Now that Governor DeSantis has signed into law SB 7068, Florida will immediately begin studying locations for three new tollways. While the proposals have stirred up vigorous opposition, the tollways are coming, and the routes with the least environmental impact will be favored in terms of regulatory burdens. In infrastructure development terms, these studies and the development of the new tollways will be lightning fast. This new law creates the "Innovation in Infrastructure Plan," also known as the Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance Program.

The three tollway corridors under study are:

The Program is aimed at two of Florida's critical problems. First, as we gain nearly 1,000 Floridians every day, the state's existing interstate system continues to face capacity issues, especially I-75. These are especially severe during hurricane evacuations, and new tollway corridors could address some of these safety issues. Second, this legislation also focuses on spurring economic growth within the rural areas where these tollway corridors will be located.

The first step is the creation of a task force for each of the three toll road corridors by August 1, 2019. Each task force must consist of representatives of a number of state agencies, a local government official from each local government within a proposed corridor, metropolitan planning organizations, regional planning council, and other appropriate conservation or community not-for-profit organizations as determined by the Department of Transportation.

Each task force must issue its evaluations in a final report by June 30, 2020. Construction must begin no later than December 31, 2022, with the corridors open to traffic no later than December 31, 2030. Both the studies and the tollways are significantly funded through this measure, along with several critical funding mechanisms focused on rural development.

Landowners, developers, mitigation bankers, and others within these corridors should pay close attention for opportunities to engage in the locations of these corridors. This includes work with the task forces and the Department of Transportation, as well as engaging with local governments during their involvement in the program. The exact location of the new tollways within the corridors could have important effects on all of these interested parties.

Our team is experienced in all aspects of land development and environmental law related to the expansion of roadway corridors including working with agencies to provide public input and assisting landowners in evaluating the impact of these transportation corridors on their property. We also have experience determining how transportation corridors affect land development, in eminent domain matters, and in permitting of mitigation for linear corridors. For more information, please contact us.