Transportation Policy Framework

Florida Statutes require the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to "adopt policies, rules, procedures, and standards which are necessary for the Department to function properly, including establishing accountability for all aspects of the Department's operations."

Policies of the Florida Department of Transportation are developed within a framework of federal and state statutes, laws and regulations and plans.  This page has been designed to provide an explanation of the framework from which policies of the Florida Department of Transportation are developed.

The State transportation policy framework consists of laws, policies, procedures, plans, and other documents.  The links below provide access to these materials.

Transportation Statutes - Florida Transportation Code

• Chapter 332 -- Airports and Other Air Navigation Facilities (332.003-332.007)
• Chapter 334 -- Transportation Administration
• Chapter 335 -- State Highway System
• Chapter 336 -- County Road System
• Chapter 337 -- Contracting: Acquisition, Disposal and Use of Property
• Chapter 338 -- Florida Intrastate Highway System and Toll Facilities
• Chapter 339 -- Transportation Finance and Planning
• Chapter 341 -- Public Transit
• Chapter 348 -- Expressway and Bridge Authorities
• Chapter 349 -- Jacksonville Transportation Authority
• Chapter 351 -- Railroads (351.35 - 37)
• Chapter 861 -- Obstructing Transportation Facility (861.011)

The Florida Statutes

Statewide Plans - The following statewide plans include goals, objectives, and strategies for the transportation systems in Florida:

• Florida Transportation Plan
• Florida Aviation System Plan
• The Florida Rail System Plan
• Florida Seaport System Plan
• Florida's Strategic Intermodal System Strategic Plan
• SIS Plans and Projects
• Transit 2020 Plan: A Strategic Plan for Public Transportation
• State Comprehensive Plan

Transportation Policies - The Executive Board and Executive Committee of FDOT serve as the principal policy advisory bodies to the Secretary of Transportation.  The following policies have been approved by the Secretary:

• Approval of New or Modified Access to Limited Access Highways on the Strategic Intermodal System (SIS)
• Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Funding
• Construction, Maintenance, and Operation of Other Facilities
• Context Sensitive Solutions
• Countdown Pedestrian Signal Applications
• Debt Management Guidelines for the Turnpike System
• Displaying Messages on Dynamic Message Signs Permanently Mounted on the State Highway System
• Environmental Policy
• Florida Department of Transportation's Consultative Planning Process for Non-Metropolitan Areas
• Highway Beautification
• Major Urban Corridor Studies
• Noise Abatement
• Placement of Temporary Stop Signs
• Providing Information Through the Use of Florida's Advanced Traveler Information System
• Public Involvement Opportunities
• Public Transportation Funding
• Public Transportation Joint Participation Agreements with Deferred Reimbursement Provisions
• Retention of Salvageable Materials or Equipment Produced from a Federal-Aid Project and Retained by the Department
• Safe Mobility for Life Program
• Sociocultural Effects Evaluation
• South Florida Rail Corridor Grade Crossing
• South Florida Rail Corridor Clearance
• Telecommunications Facilities on Limited Access Rights of Way
• Toll Facility Multi-Risk Insurance Processing
• Transportation Demand Management Strategies
• Use of Flexible Pavement Base Materials
• Use of Toll Revenue Credits for Public Transit Capital Projects
• Utility Accommodation When Utilities Occupy Their Own Easements or Property

Procedural Documents of the Florida Department of Transportation

The Standard Operating System procedure provides a uniform system for developing, formatting, outlining and maintaining the department's procedures, directives, policy statements, standards, manuals, and guidelines (procedural documents). The combination or collection of these documents is known as the Department's Standard Operating System. These documents are necessary to help ensure statewide consistency and uniformity in implementing Departmental programs.

Other FDOT Documents Containing Policy Guidance - The following documents of the Florida Department of Transportation contain important policy guidance and direction that contribute to the overall state policy framework:

• Work Program Instructions
• Transportation Financing (under revision)

Florida Administrative Code - The Florida Administrative Code (FAC) is a compilation of the rules and regulations of state agencies that have been filed with the Department of State pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 120, Florida Statutes.

• Department of Transportation - Chapter 14-1 Rules of Procedure

Other Useful State Links

• Florida Legislature
• Florida House of Representatives
• Florida Senate

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