Item C27BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: April 17, 2013 Division: Public Works/Engineering
Bulk Item: Yes x No — Department: Engineering Services Department
Staff Contact Person/Phone #: Judy Clarke X4329
AGENDA ITEM WORDING:
Approval of a resolution to construct and maintain the Wayfinding Sign Program and to accept the wayfinding
sign criteria established in Rule 14-51.030 FAC for future wayfinding signs (Rule 14-51.030 FAC attached for
reference).
ITEM BACKGROUND: Through an FDOT Local Agency Program (LAP) agreement, the county designed a
wayfinding sign program for US I in 2011. The goal of the program is to consolidate existing signage, remove
sign clutter, improve aesthetics along the scenic highway, and direct travelers to recognized business areas and
public amenities. A total of 200 guide and informational signs are being removed from US 1 through the
county's Wayfinding Program. A total of 160 guide and informational signs will be installed as part of the
Wayfinding program. FDOT requires that the County pass a resolution that adopts the wayfinding criteria
established in Rule 14-51.030 FAC.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
2/17/20AO - Approval to execute the LAP Agreement with the FDOT to provide funding for the All American
Road Signage and to investigate a design alternative for the types of signs that can be provided under the
program.
10/20/10 _ Approval to advertise an RFQ to develop a Wayfinding Signage Program along the Florida Keys All
American Road (Florida Keys Scenic Highway).
2/16/11 - ApprovaI to negotiate a contract with URS to develop a Wayfinding Signage Program along the US l
Florida Keys Scenic Corridor.
3/16/11 - Approval of a professional services contract with URS to develop a wayfinding program along the US
1 Florida Keys Scenic Corridor.
11/16/2011 - Approval of an Inter -local Agreement (ILA) with the Village of Islamorada (Village) to design
Wayfinding signs within the Village boundaries; design services to be paid in advance in the amount of
$39,860.88, and fabrication and installation to be paid pursuant to FDOT Grant Agreement APW 52 .
11/16/11 - Approval of the modified conch shell concept for the Wayfinding Sign Program.
5/16/2012 — Approval of final design for Wayfinding Sign Program.
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES: None
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: ApprovaI as requested above.
TOTALCOST: $1,180,000 INDIRECT COST: BUDGETED: Yes X No
COST TO COUNTY: $0 (100%grant funds) SOURCE OF FUNDS: c/c 50517 GW1001
REVENUE PRODUCING: Yes _ No X AMOUNT PER MONTH Year
APPROVED BY: County Atty _ OM&'Purchasing Risk Management
DOCUMENTATION: Included Not Required_x
DISPOSITION: AGENDA ITEM #
RESOLUTION OF THE MONROE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSION APPROVING WAYFINDING SIGNAGE CRITERIA TO
EFFICENTLY AND SAFELY GUIDE MOTORISTS, BICYCLES, AND
PEDESTRIANS TO KEY PUBLIC FACILITIES SUCH AS CIVIC,
CULTURAL, VISITOR, AND RECREATIONAL DESTINATIONS
WITHIN UNICORPORATED MONROE COUNTY
Whereas, the Monroe County Board of County Commission (BOCC) approved a Local Agency Program
Agreement with the FDOT in February 2010 for the design, installation, and maintenance of a community
wayfinding system; and
Whereas, Monroe County staff worked closely with the FDOT and the public throughout the design phase of the
project to incorporate community preferences and to ensure compliance with Rule 14-51, FAC, the FDOT Traffic
Engineering Manual, and the FDOT Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Projects; and
Whereas, the BOCC approved the final plans and specifications for the wayfinding program in May 2012, and
Whereas; final signed and sealed contract plans, dated June 5, 2012, which constitute Monroe County's
Wayfinding Program, are on file in the FDOT Traffic Operations and Local Agency Program Offices in Miami
and at the Monroe County Public Works Division in Key West;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MONROE COUNTY BOCC, THAT:
Section 1. Monroe County will construct the wayfinding signs under a Local Agency Program Agreement
according to the FDOT approved contract documents, dated June 5, 2012.
Section 2. Future wayfinding sign requests initiated by the county will be applied for via FDOT's permit process.
For consistency, future wayfinding sign requests will conform to the same design standards outlined in the final
LAP plans and the criteria established in Rule 14-51.030, FAC.
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Section 3. The county requests that future wayfinding sign requests initiated by other municipalities directlgt
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FDOT be consistent with the sign specifications in our final approved LAP package. o
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PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, at a regular-
meeting of the Board held on the day of , 2013. o
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Mayor George Neugent , District 2 0 i
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Mayor pro tem Heather Carruthers, District 3 z a.
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Commissioner Danny Kolhage, District 1 a
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Commissioner David Rice, District 4
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Commissioner Sylvia Murphy, district 5
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AMY HEAVILIN, CLERK OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
Deputy Clerk Mayor George Neugent
Chapter 14-51, Florida Administrative Code
Effective Date: November 24, 2011
PART III GUIDE SIGNS ON NON -LIMITED ACCESS FACILITIES
14-51.030 Destination Guide Signs
(1) General
(a) The criteria referenced for destinations listed in Table 4 are used to determine which
destinations will be signed for on non -limited access facilities.
(b) For pari-mutuel facilities that offer gaming, trip generation that may be attributed to the draw
of the gaming activity alone are not eligible to qualify that facility for destination guide signing
on the basis of trip generation.
(2) Standards
(a) Not more than six eligible destinations, including cities, shall be signed at any intersection
approach. Exception for community wayfinding guide sign systems and TODS guide signing are
found in Rule Chapter 14-51, Part V and Part VI, F.A.C. These eligible destinations shall not be
indicated on more than two separate signs; with no more than three lines of legend on each
sign.
(b) If there are four destinations to be signed at a given intersection, all four destinations should
be included on one sign, unless lateral restrictions limit sign panel square footage.
(c) Destination guide signs shall be located in advance of the intersecting roadway that is the most
direct or desirable route to the facility. Local government recommendations on the most
desirable route will be considered because the most direct route may have roadway safety
features that are less desirable than the longer route.
(3) Guidelines
(a) Any state or national park; or state forest; open to the public and offering multiple recreational
activities with ADA access and accommodations, including restrooms and paved handicapped
parking, shall be eligible. Countdown trailblazers permitted in rural areas for route
confirmation. Sign panels, installation, and maintenance shall be provided by the park or forest
destination. Advance signs shall not be located more than 10 miles from the park entrance.
(b) "DOWNTOWN" signs shall meet the following criteria in order to be considered for destination
guide signing.
1. "DOWNTOWN" signs will be considered for municipalities with a population of 5,000 or
more.
2. The non -limited access facility route shall traverse the municipal limits.
3. A distinct central business district must exist. Strip development, business centers, mixed -
use development, or re -development shall not be considered as "downtown" or as a
qualifying destination for guide signing unless it was historically identified as the
"downtown".
4. Only one such sign will be permitted for each direction of travel to provide the most
practical route to the central business district.
(c) The criteria referenced in Table 4 shall be used to determine which destination to add to an
existing destination guide sign.
(d) Hospitals are eligible for destination guide signing when the hospital does not have access from
the state highway system, and is not located more than three miles from the intersection to be
signed (other than trailblazers from a limited access facility).
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Chapter 14-51, Florida Administrative Code
Effective Date: November 24, 2011
Table 4 — Criteria for Signing Destinations on Non -limited Access Facilities
Type of Destination
Criteria
Guidelines
Major Metro
Urban Areas'
Rural Areaa3
Areas'
State Colleges and Universities
Nearest intersection to the state highway system.
Private Colleges and
Number of Trips
550,000ad
550,000ad
300,000ad
Universities
Generated Annually`
1,200,000bd
750,000bd
450,000bd
Private Vocational/Technical
Number of Trips4
550,000d
300,000d
Schools
Generated Annually
675,000d
Military Bases
Number of Trips4
5,000,000`
4,000,000`
3,000,000`
Generated Annually`
Arenas, Auditoriums,
Number of Trips4
37,500 trips plus 3,750 per mile of distance from
Amphitheaters, Civic Centers,
Generated Annually
intersection
Convention Halls, Stadiums,
Major Tourist Attractions
(Fairgrounds, Amusement
Parks, Zoos, etc.)
State and National Parks, and
Nearest intersection to the state highway system.
State Forest Recreational Areas
Youth Camps (YMCA, Scouts,
Signing only in rural areas, with facilities for a minimum of 50 persons on
etc.)
an overnight basis and in operation for at least 6 months of the year.
Mental Health and Medical
Minimum of 500 beds in urban and suburban areas. Nearest state highway
Facilities
system Exit. Bed minimum can be lowered for hospitals with access off the
state highway system serving isolated, rural county populations.
Downtown
There must be a clear central core commonly considered the downtown
area that is located on an intersecting road a maximum of 3 miles off the
state road. This excludes requests for signing new development or re-
development zones as "downtown" that were not historically the
"downtown" prior to new construction or rehabilitation.
Drivers License
Nearest intersection only.
State Agency Buildings
Number of Trips
260,000
100,000
1,500
Generated Annually
' Over 50,000 population (Section 334.03,
F.S.).
25,000 to 49,999 population (Section 334.03, F.S.).
3 Under 5,000 population.
4Trip: a single or one -direction vehicle movement either to or away from the traffic generator.
a Annual Trips = Number of Enrolled Students (who physically attend classes on campus) x 1.5 (college or university
without dormitories, each student equals 1.5 trips) x Number of semesters per year x Number of weeks per semester x 5
days per week. Figures based on AASHTO'S 2001 Selection of Supplemental Guide Signs for Traffic Generators.
Annual Trips = Number of Enrolled Students (who physically attend classes on campus) x 2.0 (college or university with
dormitories, each student equals 2 trips) x Number of semesters per year x Number of weeks per semester x 5 days per
week. Figures based on AASHTO'S 2001 Selection of Supplemental Guide Signs for Traffic Generators.
`One employee or military personnel equals 0.9 trips. Figures based on AASHTO'S 2001 Selection of Supplemental Guide
Signs for Traffic Generators.
Trip: a single or one -direction vehicle movement either to or away from the traffic generator.
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Chapter 14-51, Florida Administrative Code
Effective Date: November 24, 2011
(e) Unincorporated areas shall meet the criteria a-s shown in Rule 14-51.041, F.A.C., in order to
qualify for signing. Counties may develop a program to sign the boundaries of unincorporated
communities with historic or cultural interest that are not on the Official Florida Transportation
Map, through the Department's permit system. Standard white -on -green geographic
identification signs may be placed within the Department's right-of-way. All custom place name
signs for unincorporated communities must be located outside the right-of-way.
(f) Recreational, historical, or cultural attractions funded by federal, state, or local governments
are eligible for destination guide signing. Such attractions shall meet the following specific
criteria in order to be eligible for signing:
1. Historical attractions shall be listed in the National Register of Historic Places and be open
to the general public year round.
2. Cultural attractions shall be open to the general public year round.
3. Signs shall be limited to the nearest intersection to the state highway system.
4. Recreational attractions shall be operated on a non-profit basis and include multiple
activities such as picnicking, camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, or boating.
S. All recreational, historical, or cultural attractions shall have multiple activities, restrooms,
ADA access and paved handicapped parking facilities.
(g) Signs shall be installed to identify designated, developed parking areas for state or local
recreational trails only. To be eligible for destination guide signing, the recreational trail must
be ADA accessible and the parking ADA compliant. These signs are for traffic control purposes
only, and are not intended for advertisement.
(h) Rail Terminals shall be eligible for destination guide signing when the following criteria are met:
1. Intercity rail (Amtrak, commuters, etc.) shall provide regularly scheduled passenger service
and have parking spaces for patron use.
2. Intra-urban rail shall provide regularly scheduled service. and have parking spaces for
patron use.
(i) Destination guide signing for a non -charter interstate bus service shall only include the standard
general service signing for a Greyhound bus station and/or bus stop. The purpose of the
standard Greyhound symbol sign is to assist motorists who are trying to locate a bus station
which is inside a building, or a published, scheduled stop that is not serviced by any ticket agent
at that remote stop.
(j) Seaports, deep water public cargo, or passenger ports (for Port Authority locations) are eligible
for destination guide signing on non -limited access facilities.
(k) Airports are eligible for signing when the following criteria are met:
1. Air carrier airports are those which are served regularly by scheduled airlines. The airport
symbol shall also be used with the airport name.
2. General aviation (open to public use) destination guide signs are allowed in each direction
along the state highway system in advance of an intersecting roadway that provides direct
access to the airport property. Signing shall be limited to an intersection within five miles of
the airport. The facility may be named on an auxiliary panel with the general service airport
sign. The directional arrow panel is mandatory. The airport general service sign should be
pointed such that the tip of the airplane is pointed in the same direction of the arrow panel.
(1) Certified Florida Farm Wineries shall be eligible for destination guide signing pursuant to
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Chapter 14-51, Florida Administrative Code
Effective Date: November 24, 2011
Section 599.004, F.S. The Florida Farm Winery logo with supplemental name panel shall be
installed at the nearest state highway intersection based on space availability for certified
wineries. There is a fee associated with this signing.
(m) Regional malls or regional shopping centers (1,000,000 square feet or more) shall be eligible for
destination guide signing through the permit system when safety or operational problems can
be attributed to unclear directions and when the criteria established in Rule 14-51.013, F.A.C.,
are met. Safety and operational problems, where signing will improve corridor safety or relieve
congestion and affects both site destined and other traffic, shall be documented by a
Professional Engineer registered in the State of Florida.
(n) Colleges and Universities
1. State -funded community college, vocational/technical center, or university main campuses
are eligible to request destination guide signing. Satellite campuses are eligible if the
curriculum allows students to obtain an associate of arts (AA) degree, or higher, attending
classes at that campus (no travel to another campus or web -based courses to complete
coursework in standard schedule). Name changes on existing destination guide signs made
within four years of existing sign panel installation will be allowed at the expense of the
college or university. The board shall be responsible to contract with a private vendor for
the sign replacement panel, or overlay at their own expense. The Department will install
and maintain the updated panel. The Department will provide an approved sign design that
can be accommodated on the existing structure. Modifications, such as abbreviations to the
desired legend text may be necessary. If a pictograph is used, the sign shall be installed and
maintained through the Department's permit system.
2. Private and all for -profit colleges and universities that meet the trip generation referenced
in Table 4 are eligible for signing through the Department's permit system, if they meet the
criteria outlined in Rule 14-51.013, F.A.C. Private universities with existing signs will be
retained so long as they remain active. Private and for -profit universities shall only be
eligible for destination guide signing to distinct college campuses, when the core
baccalaureate degree requirement courses are available in traditional classroom settings at
that site and meet the trip generation criteria.
3. Schools licensed by the Department of Education's Commission for Independent Education
are not eligible for signing to any site unless they meet the trip generation criteria
referenced in Table 4.
(o) Signing for multi -modal transportation facilities is considered destination guide signing, except
for those that qualify as a general service.
1. Multi -modal facilities are airports (air carrier and general aviation), seaports (passenger and
cargo), rail terminals, intercity bus, parking lots, garages, and Park and Ride.
2. A destination guide signing plan for multi -modal facilities shall be submitted.
(p) Veterans' Hospitals designated as the regional treatment center or State Veterans' nursing
homes are eligible for destination guide signing on non -limited access facilities.
(q) Medical facilities/research providing by advance appointment, specialized surgery or treatment
of human diseases, providing both in -patient and out -patient services, are eligible for
destination guide signing on non -limited access facilities.
(r) Requests for destination guide signing by local government agencies shall be approved through
the Department's permit system. The Department shall allow local governments to fabricate
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Chapter 14-51, Florida Administrative Code
Effective Date: November 24, 2011
and install the following destination guide signs pursuant to Department standards and
direction. The following facilities are eligible for destination guide signing when they do not
have direct state road access. The signs shall be erected at the intersection nearest the facility
and shall not interfere with official traffic control devices:
1. Post Offices, including small businesses that are under contract with the United States
Postal Service (USPS) are eligible for destination guide signing, when requested by local
government and signed through the Department's permit system. In order to qualify for
signing they shall have a contract with the USPS and provide a confirmation letter from the
USPS along with their written request for signing. The destination guide signs shall be green
background with white lettering and have the appropriate directional arrow;
2. Libraries;
3. Recycling Drop -Off Centers;
4. Courthouses;
S. Publicly -owned Vocational/Technical Schools that meet criteria established in Table 4;
6. Parks;
7. High Schools;
8. Constitutional Officials, such as Tax Collectors;
9. Chamber of Commerce; Tourist information;
10. Animal Shelters;
11. City/Town Halls;
12. Landfills; Transfer Stations;
13. Bus and Rail Stations;
14. National Veterans Cemeteries;
15. Veterans Community Treatment Centers;
16. Multi -use developments/redevelopment areas, such as Town Centers, when it is
demonstrated that the majority of traffic is generated by tourism;
17. Temporary signing for access to polling stations;
18. Tourist Oriented Directional Signing Systems in qualifying counties;
19. Place name signs for unincorporated communities;
20. Community Wayfinding Guide Sign Systems;
21. Custom Place name signs;
22. Public parking, parking lots and garages shall be eligible for destination guide signing if they
are open to the public, with non -reserved parking spaces available daily, and not more than
one mile from the intersection. The green and white "P" parking symbol sign shall be used
without the name of the parking facility;
23. Destination guide signing for an intercity bus service shall consist of the standard single post
local bus stop signs. Permit applications are not required, but all signs must be installed
outside the clear zone and may not interfere with priority traffic control devices;
24. City historical areas or districts that are officially declared by either city or county
resolution.
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Chapter 14-51, Florida Administrative Code
Effective Date: November 24, 2011
(4) Destinations Not Eligible for Signing on Non -Limited Access Facilities. Except as provided in Rules
14-85.004 or 14-51.021, F.A.C., destination guide signing shall not be provided for the following
destinations shown in Table 5.
Table 5 — Destinations Not Eligible for Signing on Non -Limited Access Facilities
Businesses
Television/radio station, theaters, motels/hotels/inns,
travel trailer parks, industrial parks and plants, office
parks, shopping districts, strip malls; mixed -use
developments (retail, restaurant, office, residential in
any combination).
Cemeteries
Local, state, public, private.
Community Facilities
Civic groups (Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, etc.), churches,
subdivision, mixed use facilities, business districts.
Government
State, local and regional political offices or
boundaries.
Schools
K through 9.
Medical
Infirmaries, out -patient or residential treatment
centers; county, fraternal or non -Veterans nursing
homes, retirement facilities, specialized short or long
term treatment or rehabilitation facilities, ambulatory
surgical center, specialty hospitals or clinics.
Recreation/Conservation
Water and soil conservation district boundaries,
water sheds, habitat or natural resource protection
zones, recreation centers (community centers,
swimming pools, baseball/softball fields, tennis
courts, etc.), training centers, country clubs, private
golf courses, tree nurseries/arboretums (including
those sponsored by government services).
Rulemaking Authority 316.0745, FS. Law Implemented 316.0745, FS. History —New 3-27-05, Amended 11-24-11.
14-51.031 General Services Signs
(1) General Criteria
(a) General service signing is used when the general services provided are infrequent, and not
within sight of the intersection.
(b) Requests for General Service Signing (except Logo signing) shall be directed to the District
Traffic Operations Engineer.
(c) Signing for general services is considered supplemental to overall signing.
(d) General service signs, including signing for state agency buildings, such as DRIVERS LICENSE,
shall have a white legend on blue background; multi -modal and pari-mutuel general service
signs are white -on -green, and recreational attractions are white -on -brown.
(e) The name of the operating agency, community, group, individual, or enterprise shall not appear
on the general service sign, except for state agency buildings and facilities meeting the criteria
established in this section.
(f) Symbol signs for hospital, airport, Amtrak, Greyhound, cruise -based seaports, and commuter
rail are authorized by the District Traffic Operations Engineer in urban or rural areas based on
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Chapter 14-51, Florida Administrative Code
Effective Date: November 24, 2011
criteria established in Rule 14-51.013, F.A.C.
(g) In no case shall general service signing be erected that would function primarily as an
advertisement for a business.
(h) General service signing shall not be displayed until trailblazers have been installed to direct
motorists from the intersection to the service.
(i) Not more than one general service sign with a directional arrow for a particular service shall be
displayed, in each direction, in advance of the intersection facility. General service signs shall
only be located in advance of the intersecting road which is the best and most direct route to
the facility.
(j) General signs on non -limited access facilities shall not be installed within competitive range of
participating Logo sign program enterprises offering similar services.
(2) Standards
(a) Police, sheriff, and highway patrol stations that are staffed and open 24 hours are eligible for
general service signing. Guidance to a closed facility, even one with a "hotline" contact
telephone, may increase danger or increase response time in an emergency.
(b) Hospitals are eligible for general service signing when the hospital emergency room is located
not more than five miles from an intersection (other than trailblazing from a limited access
facility).
(c) When requested, general service signs for a hospital shall be erected on the state highway
system in advance of the intersection which provides the most practical route to that facility
when the hospital has an emergency room open 24 hours, 7 days a week. When more than one
hospital meeting the criteria is available from any one intersection, only the hospital located
closest to the exit point shall be signed or trailblazed.
(d) Tourist information centers are eligible for general service signing when the center is located
less than one mile from the state highway system. Tourist information center signs qualify for
signing on the state highway system when:
1. The signing request and permit application is received from local government; and
2. The center gives continuous service at least 8 hours, 7 days a week; and
3. The center is operated exclusively by a non-profit organization and is approved and receives
funding by the local government to operate as a tourist information center.
4. If the tourist information center is operated on a seasonal basis, the signs shall be removed
during the off season. If the tourist information center sign is approved under the criteria
referenced above, it shall be installed under the Department's permit system by local
government.
(e) Boat ramp and camping facilities open to the general public and free of charge are eligible for
general service signing in advance of intersecting roads in rural areas with direct access to the
facility provided the entrance is less than one mile from the state highway system and is open
year round. If the facility is associated with a local park or recreation system, it shall be signed
by the sponsoring agency through the Department's permit system.
(f) Signing will be provided to state agency buildings with auditorium facilities where public
meetings are hosted or generate significant daily traffic from large numbers of the general
public's vehicular access. The sign panels will be supplied by the applicant and installed by
Department Maintenance where space allows on the state highway system. The applicant shall
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Chapter 14-51, Florida Administrative Code
Effective Date: November 24, 2011
supply replacement panels when necessary. The sign shall be installed adjacent to the building
on the state highway system. If the building is located more than one mile from the state
highway, then the sign shall be placed at the nearest intersection, and trailblazers to the
destination will be supplied by the applicant. Signing will be provided to those state agency
buildings where the need for directional information is based on emergency situations, such as
emergency evacuation shelters, permits, and/or a state gas facility, is necessary. All other state
agency buildings shall meet the following criteria:
1. The number of non -employee trips generated by the building shall meet the criteria
established in Table 4.
2. Meeting space for a minimum of 30 people.
(g) Pari-mutuels associated with jai -alai, horse tracks, or dog tracks are eligible for general service
symbol signing on non -limited access facilities. The state standard symbol will be displayed on
the non -limited access facility. The registered name of a qualifying pari-mutuel can be included
if it is trailblazing from a limited access facility supplemental guide signing that displays the
name. If the Department installs the word message general service panel on the limited access
facility, the local government may choose to display the official operating name of the pari-
mutuel at the nearest state road intersection as an auxiliary to the standard general service
sign, as an assembly, through the Department's permit system.
Rulemaking Authority 316.0745, FS. Law Implemented 316.0745, FS. History —New 3-27-05, Amended 11-24-11.
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