CS/SB 266 (Hooper), SB 1032 (Gruters) and CS/HB 287 (Esposito) are the legislative priority bills for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). These bills outline various requirements for FDOT and local agencies related to transportation projects. FDOT is mandated to oversee funded projects on behalf of the Federal Highway Administration, update project cost estimates and include contingency amounts. Local agencies must prioritize and budget projects through their respective metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), be certified by FDOT and incorporate specific contractual requirements and contingency amounts for unforeseen conditions. SB 1032 specifically prohibits the creation of new MPOs, with exceptions for urbanized areas defined by the U.S. Census Bureau.

In CS/HB 287 and CS/SB 266, the permit or relocation agreement for utility installation, location or relocation must:

•Include a reasonable utility relocation schedule to expedite the completion of FDOT’s construction or maintenance project.

•Define a reasonable liquidated damage amount for each day the work exceeds the specified time frame.

•Require the utility to be responsible for any damage resulting from the work performed under such permit or relocation agreement. (Branch)