Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Justification Review of the Right-of-Way Acquisition Program

Report 99-02, August 1999




Report Summary

  • OPPAGA's Right-of-Way Acquisition Report examined the state's right-of-way costs, interstate logo signage, and the regulation of billboards.
  • Florida law may have the effect of encouraging landowners to go to court rather than seek settlement with the state. When this occurs, the state pays landowners' costs for attorneys, appraisers, and expert witnesses. Thus, the Florida is paying more than any other state in fees, including some that other states don't pay at all. In addition to $63.5 million paid in fees in 1997-98, $18.8 million was paid in business damages; the next closest state for this cost was Georgia, which paid $1.2 million. OPPAGA's report suggests that such costs be limited while still protecting landowners and businesses that give up their property.
  • The privatized logo sign program uses blue panels along interstate highways to advertise businesses located near interchanges. After the current contract expires, Florida could consider following Kentucky's example and use this program as a revenue source. Kentucky receives revenues of $382,000 to $450,000 per year from its program.
  • The Outdoor Advertising Program regulates billboards and is operating at a deficit. We recommend that the department implement a fee increase and, after the deficit has been eliminated, review the fees to determine how much the fees should be reduced.


Related Reports
  1. The Legislature Has Several Options for Reducing the State's Road Right-of-Way Costs
    Report 06-18 February 2006
  2. Progress Report: The Department of Revenue Has Begun Updating Its Guidelines for Assessment of Billboards
    Report 04-46 July 2004
  3. Property Appraisers Use Cost Approach to Value Billboards; Guidelines Need Updating
    Report 02-69 December 2002
  4. Progress Report: Some Highway Right-of-Way Costs Decreased, But Legislative Changes Needed to Further Reduce Costs
    Report 01-46 October 2001
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.
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.
transportation, highway safety, transportation and highway safety, eminint domain, right-of-way acquisition, right-of-way, right of way, condemnation, transportation, road building, road construction