Systems Management         

The Florida Shared-Use Nonmotorized (SUN) Trail Program, established in 2015 [Section 339.81, Florida Statutes (F.S.)], receives an annual allocation from the redistribution of new vehicle tag revenues pursuant to Section 320.072, F.S., motor vehicle licenses. These revenues are deposited in the State Transportation Trust Fund. The funding is for the development of a statewide system of interconnected high-priority, paved, nonmotorized multi-use trail / two-directional Shared Use Path (SUP) within the SUN Trail network for bicyclists and pedestrians, physically separated from vehicular traffic. The SUN Trail network aligns with the Florida Greenways and Trails System (FGTS) Plan's Land Trail Priority Network overseen by the Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Greenways and Trail (OGT) [Chapter 260, F.S.] and includes connections to and through lands of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act (Section 259.1055, F.S.). Among other things, Chapter 316, F.S., defines bicycles, pedestrians, and nonmotorized users. FDOT distributes the funds through a competitive solicitation (Request for Funding).

Pre-dating the inception of the SUN Trail program, the FGTS includes ecological greenways, and the combination of existing, planned, and conceptual multiple and single-use trails (and surface types) for a variety of visitors. The Florida Wildlife Corridor refers to the conserved lands and opportunity areas defined as Priority 1, 2 and 3 of the Florida Ecological Greenways Network (FEGN). The FEGN is a statewide database that identifies and prioritizes a functionally connected statewide ecological network of public and private conservation lands. It is the primary data layer used to inform the Florida Forever, Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and other state, federal, and regional land acquisition programs regarding the most important ecological corridors and intact landscapes across the state for protection of Florida’s native wildlife, ecosystem services, and ecological resiliency.

Today, the SUN Trail network includes a combination of existing and conceptual trails. As envisioned, portions of the SUN Trail network are within the FDOT right-of-way (on-system), other portions are on other lands (off-system). FDOT Design Manual Topic 625-000-002 (FDM) [Chapter 224] defines on-system SUP. FDOT Office of Design Topic 625-000-015 – Manual of Uniform Minimum Standards for Design, Construction and Maintenance for Streets and Highways (Florida Greenbook) [Chapter 9] defines off-system SUP. Not all trails are within the SUN Trail network. Implementing projects in the SUN Trail network increases the reliability of Florida’s transportation system. To visit existing trails, contact your local government.

For further information contact Robin Birdsong or phone (850) 414-4922.