The bill CS/CS/CS/HB 1397 amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance the state's transportation and aviation infrastructure, focusing on governance, research, and workforce development. It establishes the Florida Transportation Research Institute, which will be a consortium of universities aimed at driving innovation in the transportation sector. The bill also revises the Florida Transportation Commission's composition and responsibilities, ensuring that members possess expertise in relevant fields and mandating the commission to recommend major transportation policies and evaluate the state transportation system. Additionally, it introduces new funding eligibility criteria for port facilities and projects, including those related to the space industry, and establishes the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council to support seaport growth.

In the aviation sector, the bill clarifies definitions and regulations for various types of airports, requiring private airports of public interest to obtain certification from the Department of Transportation. It emphasizes the maintenance of airport infrastructure and allows for funding of projects that support aerospace facilities. The bill also introduces a statewide mapping pilot program and modifies existing statutes to streamline processes for colocating wireless communications facilities, reducing regulatory burdens on local governments. Furthermore, it updates the requirements for vehicle repossession and licensing for recovery agents, ensuring that the legal framework surrounding these operations is clear and effective. Overall, the legislation aims to improve operational efficiency, accountability, and economic competitiveness within Florida's transportation and aviation sectors.

Statutes affected:
H 1397 Filed: 212.20, 311.07, 316.0745, 330.27, 331.371, 332.003, 332.005, 332.006, 335.182, 337.027, 337.11, 337.18, 337.251, 337.406, 338.227, 339.2816, 339.55, 341.051, 348.754, 349.03, 322.27, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, 493.6403
H 1397 c1: 311.07, 316.0745, 330.27, 331.371, 332.003, 332.005, 332.006, 334.044, 334.045, 335.182, 337.11, 337.18, 337.251, 337.406, 338.227, 339.2816, 341.051, 348.754, 349.03, 322.27, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, 493.6403
H 1397 c2: 311.07, 316.0745, 330.27, 331.371, 332.003, 332.005, 332.006, 334.044, 334.045, 335.182, 337.11, 337.18, 337.251, 337.401, 337.406, 338.227, 339.2816, 341.051, 348.754, 349.03, 322.27, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, 493.6403
H 1397 c3: 316.003, 316.0745, 316.550, 330.27, 331.371, 332.003, 332.005, 332.006, 334.045, 335.182, 337.11, 337.18, 337.251, 337.401, 337.406, 338.227, 341.051, 348.754, 349.03, 479.106, 322.27, 365.172, 379.2293, 493.6101, 493.6403