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) “Applicant” means the person or entity seeking permission for an outdoor advertising sign under this rule chapter.

(b) “Completed Sign,” for purposes of Section 479.07(5)(a), F.S., means an erected sign structure with attached facing, and a posted message.

(c) “Crown” means the highest point of elevation on the road pavement of the main traveled way immediately adjacent to the sign.

(d) “Embellishment” means a temporary extension of a sign face which contains a portion of the message or informative contents, and which is added, modified, or removed when the message is changed.

(e) “Height Above Ground Level (HAGL)” means the distance between the ground and the bottom of the sign face, excluding any border and trim, as measured from the point on the sign facing closest to the main-traveled way.

(f) “Location or site” means the specific place or position of a proposed or existing sign. Location is generally identified by specifying a milepost on the Roadway Characteristics Inventory (RCI) system together with a distance from the edge of the pavement or the right of way line by specifying the State Plane Coordinates or by specifying the latitude and longitude.

(g) “Permitted Sign” means a sign, whether erected or not, for which an Outdoor Advertising Permit, Form 575-070-30, Rev. 07/01, incorporated herein by reference, has been issued, which permit has not been revoked, canceled, expired, or declared void.

(h) “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) “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.

(b) Licenses and sign permits may only be issued in the current legal name or registered fictitious name of the applicant, whether an individual, business, or corporation. Any notice issued by the Department to a fictitious name filed with the Department shall have the same effect as if issued in the legal name of the permittee or licensee.

(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 unless the licensee or permittee notifies the Department in writing that the mailing address is the perferred method of receipt.

(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.

(e) Notices or any other correspondence issued by the Department to the address on file prior to receipt of such written notification of an address change are valid and shall be considered received by the licensee or permittee.

(f) License Applications, Permit Applications, Replacement Requests, Transfer Requests, and Cancellation Certifications must contain a statement by the signatory that he/she is the authorized representative and has the authority to sign for the applicant.

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, 10-7-15.