FL S1118

Reorganizes the Department of Transportation with a central office and districts; exempts the Secretary and Assistant Secretaries from the Senior Management Service System and requires compensation competitive with comparable public and private sector positions, with minimum Secretary salary of $180,000.

Authorizes municipalities with population greater than 270,000 in counties with 1.28-1.5 million residents to levy a discretionary sales surtax up to 1 percent, with proceeds used for transportation infrastructure and services.

Creates the Florida Smart City Challenge grant program to provide grants to municipalities for adopting emerging transportation technologies including autonomous vehicles, connected vehicles, electric vehicles, and sensor-based infrastructure.

Establishes regulations for autonomous vehicles including insurance requirements, autonomous vehicle operation standards, and automated mobility districts designated by the Department of Transportation.

Authorizes the Department to acquire the Garcon Point Bridge as a turnpike project with revenue bonds, prohibits toll increases from the acquisition, and repeals the Santa Rosa Bay Bridge Authority upon acquisition.