Urge Senate Committee to Oppose CS/CS/SB 1000 - Communications Services/Small Cell (5G)
On Tuesday, April 9, at 4:00 p.m., the Senate Finance and Tax Committee will consider CS/CS/SB 1000 ( Hutson ) re latin g to Communications Services. 
CS/CS/SB 1000 repeals important, agreed upon provisions of the 2017 small wireless infrastructure law, and further strips cities of the ability to regulate the placement of communications equipment in public rights-of-way.

Issues we oppose in the bill:
  • places “small wireless infrastructure” shot clocks on ALL other communications infrastructure in the public rights-of-way
  • reduces local control on the placement of new poles in rights-of-way
  • removes language from 2017 that requires wireless providers to comply with local government nondiscriminatory utility undergrounding requirements
Talking Points
The Florida League of Cities calls on the Florida Legislature to stop efforts to further strip cities of the ability to regulate the placement of communications equipment on city property in public rights-of-way.

  • Don’t undermine progress. It’s been less than two years since the legislature enacted it comprehensive takeover of municipal rights-of-way relating to wireless infrastructure. Cities are diligently working with industry representatives to implement that law. Changing the rules now will only set progress back.

  • New poles should not be automatically allowed. Cities are purposely limiting potential projectiles in our hurricane prone communities by moving utility lines underground. Existing law recognizes this and allows cities to negotiate placement of small cell wireless equipment accordingly. Undoing this consideration flies in the face of existing, and expensive, efforts to protect residents and keep services connected.

  • ‘Fast passing’ one utility over another is simply not fair. Allowing communications services providers to go to the front of the line in the permit process means other utility providers, such as electric or wastewater, lose out. Public officials should prioritize what communities need, not what special interests want.

  • The intent for wireless deployment has not changed. Why should the law? Two years ago, the stated goal of the industry was to expediate small cell wireless infrastructure in communities across the state.
Contact Amber Hughes with any questions or call (850) 701-3621.
Please contact committee members ASAP and urge them to OPPOSE CS/CS/SB 1000!
George Gainer (R-2), Chair
(850) 487-5002
@SenatorGainer

Joe Gruters (R-23), V. Chr.
(850) 487-5023
@JoeGruters

Dennis Baxley (R-12)
(850) 487-5012
@dennisbaxley

Randolph Bracy (D-11)   
(850) 487-5011 
@rbracy30
Rob Bradley (R-5)             
(850) 487-5005 
bradley.rob@fls enate.gov           
@Rob_Bradley

Jason Pizzo (D-38)
(850) 487-5038
@pizzoforsenate

Bobby Powell (D-30)
(850) 487-5030
@Powell4Senate

Kelli Stargel (R-22)
(850) 487-5022 [email protected]
@kellistargel
Click here to download a table with committee contact information. You can also use the League’s Contact Your Legislator advocacy tool to email your legislators.
Watch Live on The Florida Channel
To watch these committee hearings, go to https://thefloridachannel.org , click on Live Streams and look for the Senate Finance & Tax Committee hearing (Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.).
Thank You for Your Advocacy Efforts!