|
The 1998 Wildfires and the 1999 Billboard Scam Near the end of the 1999 legislative session, House Bill 1535 was amended by the addition of section 24. It sounded harmless. Never mentioned the word "billboard." Federal Highway Administration letter of July 23, 1999 to Florida DOT, regarding HB 1535.
FHWA confirms that nonconforming billboards destroyed by wildfires cannot be rebuilt. FHWA criticizes FDOT's definition of "destroyed" as not complying with intent of Highway Beautification Act and suggests that FDOT amend administrative rule. Federal Highway Administration letter of June 23, 1999 to Citizens for a Scenic Florida, Inc., regarding HB 591. Mon., Apr. 12: The billboard preemption language previously incorporated into SB940, section 6, passed out of the Florida Senate on Thursday, April 8, 1999. Two other Senate bills, SB972 and SB1314, were amended to incorporate the billboard industry's preemption of local control whenever road-widening occurs along the state highways. The industry now focuses on HB1147 where the similar language awaits approval by the House.
click image to enlarge "BILLBOARDS FOREVER" Amendment Introduced in State Legislature
At the request of the billboard industry, a Florida state senator has introduced an amendment to Senate Bill 940 that will allow billboards to be relocated or reconstructed on a road if road-widening forces the sign to be removed. Lakeland's City Attorney decried the bill, stating that the bill seriously infringes on local government's right to regulate its own zoning, and goes directly against the city's efforts to beautify the city and reduce billboards. The Assistant Polk County Manager commented, "Sounds like the outdoor sign lobby has been working overtime." For the text of the bill and other information, follow the link to the »State Legislature Bill Has Billboard Compromise - Lakeland Ledger
Bill Could Bring Back Billboards - Florida Times-Union
Billboard Plan Savings Overstated - Florida Times-Union
The Billboard Bullies - St. Petersburg Times
State May Override Local Rule on Signs - Lake Sentinel
An Egregious Billboard Amendment - Tampa Tribune
Alachua County Commission resolution against billboard preemption, SB940, sec.6
A Pro-Pillage Session?
An Overview of SB940
Home Rule
What People Are Saying About SB940
Billboards Forever - An Unfunded Mandate?
House Bill 1147, section 48 contains billboard preemption language
|
