The bill CS/CS/CS/HB 1397 amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance the state's transportation and aviation infrastructure, focusing on the establishment of the Florida Transportation Research Institute and the Florida Transportation Commission. It authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to appoint key officers and mandates the Institute to report on its performance annually. The bill revises the composition of the Florida Transportation Commission to ensure expertise in relevant fields and introduces new responsibilities for monitoring transit entities and establishing standards of conduct. Additionally, it updates funding eligibility and project requirements for seaports and airports, streamlining operations and enhancing economic competitiveness.

In the aviation sector, the bill introduces new definitions and regulations for various types of airports, requiring private airports to obtain certification from the Department of Transportation. It also modifies licensing and registration processes, ensuring compliance with safety standards. The bill establishes the Florida Transportation Academy to support workforce development and includes provisions for small business participation in transportation contracts. Furthermore, it streamlines the process for colocating wireless communications facilities, sets clear timelines for local government decisions, and clarifies definitions related to vehicle repossession. Overall, the bill aims to modernize Florida's transportation and aviation systems, improve operational efficiency, and support workforce development initiatives.

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