Florida

---

5/10/07-HB7033 has died, but a similar bill - HB985 has been forwarded to the governor.

3/27/07-The House voted 74-40 to approve a bill that would allow the Florida Department of Transportation to lease most toll roads in the state. It's been forwarded to the Senate for further consideration.
Sponsored by Rep. Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, HB7033 would apply to any existing toll facilities in the state's highway system, except the Florida Turnpike system. If the agreement for leasing an existing facility does not include provisions for additional capacity, the project must be approved by the Legislature.
The bill also would allow the state to enter into public-private partnerships to build more roads. Regular toll increases would be allowed to keep pace with inflation. Companies also could raise the fees beyond that at their discretion.
Leases would be limited to 50 years, though it does leave room for the possibility of extending those agreements to 75 years or more.
A House analysis of the bill did not report what the state collects each year in tolls, but it says leasing toll routes would help generate immediate cash that would help pay for $117 billion in road improvements through fiscal year 2025.
The analysis estimated that leasing Alligator Alley could be worth $3 billion for the state. The Pinellas Bayway could bring in $6 billion while the Sunshine Skyway could raise $8.2 billion.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee in the Senate.
For bill status, call (850) 488-4371. In Florida, call 1-800-342-1827.

3/22/07-A bill awaiting consideration on the House floor would authorize the Florida Department of Transportation to lease toll roads to private entities.
Sponsored by Rep. Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, HB7033 would apply to any existing toll facilities in the state's highway system, except the Florida Turnpike.
The bill also would limit leases to 50 years, though it does leave room for the possibility of extending those agreements to 75 years or more.
For bill status, call (850) 488-4371. In Florida, call 1-800-342-1827.