FTC Commissioners | FTC Overview |
Mission Statement
The mission of the Florida Transportation Commission is to provide leadership in meeting Florida's transportation needs through policy guidance on issues of statewide importance and by maintaining oversight and public accountability for the Department of Transportation and other statutorily specified transportation authorities.
Summary of Organization and Responsibilities
The Florida Transportation Commission was created in 1987, under Section 20.23, Florida Statutes, to serve as a citizen's oversight board for the Florida Department of Transportation. This oversight has since been expanded to include Florida's expressway authorities and regional transportation authorities. The Commission is assigned to the Department for administrative and fiscal purposes; otherwise, it functions independently of the control and direction of the Department. The Commission is composed of nine Commissioners appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate for four-year terms. The Commission is required to meet at least four times per year; though it usually meets more frequently in locations throughout the state in order to receive local input.
The Commissioners must represent transportation needs of the state as a whole and may not subordinate state needs to those of any particular area. The Commission is prohibited from involvement in day-to-day operations of the Department (e.g., consultant or contractor selection, specific projects, personnel matters, etc.). The Governor appoints the Secretary of Transportation from among three candidates nominated by the Commission.
The Commission's primary functions, listed in s. 20.23(2)(b), Florida Statutes, are summarized below:
- Review major transportation policy initiatives or revisions submitted by the Department pursuant to law.
- Recommend major transportation policy to the Governor and Legislature (Commission has recommended policies related to public transit, funding, road jurisdiction, distribution of funds to Districts, etc.).
- Serve as an oversight body for the Department (review performance, review work program, monitor highway safety, monitor financial status, and review budget requests and long-range plan).
- Serve as an oversight body for transportation authorities and monitor and report on the efficiency, productivity and management of those authorities created under Chapters 343, 348 and 349, Florida Statutes.