent inmates with 
imminent scheduled-release dates who are expected to seek employment upon release. 
• Coordinate with the Department of Juvenile Justice and its educational partners to create 
certification and training opportunities for eligible youth. 
• Coordinate with veterans’ organizations to encourage veterans with honorable military 
discharge to pursue employment opportunities within the transportation industry, including, 
but not limited to, employment as pilots, mechanics, and air traffic controllers. 
• Coordinate with the Department of Commerce, CareerSource Florida, Inc., and regional 
business organizations, within and outside of the transportation industry, to further 
understand recruitment and retention needs and job-seeker pipelines. 
• Coordinate with the American Council of Engineering Companies and the Florida 
Transportation Builders Association to optimize workforce recruitment and retention and 
assess future needs across Florida’s transportation industry. 
 
 
114
 Section 334.044(35), F.S. FDOT’s work program is developed pursuant to s. 339.135, F.S. 
115
 Section 339.84, F.S., This is beginning in the 2023-2024 fiscal year and for five years thereafter.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 25 
 
Access Management (Sections 22-23) 
Present Situation 
Access management is the coordinated planning, regulation, and design of access between 
roadways and land development to reduce conflicts on the roadway system and at its interface 
with other modes of travel.
116
 
 
The State Highway System Access Management Act
117
 defines the following terms to mean: 
• Connection - driveways, streets, turnouts, or other means of providing for the right of 
reasonable access to or from the State Highway System.
118
 
• Significant change- a change in the use of the property, including land, structures or 
facilities, or an expansion of the size of the structures or facilities causing an increase in the 
trip generation of the property exceeding 25 percent more trip generation (either peak hour or 
daily) and exceeding 100 vehicles per day more than the existing use.
119
 
 
In order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare, the FDOT is required to regulate 
vehicular access and connections to or from the State Highway System. The FDOT may issue 
access management permits, subject to reasonable conditions, and may revoke a permit if the 
applicant fails to comply with the permit conditions.
120
 The FDOT may not deny a property 
owner a means of reasonable access to an abutting state highway, except for safety or operational 
concerns.
121
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill defines the term “modification of an existing connection” to mean the relocation, 
alteration, or closure of the connection. The bill amends the definition of the term “significant 
change” to include the development of land and expansion in the size of property. 
 
The bill authorizes the FDOT to, for access management permits issued after July 1, 1988, 
require the modification of an existing connection to the State Highway System if the connection 
would jeopardize public safety or negatively impact highway’s operational characteristics. 
 
FDOT’s Business Development Program (Section 24) 
Present Situation 
The FDOT is authorized to establish a business development program to assist small businesses. 
The program may include, but is not limited to, setting aside contracts, providing preference 
points for the use of small businesses, providing special assistance in bidding and contract 
 
116
 FDOT Access Management https://www.fdot.gov/planning/systems/systems-management/access-management (last 
visited March 20, 2025). 
117
 Sections 335.18-335.188, F.S. 
118
 Section 335.182(3)(a), F.S. 
119
 Section 335.182(3)(b), F.S. 
120
 Section 335.185(1), F.S. 
121
 Section 335.187(5), F.S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 26 
 
completion, waiving bond requirements, and implementing other strategies to increase 
competition.
122
 
 
For purposes of the FDOT’s business development program, the term “small business” is defined 
to mean a business with yearly average gross receipts of less than $15 million for road and 
bridge contracts and less than $6.5 million for professional and nonprofessional services 
contracts. A business' average gross receipts are determined by averaging its annual gross 
receipts over the last three years, including the receipts of any affiliate.
123
,
124
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill amends the definition of a “small business" for purposes of the FDOT’s business 
development program. The bill increases the maximum average yearly gross receipts to $25 
million for road and bridge contracts and $10 million for professional and nonprofessional 
service contracts. The determination of average gross receipts remains unchanged. 
 
FDOT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (Sections 25, 26, 27 and 35) 
Present Situation 
Federal rules define the term “socially and economically disadvantaged individual” to mean any 
individual who is a citizen (or lawfully admitted permanent resident) of the United States and 
who has been subjected to racial or ethnic prejudice or cultural bias within American society 
because of his or her identity as a member of a group and without regard to his or her individual 
qualities. The socially and economically disadvantaged include individuals from the following 
groups: Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific Americans, 
Subcontinent Asian Americans, and Women.
125
 Socially and economically disadvantaged 
individuals can also be determined on a case-by-case basis, and the Small Business 
Administration may designate additional groups as socially and economically disadvantaged.
126
 
 
Florida law requires the FDOT to institute procedures to encourage the awarding of professional 
services and contracts to disadvantaged business enterprises.
127
 The FDOT must develop and 
implement activities to encourage the participation of disadvantaged business enterprises in its 
contracting process. Such efforts may include informing disadvantaged business enterprises of 
 
122
 Section 337.027(1), F.S. 
123
 Section 337.165(1)(a), F.S., defines the term “affiliate” to mean a predecessor or successor of a contractor under the same, 
or substantially the same, control or a group of business entities which are connected or associated so that one entity controls 
or has the power to control each of the other business entities. The term “affiliate” includes the officers, directors, executives, 
shareholders active in management, employees, and agents of the affiliate. The ownership by one business entity of a 
controlling interest in another business entity or a pooling of equipment or income among business entities shall be prima 
facie evidence that one business entity is an affiliate of another. 
124
 Section 337.027(2), F.S. 
125
 Members of these groups are rebuttably presumed to be socially and economically disadvantaged. 
126
 49 CFR part 26 
127
 For the purposes of FDOT’s disadvantaged business enterprise program, the term “disadvantaged business enterprise” 
means a small business concern certified by the Department of Transportation to be owned and controlled by socially and 
economically disadvantaged individuals as defined by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: 
A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). See s. 337.139, F.S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 27 
 
contracting opportunities and contracting requirements and breaking larger contracts into smaller 
contracts.
128
 
 
The FDOT’s disadvantage business enterprise program requires: 
• Prime contractors to submit information regarding the uses of disadvantaged business 
enterprises as subcontractors.
129
 
• The FDOT to provide a socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprise with 
reasonable advance notice prior to removing such enterprise as a certified socially and 
economically disadvantaged business enterprises.
130
 
 
The FDOT must expend federal-aid highway funds and state matching funds with small business 
concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
131
 
 
Upon the FDOT’s determination of past and continuing discrimination in non-federally funded 
projects, the FDOT may implement a program tailored to address specific findings of disparity. 
The program may include establishing annual goals for expending a percentage of state-
administered highway funds with small businesses. The FDOT may utilize set-asides for small 
business concerns to assist in achieving these goals. The head of the FDOT may elect to set goals 
only when a significant disparity is documented. The FDOT must consider the findings of a 
disparity study in determining the program goals for each group qualified to participate.
132
 
 
The FDOT must certify a socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprise as 
prescribed in federal rules. The FDOT's initial application for certification must require sufficient 
information to determine eligibility. For continuing eligibility, the FDOT may accept an affidavit 
certifying that the business remains qualified for certification. An applicant’s application and 
required financial information are confidential and exempt from public records laws.
133
 
 
The head of the FDOT may expend up to six percent of the funds which are designated to be 
expended on small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged 
individuals to conduct a construction management development program for such firms. The 
statue continues with the program’s requirements.
134
 
 
The head of the FDOT may expend up to four percent of specified DBE funds on a bond 
guarantee program for DBEs and who meet other standards. The state guarantees up to 90 
percent of a bond amount of $250,000 or less, and 80 percent of a bond amount of greater than 
$250,000. However, the FDOT retains five percent of the total contract amount designated for 
the DBE until its final acceptance of the project.
135
 
 
 
128
 Section 337.139, F.S. 
129
 Section 337.125(1), F.S. 
130
 Section 337.125(3), F.S. 
131
 Section 339.0805(1)(a), F.S. 
132
 Section 339.0805(1)(b), F.S. Public records law is provided in s. 119.07(1), F.S. 
133
 Section 339.0805(1)(c), F.S. 
134
 Section 339.0805(3), F.S. 
135
 Section 339.0805(4), F.S. FDOT many not commit funds for this program in excess of those funds specifically 
appropriated for this purpose.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 28 
 
Any individual who fraudulently represents an entity as a socially and economically 
disadvantaged business enterprise under commits of a felony of the second degree. An individual 
found in violation may not create a new corporate structure for the purpose of circumventing this 
provision.
136
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill repeals the FDOT’s disadvantaged business enterprise program and related provisions. 
 
Federal Rule Authorization (Section 18) 
The bill authorizes the FDOT to adopt rules for the purpose of compliance with 49 C.F.R. part 
26, relating to the United States Department of Transportation’s Disadvantage Business 
Enterprise Program and any other applicable federal law. 
 
Conforming Changes (Sections 3, 19, 25, 30, 33, 36, and 40) 
The bill makes changes to the following to provide for small businesses: 
• The FSTED Council’s requirement to develop job training programs associated with the 
maritime industry (section 3). 
• The FDOT’s performance measures regarding this program to performance measures to the 
FDOT’s business development program (section 19). 
• The FDOT’s consideration of small business participation related to certain contracts (section 
25). 
• The FDOT consideration of small business involvement in certain lease proposals (section 
30). 
• The FDOT and Department of Management Services outreach regarding participation in 
certain turnpike-related projects (section 33). 
• Contractors for economic development transportation projects (section 36). 
• The Central Florida Expressway Authority’s
137
 encouragement of the use of certain 
businesses in its procurement and contracting opportunities (section 40). 
 
FDOT Surety Bonds (Section 96) 
Present Situation 
Florida law requires that the successful bidder on most the FDOT contracts provide a surety 
bond in the amount of the awarded contract price. However, for multiyear maintenance contracts, 
the FDOT may allow incremental annual contract bonds that cumulatively total the full, 
awarded, multiyear contract price. For phased design-build contracts,
138
 The FDOT may also 
allow the issuance of multiple contract performance and payment bonds to align with each 
contract phase to meet the bonding requirements.
139
 
 
 
136
 Section 337.135, F.S. 
137
 The Central Florida Expressway Authority is created in part III of ch. 348, F.S. 
138
 Phased design-build contracts are authorized in s. 337.11(7)(b), F.S. 
139
 Section 337.18(1)(a), F.S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 29 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to, at his or her discretion, require a surety 
bond in an amount less than the awarded contract price. 
 
Sewer Line Installation (Section 31) 
Present Situation 
Section 337.401, F.S., provides for the regulation and permitting of utilities in the right of way. 
Under that statute, the authority (the FDOT and local governmental entities) that have 
jurisdiction and control over public roads may prescribe and enforce reasonable rules and 
regulations regarding the placing and maintaining of utilities along its right-of-way. For purposes 
of that statute, the term “utility’ includes sewers.
140
 
 
Under Florida law, the authority may grant the use of a right-of-way for utility in accordance 
with the authority’s rules or regulations as the authority. A utility may not be installed, located, 
or relocated unless the authority issues a written permit. However, for public roads under the 
FDOT’s jurisdiction, a utility relocation schedule and relocation agreement may be executed in 
lieu of a written permit. The permit must require the permitholder to be responsible for any 
damage resulting from the issuance of such permit. The authority may initiate injunctive 
proceedings as provided in s. 120.69, F.S., to enforce the permit.
141
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill provides that a municipality may not prohibit, or require a permit, for the installation of 
a public sewer transmission line placed and maintained within and under publicly dedicated 
rights-of-way as part of a septic-to-sewer conversion where the work is being performed under 
permits issued by the FDOT and the Department of Environmental Protection, or its delegate, 
pursuant to ch. 403, F.S., relating to environmental control. 
 
Camping on the Right-of-Way (Section 32) 
Present Situation 
Florida law prohibits camping on any portion of the State Highway System’s right-of-way within 
100 feet of a bridge, causeway, overpass, or ramp.
142
 
 
The Florida National Scenic Trail is Florida's official statewide nonmotorized trail, running more 
than 1,400 miles from the Panhandle to the Everglades and the Florida Keys.
143
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill prohibits camping on all portions of the State Highway System’s right-of-way. 
However, this prohibition does not apply to a person who is actively navigating the Florida 
National Scenic Trail and has acquired the appropriate permits. 
 
140
 Section 337.401(1)(a), F.S. 
141
 Section 337.401(2), F.S. 
142
 Section 337.406(4), F.S. 
143
 Section 260.012(6), F.S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 30 
 
 
Energy Policy of The State/Use of State Funds (Section 34) 
Present Situation 
Florida law authorizes the FDOT to expend moneys in the STTF and restricts the use of such 
funds to the transportation-related purposes.
144
 However, the FDOT may not expend any state 
funds to support a project or program of a public transit provider, an authority;
145
 public-use 
airport; or a port, which is found in violation of s. 381.00316, F.S., relating to discrimination by 
governmental and business entities based on health care choices. The FDOT must withhold state 
funds until the entity is found in compliance with that statute.
146
 
 
Section 377.601(3), F.S., provides that it is Florida’s energy policy to: 
• Promote the cost-effective development and use of a diverse supply of domestic energy 
resources and discourage energy waste. 
• Promote the cost-effective development and maintenance of energy infrastructure that is 
resilient to natural and manmade threats to the state's energy supply. 
• Reduce reliance on foreign energy resources. 
• Include energy reliability and security considerations in planning activities. 
• Utilize and manage effectively energy resources used within state agencies. 
• Encourage local governments to include energy considerations in planning activities and 
support the promotion of energy management programs. 
• Include citizen participation in developing and implementing energy programs. 
• Consider in its decisions the energy needs of each economic sector and, whenever possible, 
reduce those needs. 
• Promote energy education and the public dissemination of information on energy and its 
impacts on Florida’s energy goals. 
• Encourage the research, development, demonstration, and application of domestic energy 
resources, including renewable energy resources. 
• Consider the impacts of energy-related activities on the state’s energy goals. 
• Develop and maintain energy emergency preparedness plans. 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill defines the term “energy policy of the state” to mean the energy policy described above 
and includes any intended or actual measure, obligation, target, or timeframe related to a 
reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. 
 
The bill prohibits the FDOT from expending any state funds to support a project or program of 
any of the following entities: a public transit provider, an authority, a public-use airport, or a port 
if such entity adopts or promotes energy policy goals that are inconsistent with the energy policy 
of the state. 
 
144
 Section 339.08(1), F.S. 
145
 These are created pursuant to ch. 343, 348, or 349, F.S., and include, the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, 
the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority, the Greater Miami Expressway Agency, the Tampa-Hillsborough 
County Expressway Authority, the Central Florida Expressway Authority, and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. 
146
 Section 339.08(5), F.S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 31 
 
 
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Report (Section 37) 
Present Situation 
In 2020,
147
 the Legislature required the FDOT, in coordination the Public Service Commission 
and the Office of Energy,
148
 to develop and recommend a master plan for current and future 
plans for the development of EV charging station infrastructure along the State Highway System. 
The FDOT was required to develop the recommended master plan, and, by July 1, 2021, submit 
the plan to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives.
149
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill repeals the EV charging infrastructure report that was due by July 1, 2021. 
 
 
Strategic Intermodal System Supply Chain Demands (Section 38) 
Present Situation 
The FDOT’s Strategic Intermodal System consists of appropriate components of highway 
corridors, the National Highway System, airports, airports, seaports, and spaceports, rail lines 
and rail facilities, selected intermodal facilities, and other existing or planned corridors serving a 
statewide or interregional purpose.
150
 
 
For fiscal years 2023-2024 through 2027-2028, the FDOT must make up to $20 million available 
each fiscal year from its existing work program revenues to fund projects to provide increased 
capacity and enhanced capabilities to move and store construction aggregates.
151
 Seaports, and 
rail lines, and rail facilities are eligible for project funding.
152
 
 
This program is scheduled for repeal on July 1, 2028.
153
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill amends the FDOT’s SIS supply chain program by making the FDOT’s funding 
permissive, and removes specific dates, including the 2028 repeal date, making this program 
permanent. 
 
147
 Chapter 2020-21, Laws of Florida. 
148
 The Office of Energy is within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 
149
 Section 339.287(2), F.S. 
150
 Section 339.62, F.S. 
151
 Aggregates are raw materials that are produced from natural sources and extracted from pits and quarries, including 
gravel, crushed stone, and sand. When used with a binding medium, like water, cement, and asphalt, they are used to form 
compound materials, such as asphalt concrete and Portland cement concrete. https://www.aem.org/news/construction-
aggregates-101-what-they-are-and-why-they-
matter#:~:text=Aggregates%20are%20raw%20materials%20that,concrete%20and%20Portland%20cement%20concrete. (last 
visited March 9, 2025). 
152
 Section 339.651(3), F.S. 
153
 Section 339.651(7), F.S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 32 
 
 
New Starts Transit Funding (Section 39) 
Present Situation 
Federal law authorizes the Federal Transit Administration to issue certain transit capital 
investment grants and loans,
154
 known as the New Starts Transit Program. The FDOT funds the 
New Starts Transit Program from 10 percent of the documentary stamp tax revenues distributed 
to the STTF
155
 and 3.4 percent of the portion of the “new wheels on the road fee,” deposited into 
the STTF.
156
 
 
As of June 2024, the FDOT was required to reallocate unallocated New Starts Transit Program 
funds to the Strategic Intermodal System. This reallocation expires on June 30, 2026.
157
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill makes permanent the reallocation of unused New Starts Transit Funds to the SIS. The 
bill also provides that if funds are allocated to projects that qualify for the New Starts Transit 
Program in the current fiscal year and a project will not be ready for production by June 30, the 
FDOT must reallocate those funds to the SIS for the next fiscal year. 
 
Jacksonville Transportation Authority (Section 41) 
Present Situation 
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is an independent agency of the state in Duval 
County. JTA designs and constructs bridges and highways and provides varied mass transit 
services, including express and regular bus service, community shuttles for a neighborhood ride, 
a downtown Skyway monorail, the St. Johns River Ferry, and the Gameday Xpress. JTA also 
provides paratransit for the disabled and elderly, and ride request on-demand services.
158
 
 
JTA’s governing body consists of seven members. Three members are appointed by the 
Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Three members are appointed by the mayor of the City 
of Jacksonville and confirmed by the Jacksonville City Council. The seventh member is the 
FDOT’s district secretary serving the district containing Jacksonville. Except for the FDOT’s 
district secretary, JTA members must be residents and qualified electors of Duval County.
159
 
 
Effect of Proposed Changes 
The bill amends the makeup of the JTA’s governing body. Four members are appointed by the 
Governor, subject to Senate confirmation. One of the Governor’s appointees must be a resident 
of the City of Jacksonville, and the other three appointees must be residents of Clay County, St. 
Johns County or Nassau County. Three members are appointed by the mayor of Jacksonville, 
 
154
 49 U.S.C. s. 5309 
155
 Section 201.15(4)(a)1., F.S. 
156
 Section 320.072(4)(b), F.S. 
157
 Section 341.051(6)(b), F.S. 
158
 Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), JTA Goals, available at: https://www.jtafla.com/about-jta/about/ (last visited 
March 7, 2025). 
159
 Section 349.03(2),F .S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 33 
 
who must be residents of the City of Jacksonville. The bill removes the FDOT district secretary 
from the board. 
 
Conforming Changes (Sections 41, 43-46) 
The bill amends ss. 110.205, 365.175, 379.2293, 493.6101, and 493.6403, F.S., conforming cross 
references. 
 
Effective Date (Section 47) 
This bill takes effect July 1, 2025. 
IV. Constitutional Issues: 
A. Municipality/County Mandates Restrictions: 
None.  
B. Public Records/Open Meetings Issues: 
The bill repeals the FDOT’s disadvantaged business enterprise program, which contains 
an imbedded public records exemption relating to an applicant’s application and financial 
information.
160
 With the repeal of this exemption, this currently exempted information 
may become public. 
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: 
The bill repeals authorization for HOV lanes, including a $5 fee paid to obtain an HOV 
decal, and a toll exemption for certain vehicles in HOV express lanes (section 6). 
 
160
 Section 339.0805(2), F.S.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 34 
 
B. Private Sector Impact: 
Motor vehicle owners who currently have an HOV decal would be subject to the payment 
of tolls (section 6). 
 
Entities wishing to move mobile cranes and accessory support vehicles may experience a 
reduction in costs due to the ability to move them at all hours. (Section 8) 
 
The FDOT’s contractors may experience a reduction in surety bond costs due to the 
authorization of the Secretary of Transportation to waive certain surety bond 
requirements (section 29). 
C. Government Sector Impact: 
There will likely be an indeterminate negative fiscal impact on the Florida Transportation 
Commission in order to monitor and report on additional transit entities (Section 1). 
 
The FDOT may experience an indeterminate negative fiscal impact associated with: 
• Allocating funds to the Florida Transportation Research Institute (section 1). 
• Certification of private airports of public interest, including site visits (section 10). 
• Funding certain infrastructure projects near spaceports (section 11). 
• Costs associated with the codification of advanced air mobility into Florida law, 
including the review of airport hazard zoning regulations (section 17). 
• Costs incurred in establishing the Florda Transportation Academy (section 21). 
 
The FDOT may experience an insignificant increase in toll revenues due to the repeal of 
HOV toll lanes (section 6). 
 
The FDOT may see an increase in revenues from the issuance of mobile crane special 
blanket permits. The FDOT is authorized to charge permit fees for overweight and 
overdimensional vehicle permits.
161
 These fees vary based on the size of the vehicle and 
permit type (trip, multi-trip, or route-specific multi-trip). (Section 8)
162
 
 
The FDOT may experience cost savings associated with changes directly purchasing 
insurance and directly purchasing and retaining motor vehicle and heavy equipment 
(section 18). 
 
The DHSMV will experience a reduction in revenues due to the repeal of HOV lanes, 
including the $5 annual decal fee. However, the DSHMV should see a similar reduction 
to its costs (section 6). 
 
The following provisions of the bill may have a negative fiscal impact on airports: 
• Compliance with comprehensive airport infrastructure programs for commercial 
service airports (section 15); and 
 
161
 Section 316.550(6), F.S. 
162
 Rule 14-26.008, F.S., provides FDOT’s fee schedule for these permits.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 35 
 
• Additional requirements regarding the transparency and accountability of commercial 
service airports (section 16). 
VI. Technical Deficiencies: 
The bill (section 20) authorizes parking authorities to operate outside of their existing 
jurisdiction pursuant to an interlocal agreement. The bill places this provision in s. 334.27, F.S., 
which provides a limitation of liability for groundwater contamination for governmental 
transportation entities. 
VII. Related Issues: 
The bill (section 6) repeals HOV lanes. Section 338.166, F.S., authorizes the FDOT to impose 
tolls on HOV lanes and to issue bonds secured by such toll revenues.  Other statutes referring to 
HOV lanes may need to be amended to conform to the repeal of HOV lanes. 
VIII. Statutes Affected: 
This bill substantially amends the following sections of the Florida Statutes: 20.23, 110.205, 
311.07, 311.09, 311.10, 316.003, 316.0745, 316.550, 322.27, 330.27, 330.30, 331.371, 332.003, 
332.005, 332.006, 332.007, 332.0075, 334.044, 334.045, 334.27, 335.182, 335.187, 337.027, 
337.11, 337.18, 337.251, 337.401, 337.406, 338.227, 339.08, , 339.55, 339.651, 341.051, 
348.754, 349.03, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, and 493.6403. 
 
This bill creates the following sections of the Florida Statutes: 332.15 and 334.62. 
 
This bill repeals the following sections of the Florida Statutes: 316.0741, 337.125, 337.135, 
337.139, 339.0805, and 339.287. 
IX. Additional Information: 
A. Committee Substitute – Statement of Substantial Changes: 
(Summarizing differences between the Committee Substitute and the prior version of the bill.) 
CS/CS by Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic 
Development on April 10, 2025: 
The committee substitute: 
• Provides a mission statement for the Florida Transportation Research Institute. 
• Removes a provision from the bill requiring the FDOT to staff the FSTED Council. 
• Requires seaports located near spaceports, in order to receive state funding, to obtain 
certain approvals before converting facilities currently used for cargo purposes to 
other purposes. 
• Authorizes FDOT to issue permits authorizing the movement of certain large cranes, 
including movement at night. 
• Removes a provision from the bill authorizing FDOT to conduct certain inspections 
of commercial airport facilities. 
• Revises language in the bill regarding airport maintenance programs to require 
commercial service airports to adopt a comprehensive infrastructure program.  BILL: CS/CS/SB 1662   	Page 36 
 
• Authorizes parking authorities to operate outside of their chartered boundaries in 
contiguous jurisdictions via interlocal agreements. 
• Removes from the bill provisions removing the Legislative Budget Commission’s 
oversight and approval of FDOT’s budget roll-forward, FDOT work program 
amendments and emergency loans from the state-infrastructure bank. 
• Removes from the bill specific business development and transparency requirements 
applicable to the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. 
 
CS by Transportation  on March 25, 2025: 
• Adds the University of South Florida to the Florida Transportation Research Institute. 
• Removes various provisions from the bill, including: 
o Changes relating to the independence of the Florida Transportation Commission; 
o Transfer of certain sales tax revenues to the State Transportation Trust Fund; 
o Revisions relating to the FDOT’s expenditures on landscaping; 
o Additional funding for the Small County Road Assistance Program and the Small 
County Outreach Program. 
• Makes numerous clarifying and conforming changes to the bill, including: 
o Revises the types of seaport projects that are eligible for funding; 
o Specifies that state transportation funds may be withheld for noncompliant traffic 
signals; 
o Stipulates that the FDOT may fund certain spaceport-related infrastructure 
projects; and 
o Revises the incidents that would require commercial service airports to provide 
certain notifications to the FDOT. 
• Requires the FDOT’s long-term use of airport property for emergency staging for 
longer than 60 days to be by written agreement. 
• Prohibits municipalities from prohibiting or requiring a permit for the installation of a 
sewer transmission line for septic to sewer conversions being performed under certain 
state permits. 
• Includes a representative from Nassau County on the governing body of the 
Jacksonville Transportation Authority. 
B. Amendments: 
None. 
This Senate Bill Analysis does not reflect the intent or official position of the bill’s introducer or the Florida Senate.