The bill CS/CS/CS/HB 1397 amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance the state's transportation and aviation infrastructure, focusing on operational efficiency, workforce development, and regulatory clarity. It establishes the Florida Transportation Research Institute, which will drive research and innovation in the transportation sector, and revises the Florida Transportation Commission's composition to include members with expertise in higher education and workforce development. The bill also expands funding eligibility for the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Program to include spaceport-related projects and establishes a Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council to support seaport growth. Additionally, it introduces new reporting requirements and mandates the commission to monitor transportation agencies' efficiency.

In the aviation sector, the bill clarifies definitions related to airport operations and establishes new requirements for private airports of public interest, including obtaining a certificate from the Department of Transportation. It also enhances transparency for commercial service airports by requiring them to maintain accessible operational information online. The bill aims to streamline the process for colocating wireless communications facilities, reducing regulatory burdens on local governments and providers, and updates definitions related to vehicle repossession to ensure clarity in the industry. Overall, CS/CS/CS/HB 1397 seeks to modernize Florida's transportation and aviation systems, improve accountability, and promote economic development through strategic 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