The Florida League of Cities calls on the Florida Legislature to stop efforts to further strip cities of the ability to regulate the placement of communications infrastructure on city property in public rights-of-way.
"Fast passing" one utility over another is simply not fair. Allowing communications services providers to go to the front of the line in the permit process means other utility providers, such as electric or wastewater, go to the back of the line. Public officials should prioritize what communities need, not what special interests want.
Don’t undermine progress. It’s been less than two years since the legislature enacted its comprehensive takeover of municipal rights-of-way relating to wireless infrastructure. Cities are diligently working with industry representatives to implement the 2017 law. Changing the rules now will only set progress back.
Taxpayers should not be responsible for the damage that the communications services providers do to public rights-of-way. Make sure that cities have the tools they need to protect taxpayers.
