Number:
INFORMAL
Issued
Ms. Jacqueline Jackson
Manager, UAS Tactical
Operations (AFS-85/AJV-115)
FAA Headquarters
490 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Suite 3200
Washington, DC 20024
Subject: Public Entity Validation
Reference: Unmanned Aerial System – Transportation Infrastructure and Geological Mapping
Dear Ms. Jackson:
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has advised this office that the Federal Aviation Administration requires the department to obtain a letter from the Florida Attorney General certifying that the department is an entity of the state. This letter serves as the official confirmation by Florida's Attorney General that the Florida Department of Transportation qualifies as a department of the State of Florida.
Chapter 20, Florida Statutes, sets forth the organizational structure for Florida state government. Section 20.03, Florida Statutes, provides uniform nomenclature throughout the state executive branch of government and states that "'Department' means the principal administrative unit within the executive branch of state government."[1] Section 20.23, Florida Statutes, creates the Department of Transportation. Thus, the Florida Department of Transportation qualifies as a department of government of the State of Florida.
In sum, under Florida law, the Department of Transportation is considered to be a department of state government and a public entity of this state. This letter constitutes the Florida Attorney General's assurance that FDOT is a department of Florida state government and may not be understood to constitute comment on any other issue or matter.
Sincerely,
Pam Bondi
Attorney General
PB/tgh
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[1] See ss. 20.03(2) and 20.04, Fla. Stat.