The bill amends section 337.403 of the Florida Statutes to enhance the process of utility relocation in relation to public road and rail corridor projects. It requires utility owners to provide a reasonable relocation schedule to the authority within 30 days of receiving written notice and to initiate necessary work within 60 days. The bill also specifies that the authority may cover relocation expenses under certain conditions, including when a broadband or cable service provider is required to relocate their facilities. Additionally, it introduces new provisions regarding the responsibilities of utility owners and the authority in various scenarios, including federal reimbursement situations and the relocation of utilities in rural areas.

Furthermore, the bill amends section 125.42 to conform cross-references related to utility lines within county road right-of-way limits. It clarifies that in cases of road widening, repair, or reconstruction, utility lines found to be unreasonably interfering must be moved at no cost to the county, with the relevant provisions now updated to include the new subsections (d)-(k) from section 337.403. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 703 Filed: 337.403, 125.42