To clarify language and update requirements for outdoor advertising licenses and permits.  

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    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

    RULE NOS.:RULE TITLES:

    14-10.0011General Provisions

    14-10.0022Outdoor Advertising Sign Inventory

    14-10.003Licenses

    14-10.004Permit

    14-10.00401Administration of Outdoor Advertising Permits

    14-10.0041Annual Renewal Billing - Licenses and Permits

    14-10.0042Denial or Revocation of Licenses or Permits

    14-10.0043Outdoor Advertising License and Permit Fees

    14-10.0052Zoning Enacted Primarily to Permit Outdoor Advertising Signs

    14-10.006Permitting Criteria

    14-10.007Maintenance of Nonconforming Signs

    PURPOSE AND EFFECT: To clarify language and update requirements for outdoor advertising licenses and permits.

    SUMMARY: These amendments reflect statutory changes to allow for local government land use determination on whether parcels are commercial or industrial for outdoor advertising permit purposes, reduced spacing for signs along the interstate with local government authorization, and the ability to suspend, instead of revoke outdoor advertising licenses for violations. Rule provisions have been reorganized and edited for clarity. Permit fees, previously allowing for a lesser rate for smaller signs, have been made uniform.

    SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION: The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

    The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: Annual permit and license fees have not increased, except to equalize the permit fee of smaller signs with larger signs. Of the approximately 18,000 permits, the permit fee change will affect only 1,000 at a cost of $20 each.

    Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

    RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 334.044(2), 479.02(7)(8) FS.

    LAW IMPLEMENTED: 120.60, 215.34, 334.044(28), 339.05, 479.01, 479.02, 479.024, 479.03, 479.04, 479.05, 479.07, 479.08, 479.106, 479.11, 479.15, 479.24 FS.

    IF REQUESTED WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THIS NOTICE, A HEARING WILL BE SCHEDULED AND ANNOUNCED IN THE FAR.

    THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Susan Schwartz, Assistant General Counsel, Florida Department of Transportation, Office of the General Counsel, 605 Suwannee Street, Mail Station 58, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0458, (850)414-5392, susan.schwartz@dot.state.fl.us

     

    THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

     

    14-10.0011 General Provisions.

    (1) Definitions. All terms in this rule chapter shall have the same meanings as those in Section 479.01, F.S. Additionally, the following terms are defined:

    (a) through (g) No change.

    (h) “Public or Court Officer” means as described in Section 112.3173, F.S.

    (h)(i) “Rest Area” means a publicly owned, controlled, and designated place for emergency stops, relaxation, and recreation, including sanitary and other facilities within or adjacent to the highway right of way.

    (i)(j) “Sign Structure Height” means the total vertical distance from the crown of the main-traveled way to the top of the highest sign face, including any border or trim, excluding embellishments.

    (2) Names and Addresses.

    (a) For consideration of a license or sign permit under this rule chapter, completed forms must be sent to:

    Outdoor Advertising License and Permit Office

    Florida Department of Transportation

    605 Suwannee Street, MS 22

    Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0450

     

    Forms referenced in this rule may be obtained at the above address or at the website: http://www.dot.state.fl.us/rightofway/Documents.shtm dot.state.fl.us/rightofway.

    (b) No change.

    (c) All correspondence from the Department to the licensee or permittee including billing, notices of violation, or other information issued by the Department will be electronic sent to the address provided on the application, unless the licensee or permittee notifies the Department in writing that the mailing address is the preferred methiod of receipt has updated the information in accordance with paragraph (d) below.

    (d) A licensee or permittee shall notify the Department, in writing, within 30 calendar days of any change in address. This notification shall include:

    1. The date the change of name or address (mailing or e-mail) becomes effective;

    2. The account name as listed on the Department billing;

    3. The name of the individual authorized to sign the notice; and

    4. Certification from the person with authority to update the information. The authorized signature.

    (e) through (f) No change.

    Rulemaking Authority 334.044(2), 479.02(7) FS. Law Implemented 334.044(28), 479.02 FS. History–New 6-28-98, Amended 8-19-01, 10-3-10,_________.

     

    14-10.0022 Outdoor Advertising Sign Inventory.

    Pursuant to Section 479.02(8), F.S., the Department shall update its outdoor advertising database inventory information for all permitted signs no less than every two years. This inventory shall provide, as a minimum, the following current information derived from field review and historical information contained in the Department’s files:

    (1) through (8) No change.

    (9) Whether the sign is a changeable message;

    (10)(9) Whether the sign is in conformance with local land use requirements;

    (11)(10) Whether the sign is in an urban area;

    (12)(11) Whether the sign is in an incorporated area;

    (13)(12) Status of the sign, whether conforming, nonconforming, or illegal;

    (14)(13) Permittee’s name and address;

    (15)(14) Sign permit number(s), current and previous, assigned to the sign facing;

    (16)(15) Status of the sign permit, whether active or canceled, revoked, expired, or void; and

    (17)(16) Date the sign was removed, when applicable.

    Changes made to the Department’s previous inventory records to reflect physical characteristics of a sign or sign facing existing at the time of an inventory update shall not create a waiver or constitute forgiveness of any violation of the provisions of Chapter 479, F.S.

    Rulemaking Authority 334.044(2), 479.02(7), (8) FS. Law Implemented 339.05, 479.01, 479.02, 479.03, 479.07(9) FS. History–New 6-28-98, Amended 10-3-10,_______.

     

    14-10.003 Licenses.

    (1) Outdoor Advertising License Required.

    (a) A person or entity is considered to be in the business of outdoor advertising and is required to have an outdoor advertising license if that person or entity is receives compensation from constructing, erecting, operating, using, maintaining, leasing, or selling outdoor advertising structures, outdoor advertising signs, or outdoor advertisements.

    (b) Persons or entities solely engaged in the following advertising their own businesses and contractors who construct signs under contract to outdoor advertising licensees or permittees, are exempt from the licensing requirement :

    1. Advertising their own business or businesses; or

    2. Erecting or constructing signs.

    (2) Application Form. An application for a license to engage in the business of outdoor advertising shall be made on an Outdoor Advertising License Application, Form 575-070-02, Rev. 06/15 10/06, incorporated herein by reference at https://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-05476.

    Rulemaking Authority 334.044(2), 479.02(7) FS. Law Implemented 120.60, 215.34(2), 334.044(28), 339.05, 479.02, 479.04, 479.05, 479.07 FS. History–(Formerly part of Rule 14-15.05, Right of Way Bureau Operating Procedures), New 3-28-76, Amended 4-21-77, 12-10-77, 1-1-86, Formerly 14-10.03, Amended 6-28-98, 8-19-01, 1-25-04, 12-31-06, 10-3-10,_______.

     

    14-10.004 Outdoor Advertising Permit Applications, Criteria , and Permit Issuance.

    (1) Applications. An application for a new sign permit is made by completing and submitting an Application for Outdoor Advertising Permit, Form 575-070-04, Rev. 6/15 02/09, incorporated herein by reference at https://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-05475 to the address listed in paragraph 14-10.0011(2)(a), F.A.C. Each application for a sign permit shall meet the requirements of Chapter 479, F.S., this rule chapter, and the 1972 Federal-State Agreement, incorporated herein by reference at https://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-05479. In the event of a conflict between a provision in the 1972 Federal-State Agreement and a provision of Chapter 479, F.S., the more restrictive provision shall apply.

    (a) through (c) No change.

    2. Applications submitted with payment that will become void within 30 days from the Department receipt will be returned as incomplete.

    3.2. Applications containing incorrect information will be denied.

    4.3. Incomplete sign permit applications will be returned to the applicant along with any sign permit fees submitted with the application.

    5.4. Completion of, or corrections to, the original submitted document must be initialed by the applicant on the original application.

    6. 5. Pursuant to Section 479.07(3)(b), F.S., the written statement from the landowner must have been issued to the applicant, or on behalf of the applicant. If a lease document is submitted as the statement from the landowner, the applicant must be the named lessee, or the document must be accompanied by a properly executed transfer of the leasehold rights to the applicant. The written statement must:

    a. through d. No change.

    (2) Application status. Complete applications will be either approved or denied within 30 calendar days of receipt by the Department unless an earlier application for that site or a competing site is under review, the applicant is seeking a vegetation management permit, or removal of a conflicting sign is pending. For approval, the applicant must demonstrate that all the requirements of Chapter 479, F.S. are met and the sign complies with the requirements of the 1972 Federal-State Agreement.

    (a) No change.

    (b) No change.

    (c) When a permit application is received for a new sign site where vegetation management is required pursuant to Section 479.106, F.S., the permit will not be issued until the applicant has been issued a vegetation management permit by the Department in accordance with Rule 14-40.030, 14-10.057, F.A.C., and has removed two nonconforming signs. A permit shall not be issued to an applicant for a location at which unpermitted cutting, removal, or trimming of vegetation has occurred until such time as payment of the administrative penalty and mitigation as required by Rule 14-40.030, 14-10.057, F.A.C., and Section 479.106(7), F.S., respectively, have been collected accomplished and the applicant has surrendered two nonconforming signs for surrender in accordance with Section 479.106(5), F.S. If a permit is granted where the applicant has stated that no cutting, removal, or trimming of vegetation is required to create a view zone for the sign, the permittee may only maintain the view existing at the time the sign permit is issued.

    (d) No change.

    (3) Reduced Spacing on Interstates. For applications to be considered for a sign with between 1000 feet and 1500 feet of spacing from the nearest outdoor advertising sign along an interstate in accordance with Section 479.07(9)(c), F.S., in addition to the requirements of subsection (1) of this section, the applicant must submit:

    (a) A copy of the local government adopted policy, ordinance, or other official document authorizing the placement of a new outdoor advertising sign along an interstate highway, in exchange for the removal of an existing sign from areas specifically designated by the local government; and

    (b) A copy of the agreement between the local government and the sign owner allowing such removal and replacement.

    (4) Size. Each sign facing shall not exceed 30 feet in height. Each sign facing shall not exceed 60 feet in length. Advertising copy shall not exceed 950 square feet for all sign faces. Embellishments shall not extend more than five feet beyond the permanent sign face, and are included in any measurement of the height, width, or area of the sign facing.

    (5) Number of Sign Faces. There shall be no more than two faces showing at one time for each sign facing.

    (6) Location. Signs shall not located in such a manner as to obscure or otherwise interfere with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, signal, or device.

    (7) Spacing. The distance between a proposed sign and the nearest permitted sign shall be measured along the edge of pavement of the main-traveled way from the location marked by the applicant to the location of the permitted sign. For signs that are permitted, but not constructed, the milepost location reflected in the permitted sign’s application shall be used. Measurement along the edge of pavement shall be from a point perpendicular to a tangent on the edge of the main-traveled way nearest the location of the sign.

    (a) For V-type, or back–to back signs, to be considered one sign for spacing purposes, the sign facings must either be connected by the same sign structure or cross-bracing, or the sign structures must be not more than fifteen feet apart at their nearest point.

    (b) Official signs, signs exempt from permitting under Section 479.16, F.S., and structures that are not permitted signs shall not be considered in determining compliance with spacing requirments.

    (c) The width of any intersections will be included in the measured distance between signs. This distance is measured in a direct line from the points of intersection of the edges of the main-traveled way.

    (d) No sign permit shall be issued for a sign to be located on the interstate highway system, which is outside the boundaries of an incorporated municipality and within 500 feet of an interchange, intersection at grade, or rest area. The distance shall be measured along the interstate in the direction leading away from the interchange, intersection at grade, or rest area beginning at the pavement widening of the exit from the main-traveled way, or at the end of pavement widening of the entrance to the main-traveled way. For the purposed of this subsection, all portions of the entrance and exit ramps shall be considered part of an interchange.

    (e) When a sign or proposed sign is, or would be located within the controlled area and visible from any portion of the main- traveled way of more than one highway subject to the jurisdiction of the Department, pursuant to Section 479.07(1), F.S., the sign shall meet the permitting requirements of all highways, and be permitted to the roadway with the stricter controls.

    (8) Sign Structure Height. The height of a sign structure shall be measured from the elevation of the crown of the main-traveled way to which the sign is permitted to the top of the highest sign face, excluding embellishments.

    (9) Lighting. Signs shall not be illuminated by flashing, intermittent, or moving lights.  Signs shall not be illuminated so that it interferes with the effectiveness of or obscures, an official traffic sign, device, or signal.

    (10)(3) Changeable messages – Signs may have A permit shall be granted for an automatic changeable facing provided:

    (a) The static display time for each message is at least six seconds;

    (b) The time to completely change from one message to the next is a maximum of two seconds for non-digital signs and one half second for digital signs.

    (c) The change of message occurs simultaneously for the entire sign face; and

    (d) The application meets all other permitting requirements.

    (d)(e) All signs with changeable messages shall contain a default design that will ensure no flashing, intermittent message, or any other apparent movement is displayed should a malfunction occur.

    (11) Outside an incorporated area, signs will not be permitted within 100 feet of the property line of a cemetery, public park, public reservation, public playground, or state or national forest. For schools and churches outside an incorporated areas, signs will not be permitted within 100 feet of the outer edges of the primary building or primary building complex when the individual units of the complex are connected by covered walkways.

    (12)(4) Changes to Roadway Designations.

    (a) A sign existing at a location which was not previously subject to the permitting requirements of Chapter 479, F.S., and this rule chapter, but has subsequently become subject to the requirements due to changes in the jurisdictional designation of highways, shall be granted a conforming or non-conforming state permit in accordance with the process outlined below:

    1. through 3. No change.

    4. The Department shall issue an Outdoor Advertising Permit, Form 575-070-30, Rev. 07/01, to the sign owner shall submit a completed application as provided in above subparagraph (1) upon receipt of a complete Application for Outdoor Advertising Permit, Form 575-070-04, Rev. 02/09, together with all items required pursuant to Section 479.07(3)(b), F.S. The For existing signs, the written statement required by Section 479.07(3)(b), F.S., shall be any written document from the appropriate local governmental official indicating compliance with local requirements as of the date of the permit application. A previously issued building permit shall be accepted as the statement from an appropriate local governmental official, except where the local government has provided notice to the sign owner that the sign is illegal or has undertaken action to cause the sign to be removed. When a building permit is submitted as the statement of the local government, the applicant is certifying shall certify in writing that the local government has not provided notice that the sign is illegal, and that the local government has taken no action to cause the sign to be removed. If land use information is not provided in accordance with Section 479.024, F.S., but all other permit requirements are met, the Department shall classify the sign as non-conforming upon permit issuance.

    (b) through (c) No change.

    (13) Upon Department verification that an application meets the requirements of Chapter 479 and this rule chapter, the Department will issue an Outdoor Advertising Permit and a permit tag to the applicant.

    (14)(5) Posting of Tags. The permanent metal permit tag issued by the Department must be posted at the sign site within 30 calendar days of issuing the sign permit and must remain in place at all times, whether or not a sign has been erected, or a previously erected sign has been removed. If a permit tag is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the permittee must apply to the Department for a replacement tag on Outdoor Advertising Permit Tag Replacement Request, Form 575-070-01, Rev. 06/15 06/09, incorporated herein by reference at https://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-05477 and shall include a replacement fee of $12.00 per tag. Alternatively, the permittee may provide its own replacement tags pursuant to Section 479.07(5)(b), F.S., provided all of the fabrication specifications listed below are met.

    (a) 6 inch x 12 inch constructed of durable material;

    (b) Coated with 5-year white reflective sheeting;

    (c) Embossed black text as follows:

    1. The left vertical edge of the tag shall read FLA SIGN PERMIT in 5/8 inch characters;

    2. The top horizontal alpha characters shall be embossed toward the FLA text and will be in 2 and 15/16 inch characters;

    3. The vertical legend of three numbers located under the alpha characters shall be 2 and 15/16 inch characters.

    (d) The letters and numbers of the replacement tag must be identical to the tag being replaced.

    (e) When a permittee elects to provide its own tag, the permittee shall notify the Department that they will replace the tag within 30 days of notification that the tag is not properly displayed. The new tag shall be posted at the permitted location within 60 days of the department’s notification.

    (6) Transfer of Permits. Requests to transfer a permit pursuant to Section 479.07(6), F.S., shall be submitted on an Outdoor Advertising Permit Transfer Request, Form 575-070-25, Rev. 10/06, incorporated herein by reference.

    (a) The recipient of the transferred permit shall certify that written permission from the landowner, or other person in lawful control of the sign site, to maintain the sign on the site pursuant to Section 479.07(2), F.S., has been secured.

    (b) If a transfer of permit is made when the permit has been determined to be in violation of Chapter 479, F.S., or this rule chapter, or if a revocation proceeding is pending, the permit is subject to conditions existing at the time of transfer. The Department’s approval of a permit transfer shall not constitute a waiver of rights on the part of the Department, nor shall a permit transfer in any way prohibit the issuance of notices of violation, or preclude the Department from revoking the transferee’s permit pursuant to Section 479.08, F.S., or this rule chapter.

    (c) If a transfer of sign permit is made during the initial 270 days from the date of permit issuance, the permit transferee receives the sign permit subject to all conditions which were applicable to the original applicant.

    (7) Cancellation of Permits. Permit cancellation notification must be submitted on Outdoor Advertising Permit Cancellation Certification, Form 575-070-12, Rev. 10/06, incorporated herein by reference. All canceled tags must be returned to the Department with the certification, or otherwise be accounted for in writing.

    (8) Conditional Permit Cancellation. When an applicant requests cancellation of one permit in order to obtain a new permit, the existing permit shall be canceled simultaneously with the issuance of the new permit. Outdoor Advertising Permit Cancellation Certification, Form 575-070-12, Rev. 10/06, incorporated herein by reference, and Application for Outdoor Advertising Permit, Form 575-070-04, Rev. 02/09, shall be submitted simultaneously to the Department. If a new permit does not meet current permitting requirements and cannot be issued, the existing permit will not be canceled.

    (9) Permits Canceled, or Not Renewed, in Error – Petition for Reinstatement. Pursuant to Section 479.07(8)(b), F.S., a petition for reinstatement of permits canceled, or not renewed, in error shall be submitted to the State Outdoor Advertising License and Permit Office. The petition must be in writing, list the affected permit(s), and shall certify that:

    (a) The permit was canceled, or not renewed, in error by the permittee;

    (b) The permit tag for the canceled or expired permit was returned to the Department or otherwise accounted for;

    (c) The sign has not been disassembled; and

    (d) The local government has not declared the sign illegal or taken any other action to have it removed.

    If the Reinstatement Petition is denied by the Department, a new permit may be issued for a sign only if the sign meets all current permitting requirements. The reinstatement fee is $200.00 for a sign facing of 200 square feet or less, and $300.00 for a sign facing greater than 200 square feet.

    (10) Reestablishment. Where the expansion or relocation of a transportation facility causes a sign to be located in the right of way, or within fifteen feet of the right of way, and the permittee desires to reestablish the sign at a conforming location, the Department shall allow the reestablishment of the sign in conformance with the following:

    (a) The permittee must submit a completed application for the reestablished sign site pursuant to Section 479.07(3), F.S.

    (b) The reestablished sign site shall meet all current requirements for permitting.

    (11) Relocation. Where a Department project causes a nonconforming sign to be located in the right of way, the Department shall allow the relocation of the sign provided all requirements of Sections 479.15(3), (4), (5), (6), F.S., are met. The relocated sign must be of the same materials, size and configuration as the original.

    Rulemaking Authority 334.044(2), 479.02(7) FS. Law Implemented 215.34, 334.044(28), 339.05, 479.01(14), 479.02, 479.04, 479.07, 479.106(5), 479.11, 479.24 FS. History–(Formerly part of Rule 14-10.04, Permits; 14-15.05, Right of Way Bureau Operating Procedures), New 3-28-76, Amended 4-21-77, 12-10-77, 6-26-78, 12-31-78, 1-1-86, Formerly 14-10.04, Amended 7-7-92, 6-28-98, 8-10-99, 8-19-01, 1-25-04, 3-15-05, 12-31-06, 4-2-09, 10-3-10,___________.

     

    14-10.00401 Administration of Outdoor Advertising Permits.

    (1) Transfer of Permits. Requests to transfer a permit pursuant to Section 479.07(6), F.S., shall be submitted on an Outdoor Advertising Permit Transfer Request, Form 575-070-25, Rev. 06/15, incorporated herein by reference at https://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-05480 (a) The recipient of the transferred permit shall certify that written permission from the landowner, or other person in lawful control of the sign site, to maintain the sign on the site pursuant to Section 479.07(2), F.S., has been secured.

    (b) If a transfer of permit is made when the permit has been issued a notice of violation, or if a revocation proceeding is pending, the permit is subject to conditions existing at the time of transfer. The Department’s approval of a permit transfer shall not constitute a waiver of rights on the part of the Department, nor shall a permit transfer in any way prohibit the issuance of a notice of violation, or preclude the Department from revoking the transferee’s permit pursuant to Section 479.08, F.S., or this rule chapter.

    (c) If a transfer of sign permit is made during the initial 270 days from the date of permit issuance, the permit transferee receives the sign permit subject to all conditions which were applicable to the original applicant.

    (2) Cancellation of Permits. Permit cancellation notification must be submitted on Outdoor Advertising Permit Cancellation Certification, Form 575-070-12, Rev. 06/15, incorporated herein by reference at https://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-05478. All canceled tags must be returned to the Department with the certification, or otherwise be accounted for in writing.

    (3) Conditional Permit Cancellation. When an applicant requests cancellation of one permit in order to obtain a new permit, the existing permit shall be canceled simultaneously with the issuance of the new permit. The Outdoor Advertising Permit Cancellation Certification incorporated in above subparagraph (2), and the Application for Outdoor Advertising Permit incorporated in Rule 14-10.004(1) shall be submitted simultaneously to the Department. If a new permit does not meet current permitting requirements and cannot be issued, the existing permit will not be canceled.

    (4) Permits Canceled, or Not Renewed, in Error – Petition for Reinstatement. Pursuant to Section 479.07(8)(b), F.S., a petition for reinstatement of permits canceled, or not renewed, in error shall be submitted to the State Outdoor Advertising License and Permit Office. The petition must be in writing, list the affected permit(s), and shall certify that:

    (a) The permit was canceled, or not renewed, in error by the permittee;

    (b) The permit tag for the canceled or expired permit was returned to the Department or otherwise accounted for;

    (c) The sign has not been disassembled; and

    (d) The local government has not declared the sign illegal or taken any other action to have it removed.

    If the Reinstatement Petition is denied by the Department, a new permit may be issued for a sign only if the sign meets all current permitting requirements. The reinstatement fee is $300.00 per permitted sign.

    (5) Reestablishment. Where the expansion or relocation of a transportation facility causes a sign to be located in the right of way, or within fifteen feet of the right of way, and the sign cannot be relocated pursuant to Section 479.15(3)(4) and (6), the permittee may reestablish the sign at a location that conforms with Chapter 479, F.S. and this rule chapter and meets all current requirments for permitting by submitting a completed Application for Outdoor Advertising Permit, incorporated in Rule 14-10.004(1). Initial application fees are not required with an application for reestablishment.

    (6) Relocation. Where a Department project causes a sign lawfully permitted by the Department to be located in the right of way, the Department shall allow the relocation of the sign provided all requirements of Sections 479.15(3), (4), (5), and (6), F.S., are met. A sign relocation shall be by agreement between the permit holder and the Department. The sign permit will be amended to reflect the relocated location in the outdoor advertising database.

    Rulemaking Authority 334.044(2), 479.02(7) FS. Law Implemented 479.02, 479.07, 479.15,  FS. History–(Formerly part of Rule 14-10.004), New_____.

     

    14-10.0041 Annual Renewal Billing – Licenses and Permits.

    (1) All licenses and sign permits expire annually and shall be renewed pursuant to Section 479.07(8), F.S.

    (2) Annual renewal of a license shall include the annual license fee, and the fees for all sign permits being renewed by the licensee. Acceptance by the Department of renewal fees for a suspended license or a sign permit against which a violation notice has been issued, or which may be issued, shall not constitute waiver by the Department of any right to pursue remedies for the violation.

    (a) through (b) No change.

    Rulemaking Authority 334.044(2), 479.02(7) FS. Law Implemented 479.02, 479.07 FS. History–New 6-28-98, Amended 8-19-01, 10-3-10, __________.

     

    14-10.0042 Denial, Suspension, or Revocation of Licenses, and Denial or Revocation of or Permits.

    (1) If the Department intends to deny an application for a license or sign permit, deny reinstatement of a sign permit cancelled or not renewed in error, revoke a sign permit, or intends to suspend or revoke a license or sign permit, the Department shall provide, by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by personal delivery with receipt, notice of the facts which warrant the action to the permittee. The written notice shall contain:

    (a) The particular A detailed statement of the facts or basis for the Department’s action;

    (b) The statute or rule relied upon;

    (c) A statement that the applicant, licensee, or permittee has the right to an administrative hearing pursuant to Section 120.57, F.S.

    (d) A statement that the Department’s action shall become conclusive and the final agency action and that the sign permit or license shall be denied or revoked, or the license shall be denied, suspended or revoked as indicated in the notice of intended action, if no request for a hearing is filed within 30 calendar days of receipt of the notice of the Department’s intended action.

    (2) If a licensee fails to renew its license, or its license is revoked, any sign permits owned by the licensee shall become subject to revocation, pursuant to Section 479.08, F.S.

    Rulemaking Authority 334.044(2), 479.02 FS. Law Implemented 120.60, 479.05, 479.08 FS. History–New 6-28-98, Amended 10-3-10,________.

     

    14-10.0043 Outdoor Advertising License and Permit Fees.

    (1) The annual fee for an Outdoor Advertising License is $300.00. Licenses expire on January 15 of each year. Licenses issued after October 1, shall not expire in the calendar year following the approval date.

    (2) The annual permit fee for each sign facing is $51.00 for 200 square feet or less, and $71.00 for more than 200 square feet. A permittee shall notify the Department in writing prior to making any changes in the dimensions of a conforming sign which would increase the area of the sign facing to over 200 square feet, and shall submit an additional $20.00.

    (3) Permit fees for the year in which application is made may be prorated by paying one-fourth of the annual fee for each whole or partial quarter remaining in that year. Applications received after September 30 must include fees for the last quarter plus fees for the following year. The fee schedule is based on the date the application is received by the Department as follows:

    (a) January 16 through April 15: $51.00 for each sign facing of 200 square feet or less; $71.00 for each facing greater than 200 square feet;

    (b) April 16 through July 15: $38.25 for each sign facing of 200 square feet or less; $53.25 for each facing greater than 200 square feet;

    (c) July 16 through September 30: $25.50 for each sign facing of 200 square feet or less; $35.50 for each facing greater than 200 square feet;

    (d) October 1 through January 15: $63.75 for each sign facing of 200 square feet or less; $88.75 for each facing greater than 200 square feet.

    (4) No change.

    Rulemaking Authority 334.044(2), 479.02(7), 479.07(3)(c) FS. Law Implemented 215.34, 479.04, 479.07 FS. History–New 1-25-04, Amended 4-2-09,__________.

     

    14-10.0052 Zoning Enacted Primarily to Permit Outdoor Advertising Signs.

    (1) “Comprehensively Zoned Enacted Zoning” means a county or municpal government has adopted ordinances or other laws adopted by the county or municipal government pertaining to and designating the currently allowable uses of parcels property within its jurisdiction, pursuant to and consistent with a comprehensive plan enacted in accordance with Chapter 163, F.S.

    (2) If a parcel is in an area Even if comprehensively zoned enacted, the following criteria, including public records related thereto, shall be considered in determining whether such zoning is enacted primarily to permit signs:

    (a) The land use or zoning designation provides for limited commercial or industrial activity only as accessory, ancilliary, or incidental to the allowable an incident to other primary land uses.

    (b) The commercial and industrial activities, separately or together, are permitted only by variance or waiver special exceptions.

    (c) The physical dimensions or other attributes of the affected parcel will would not reasonably accommodate traditional commercial or industrial uses pursuant to Section 479.024(2)(b), F.S., and the area surrounding the affected parcel is not predominantly commercial or industrial.

    (d) The parcel is within, or surrounded by, a larger area with non-commercial/non-industrial allowable uses.

    (e) The parcel is part of a larger strip of comprehensively zoned land that is parallel to the highway with no active commercial or industrial activities, and no existing formal plans for commercial or industrial development.

    (f) The parcel has no access roads or dedicated access.

    (3) No single factor in above section 2 is determinative of whether zoning is enacted primarily to permit signs. If a combination of factors indicates that the zoning is enacted primarily to allow signs in areas that do not have the attributes of a commercial or industrial area, the zoning will not be recognized for purpose of permitting signs.

    Rulemaking Authority 334.044(2), 479.02(7) FS. Law Implemented 479.07(10), 479.024(2) FS. History–New 3-16-04, Amended 5-5-05,_____.

     

    14-10.006 Permitting Criteria.

    Rulemaking Authority 334.044(2), 479.02(7) FS. Law Implemented 339.05, 479.02, 479.07(9), 479.08, 479.11 FS. History–New 3-28-77, Amended 12-10-77, 1-1-86, Formerly 14-10.06, Amended 12-26-95, 6-28-98, 8-19-01, 12-31-06, 10-3-10, Repealed_____.

     

    14-10.007 Maintenance of Nonconforming Signs.

    (1) through (3) No change.

    (4) A nonconforming sign may not be disassembled, collapsed, or in a state of being no longer erect and then re-erected at the same location except as provided in paragraph (6)(a), below.

    (5) A nonconforming sign may not be relocated, except to a conforming location.

    (5)(6) A nonconforming sign may continue to exist so long as it is not destroyed, abandoned, or discontinued. “Destroyed,” “abandoned,” and “discontinued” have the following meanings:

    (a) through (b) No change.

    Rulemaking Authority 334.044(2), 479.02(7) FS. Law Implemented 339.05, 479.02, 479.07(9) FS. History–New 3-28-77, Amended 12-18-77, 1-1-86, Formerly 14-10.07, Amended 6-28-98, 8-10-99, 8-19-01, 11-27-07,__________.

     

    NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Robert Jessee, Manager, Outdoor Advertising

    NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Jim Boxold, Secretary

    DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: June 19, 2015

    DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: August 25, 2014

Document Information

Comments Open:
6/30/2015
Summary:
These amendments reflect statutory changes to allow for local government land use determination on whether parcels are commercial or industrial for outdoor advertising permit purposes, reduced spacing for signs along the interstate with local government authorization, and the ability to suspend, instead of revoke outdoor advertising licenses for violations. Rule provisions have been reorganized and edited for clarity. Permit fees, previously allowing for a lesser rate for smaller signs, have ...
Purpose:
To clarify language and update requirements for outdoor advertising licenses and permits.
Rulemaking Authority:
334.044(2), 479.02(7)(8), F.S.
Law:
120.60, 215.34, 334.044(28), 339.05, 479.01, 479.02, 479.024, 479.03, 479.04, 479.05, 479.07, 479.08, 479.106, 479.11, 479.15, 479.24, F.S.
Contact:
Susan Schwartz, Assistant General Counsel, Florida Department of Transportation, Office of the General Counsel, 605 Suwannee Street, Mail Station 58, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0458, (850)414-5392, susan.schwartz@dot.state.fl.us
Related Rules: (11)
14-10.0011. General Provisions
14-10.0022. Outdoor Advertising Sign Inventory
14-10.003. Licenses
14-10.004. Permits
14-10.00401. Administration of Outdoor Advertising Permits
More ...