HB 703 – Utility Relocation

On Monday, April 7, HB 703 by Representative Will Robinson (R-Bradenton) was heard and amended by the House Commerce Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

This bill modifies the process of relocating utility facilities on a public right of way.  It helps to ease some scheduling pressure that certain utilities may have in the relocation process as well as shifts the cost burden from the utility owner to the owner of the right of way that is requiring the relocation. These expenses often add up when developments, road projects, and other local structures require broadband facilities to be moved. As Florida becomes increasingly more developed, these relocations will become ever more frequent.

A strike-all amendment was proposed and adopted that requires utilities to begin the process of moving utilities to a right of way within 30 days after receiving notice to do so by a local authority. Additionally, the amendment requires a local authority to provide for the cost of utility relocation if the service provider is subject to the Communications Services Tax Simplification Law. This amendment clarifies that this is an important state interest.   

HB 703 will now go to the House Floor for consideration.

AIF supports initiatives that ease burdens for utility providers who are forced to move facilities from a right of way by local governments.