In Fiscal Year 2000-01, some Department of Transportation right-of-way costs such as payment of landowner attorney and appraisal fees declined from Fiscal Year 1997-98 in spite of increasing land values. However department payments increased for other landowner costs such as land use planners, certified public accountants, and relocation assistance.
Likely factors contributing to cost decreases were 1994 law changes that limited state payment of landowner attorney fees and the department's more frequent use of negotiation, which is less costly than condemnation. Factors contributing to the increases include acquisition of more right-of-way in densely developed areas with higher costs associated with relocating people and businesses.
The Legislature did not adopt our 1999 recommendation for reducing costs for landowner expenses. Under the recommended option, the state would have paid up to a specified amount for a landowner to obtain one appraisal. The state would also pay up to a specified amount for landowner attorneys and technical experts but only if the property's final sale price was a specified percentage over the department's initial offer. The Legislature also did not adopt our recommendation to eliminate payments for business damages. The department paid $16.4 million in business damages in Fiscal Year 2000-01.
As we recommended, the department increased outdoor advertising fees to eliminate a funding deficit in its Outdoor Advertising Program.

The Legislature Has Several Options for Reducing the State's Road Right-of-Way Costs
Report 06-18 February 2006
Department of Transportation Can Expedite Its Proposed Staffing Reduction Plan
Report 01-13 March 2001
Justification Review of the Right-of-Way Acquisition Program
Report 99-02 August 1999

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.