Bill > S0228

This bill establishes a 2-year pilot program that provides certified veteran business enterprises with a 50 percent discount on business-related toll expenses for registered commercial vehicles used in their operations. To be eligible, businesses must be certified as veteran-owned under Florida law, demonstrate regular commercial use of toll roads through automated toll accounts, and apply annually with proof of veteran ownership and toll usage. The Florida Turnpike Enterprise will administer the program in coordination with the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Department of Management Services. The Department of Transportation is required to review the pilot program and submit a comprehensive report to legislative leadership by July 1, 2027, assessing participation rates, fiscal impact, and providing recommendations for the program's potential continuation or expansion. The pilot program is set to begin on July 1, 2026, and will run for two years, offering financial relief to veteran-owned businesses that regularly use Florida's toll roads for commercial purposes.