News

FDOT Aviation Awards Program                                                                                          Posted: May 7, 2020                           

“Every year, the Florida Department of Transportation is proud to recognize superior achievement by presenting 6 awards; Aviation Professional of the Year, Distinguished Aviation Service, Commercial Service Airport of the Year, Commercial Service Airport Project of the Year, General Aviation Airport of the Year, and General Aviation Airport Project of the Year. FDOT encourages any airport, airport authority, local, state, federal government official, consultant, contractor, industry partner, or FDOT staff to make a nomination. The nomination forms can be found by selecting the links above. Written nominations should be sent to Michael McDougall, Aviation Communications Manager, or by mail (Aviation Office 605 Suwannee St., MS-46, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0450). All nominations must be received by FDOT no later than May 31st. FDOT will present a certificate honoring the recipient in each award category at the Statewide CFASPP Steering Committee Meeting held in conjunction with the FAC Annual Conference and Exposition. For more information visit Awards Program in the Programs and Services section of this website.”

One FDOT with Nick Harwell
Posted: November 12, 2019

Each week, a different district or office within the Department will be featured in a video for the meaningful work they are doing. I have asked our FDOT Leadership Team to carry out this initiative and am excited to see how they highlight essential areas of the Department. In addition to the video features, each unit will be featured on our FDOT social media accounts. Be sure to follow along to learn more about each office and to show support for your FDOT family. Article courtesy of Natalie McElwee.          

Webinar Presentation, Statutory Submittal Requirements to FDOT and Zoning for Lands underlying airport surfaces
Posted November 3, 2016

In response to the amendment of Chapter 333, Florida Statutes, (FS), Airport Zoning, effective July 1, 2016, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Aviation Office (AO) prepared several resource documents to address the changes to Chapter 333, FS, which requires the political subdivisions to amend their airport zoning regulations by July 1, 2017. The resource documents on the FDOT AO website include:

HB 7061 & FS 333 Comparison Matrix

Chapter 333 FS – Airport Zoning PowerPoint Presentation (1.61 MB)

Chapter 333 FS Airport Zoning PowerPoint Presentation – Recording (193.10 MB)

Chapter 333 FS Airport Zoning - Suggested Regulation Revision Checklist

Chapter 333 FS – Airport Zoning (2015)

Chapter 333 FS – Airport Zoning (2016)

House Bill 7061 – Transportation

The amended Chapter 333, FS includes a continuing statutory requirement for submittal, to the AO, of airport zoning permit applications and amended airport zoning regulations. In addition, Section 333.03(1)(b), FS, requires that a political subdivision, which controls an airport, and another political subdivision, which has land underlying a surface of the airport, to enter into an interlocal agreement or joint airport zoning board to adopt, administer, enforce and amend airport zoning regulations.

See section Programs & Services / Airport and Airspace Protection and Zoning of the website for articles on Requirements for submitting Airport Zoning Permit Applications, Amended Airport Zoning Regulations, and Regulations for Lands underlying airport surfaces. These articles will explain how and when, in accordance with the current Chapter 333, FS, political subdivisions are required to submit airport zoning permit applications and amended airport zoning regulations to the AO.

A significant continuing requirement is the obligation, regarding lands underlying airport surfaces, when one of two or more adjacent political subdivisions have land which underlies a Part 77 surface of an adjacent airport, to enter into either an interlocal agreement or joint zoning board. Recent experience has shown that numerous political subdivisions are not complying with the requirements of Chapter 333, FS, and such failure may compromise, halt or delay their airport zoning permit application process

Greg Jones, Airspace and Land Use Manager, FDOT 

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
Posted: December 10, 2015

While remote-controlled aircraft have been in use for decades, improvements in engine technology, battery life, and the miniaturization of components have resulted in decreased costs for easy-to-operate UAS. These lower costs have caused UAS use to grow, with many companies looking to take advantage of this newly-available technology. The potential uses of UAS range from infrastructure inspections, surveillance of crops, and aerial mapping to package delivery and event videography. In an effort to educate airports, UAS operators, law enforcement, pilots, and the general public about UAS operations, FDOT Aviation Office has developed a website with a complementary brochure that can easily be disseminated to pilots, elected officials, community associations, and other interested individuals or groups. The website and brochure summarize current federal guidance and state statutes related to UAS operations. Additionally, the website and brochure provide tips for airports, operators, law enforcement, and the public, as well as numerous resources where additional information may be obtained.

United We Stand Specialty License Plate
Posted: Jan 6 2020

As you drive around Florida you will notice a variety of Florida license plate designs. In addition to the standard state license plate that is most common, Florida allows drivers to select from more than 120 unique license plates. Florida has license plates for a variety of family, environmental, charitable, and other causes. If you work in the aviation industry, enjoy recreational flying, or are concerned about our national security, you may want to consider purchasing the United We Stand specialty plate. (Created by an Act of the Florida Legislature in 2002 to support Secure Airports for Florida’s Economy.) Revenue goes to the Department of Transportation to fund security-related aviation projects pursuant to Chapter 332, Florida Statutes and to provide training related to airport security and management. Last year, security assessments were conducted at 85 airports and specific projects were funded as a result.