Transportation (Rail)

Railroad Crossing Safety; Requiring the Department of Transportation to conduct a statewide study on the use of advanced detection and monitoring systems at public railroad-highway grade crossings; authorizing the department to consult with certain persons and entities in conducting the study, etc.

Rapid Rail Transit Compact; Authorizing the Governor to execute a rapid rail transit compact with specified states to join the Southern Rail Commission; providing the form of the compact, etc.

Railroad Crossing Safety; Requires DOT to conduct statewide study on advanced detection & monitoring systems at railroad crossings; specifies scope of study; requires DOT to consult with specified entities; requires report to Governor & Legislature by specified date.

SB 976 amends Florida law to allow counties collecting tourist development taxes to use those revenues for operating commuter rail services within regional transportation authorities. This change specifically adds commuter rail operations as an authorized use under Section 125.0104(5)(a)(8) of the Florida Statutes, alongside existing permitted uses like convention centers, beach maintenance, and tourism promotion. The bill does not alter other existing uses of tourist tax funds but expands the scope to include public transit infrastructure. It takes effect on July 1, 2026, and applies to all Florida counties imposing the tourist development tax.

Rapid Rail Transit Compact; Authorizes Governor to execute rapid rail transit compact with specified states, to join Southern Rail Commission & provides form of compact.