Florida Shared-Use Nonmotorized (SUN) Trail Network Program

Department of Transportation

Transportation Systems Development, Highway Operations

55100100, 55150200

$12,366,402 GAA Line 2089; FY 2026-2027

088704, 088716, 088717, 088718, 088849, 088854

SB 2015 2514-A and enacted changes 2023 SB 106, s. 339.81, F.S.

The Florida Shared-Use Nonmotorized (SUN) Trail Program provides funding for the development of a statewide, paved, nonmotorized multi-use trail / two-directional Shared Use Path (SUP) within the SUN Trail network for bicyclists and pedestrians. The SUN Trail network aligns with the Florida Greenways and Trails System Plan's Land Trail Priority Network, overseen by the Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Greenways and Trails [Chapter 260, Florida Statutes (F.S.)] and includes connections through the Florida Wildlife Corridor established by Section 259.1055, F.S. The Florida Wildlife Corridor is a geographic area of conserved lands and opportunity areas defined as Priority 1, 2 and 3 of the Florida Ecological Greenway Network (FEGN). 

The FDOT receives $50 million annual allocation from the redistribution of new vehicle tag revenues pursuant to Section 320.072, F.S., to provide funding assistance for corridor planning, preliminary and environmental planning, acquisition of real property / land / right-of-way (ROW), design, new construction or reconstruction of trail surface and bridges and maintenance.

SUN Trail Program projects improve intermodal connectors by closing gaps in the statewide SUN Trail network connecting smaller communities with major cities across multiple counties resulting in benefits to personal and community health. By enhancing infrastructure and increasing the reliability of all modes of Florida's transportation system, the provision of paved SUP for bicyclists and pedestrians could bring ecotourism and economic opportunities to Trail Towns and communities; provide public ability to enjoy the natural resources, the appreciation of the conservation and stewardship of environmentally important lands; and has the ability to reduce incidents with vulnerable road users and enhance safety. 

The Florida Department of Transportation (the Department, also referred to as FDOT) Design Manual (FDM) Topic 625-000-002 (Chapter 224) defines on-system SUP. FDOT Office of Design Topic 625-000-015 - the Manual of Uniform Minimum Standards for Design, Construction and Maintenance for Streets and Highways (Florida Greenbook Chapter 9) defines off-system multi-use trails (or SUP). Chapter 316, F.S. defines bicycles, pedestrians, and other non-motorized users.

Cooperative Agreements
Grants
Property

Local Government

SUN Trail Program projects are limited to geographic areas within the SUN Trail Network. Accordingly, the ability of the Department to fund projects is limited to the physical boundaries of these areas as well as the provisions of Section 339.81, F.S. For use by bicyclists and pedestrians as defined by Chapter 316, F.S. Projects are required to meet or exceed Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 design standards. Projects involving construction on, under, or over the Department¿s ROW [on-system or State Highway System (SHS)] adhere to criteria in the FDOTs Standard Plans and Specifications and the FDOT Design Manual (FDM) [Topic # 625-000-002]. Projects with funding from the SUN Trail program are to be developed with on-system Shared Use Path (SUP) criteria in FDM Chapter 224. The FDOT Traffic Engineering Manual contains additional requirements for traffic control devices along the SHS. At times, the combination of funds used for a project, nature of work, or location along federally classified routes may trigger additional design requirements (e.g. FDOT Structures Manual). FDOT Office of Design provides resources, including the Manual of Uniform Minimum Standards for Design, Construction and Maintenance for Streets.

SUN Trail Program projects may have multiple funding sources; however, SUN Trail Program funds do not qualify as match requirements for other funding programs.

Eligible SUN Trail Program project phases may include corridor-planning, preliminary and environmental planning, acquisition of real property/land/right-of-way (ROW), design, new construction or reconstruction of trail surface and bridges, and maintenance. SUP routes may be on public ROW, others may be on private land (but must have a public use condition). If the land acquired is within the existing FDOT ROW, the Department may maintain ownership. Otherwise, the Department will purchase ROW, separate from existing FDOT ROW, on behalf of the managing agency or transfer title upon completion of construction. Negotiations for the purchase of private property are conducted in strict compliance with both federal and state law. Only the properties identified as necessary for the qualified project are eligible. Construction represents the actual building phase for the trail facility. The SUN Trail Network is a transportation network. As such, it is a basic interconnected non-motorized transportation facility. The Department is obligated to fund only new construction or reconstruction of trail surface and bridges, this includes pavement, drainage, land stabilization and safety controls. Additional construction items are not eligible for SUN Trail Program funding. However, if other funding sources are available for additional improvements, construction may occur at the same time.

In compliance with Section 334.63, F.S., it is the policy of the Department that project development phases of a transportation project, including preliminary engineering and environment (PD&E), and design, result in timely project delivery (Topic # 000-525-055). As such, when preconstruction phases funded by the SUN Trail program result in projects continuing to meet all eligibility requirements of the SUN Trail program, FDOT will continue programming the project. This is through ongoing coordination rather than a new Request for Funding / Application. In compliance with Section 255.0993, F.S., all construction projects shall use United States-produced iron and steel products.

Pursuant to Section 339.81, F.S., components funded through the SUN Trail program do not include sidewalks, nature trails, loop trails wholly within a single park or natural area, or on-road facilities, such as bicycle lanes or routes. However, components that connect to nature trails, loop trails, or other points of public access wholly within a single park or natural area may be included in the network, as well as any of the following:
a) On-road facilities that are no longer than one-half mile connecting two or more nonmotorized trails, if the provision of non-road facilities is infeasible and if such on-road facilities are signed and marked for nonmotorized use; or b) On-road components of the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail.

SUN Trail funds are for the transportation element of SUP. Ineligible costs include but are not limited to:
* benches, trail furniture, seating areas, buildings or enclosed structures, restrooms, bathhouses, wayside structures, concession stands, overlooks, fishing platforms, boat ramps or launches, transit or ride share facilities, shelters, gazebos, or picnic pavilions / tables;
* bicycle racks or lockers, bicycle air or repair stations;
* kiosks, interpretive or educational panels, destination / wayfinding, or placemaking signs (regulatory and safety or warning controls are allowable costs);
* landscaping (trail stabilization is an allowable cost);
* litter or recycle receptacles and doggie bag dispensers;
* parking areas, trailheads, or camping areas;
* playgrounds or playing fields, fitness equipment or structures;
* promotional, marketing, or educational materials;
* sculptures, fountains, monuments, art, or flagpoles; and
* water fountains, splash zones, spigots, showers, water features, or irrigation equipment.

The Department will maintain the pavement and any bridge structures for a SUP in its ROW and will apply normal roadway maintenance standards such as mowing and litter control to the entire ROW inclusive of the SUPs that are constructed inside of FDOT ROW. Beyond this, a local sponsor/agency will enter into a maintenance agreement with the Department to undertake all other SUP maintenance. The area of responsibility will be the footprint of the SUP within FDOT ROW as defined by the District. The local agency/sponsor will be responsible for any mowing and litter control above FDOT roadway standards and maintenance of drainage and SUP specific facilities and features such as ornamental landscaping, wayside areas, benches, litter receptacles and restrooms.

SUPs that are constructed outside of FDOT ROW shall be maintained by an entity other than the Department. Pursuant to Section 335.065, F.S., upon completion of these construction projects, the SUP shall be operated and maintained by an entity other than the Department without obligation to provide funds for the operation and maintenance of the project. The Department will enter into an agreement or other form of documented commitment to ensure that a local sponsor/agency is committed to long term trail maintenance. The local sponsor/agency will be responsible for all SUP operation and maintenance needs which includes routine pavement and bridge structure repair (repaving / structure repair is eligible for Requests for Funding during open solicitation cycles), litter control, sweeping, vegetation management, and the maintenance of drainage and support facilities and features such as ornamental landscaping, wayside areas, benches, litter receptacles, and restrooms.

A Maintenance Memorandum of Agreement (MMOA) will identify maintenance and management responsibilities regardless, whether the SUP will be within or outside of FDOT's ROW.

Administration of the SUN Trail Program is by FDOTs Central Office, Systems Implementation Office, namely the Statewide SUN Trail Coordinator (STC). In addition to the STC, there is at least one SUN Trail District Coordinator (DTC) in each of the Department's seven districts and the Turnpike Enterprise. These DTCs are the primary point-of-contact in their respective region and help with coordinating aspects of SUN Trail planning and implementation. These activities may include project identification, evaluation, prioritization, programming, mapping, administration, and program compliance. FDOTs Central Office publicly announces the statewide solicitation period for Request for Funding through the SUN Trail program in the Florida Administrative Register.

It is recommended that interested parties and applicants familiarize themselves with the FDOT Work Program Instructions, especially Part III - TRAILS, LOCATION and LOCAL FUNDS chapters. Requests for Funding not meeting the Eligibility Criteria, and ineligible projects and phases will not receive funding consideration. Applicants are strongly encouraged to make submissions in advance of the deadline.

To receive consideration for SUN Trail funding, projects must meet the following minimum eligibility criteria requirements:
* During an open competitive solicitation cycle FDOT must receive a complete ¿request for funding¿ (RFF), including required authorized signatures, through the Grant Application Program online system (https://flgap.com/) [FDOT Procedure 525-010-300, Local Programs Manual Chapter 4] by the announced deadline.
* Funding is limited to developing paved two-directional multi-use trails / Shared Use Paths (SUP) within the geographic area of the SUN Trail network for bicyclists and pedestrians defined by Chapter 316, F.S. The SUN Trail network includes connections to and through lands of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act (Section 259.1055, F.S.) and of the Florida Greenways and Trails System Plans Priority Land Trail network, overseen by the Department of Environmental Protections (DEP) Office of Greenways and Trail (Chapter 260, F.S.). FDOT Design Manual (FDM) Topic 625-000-002 (Chapter 224) details on-system SUP.
* Documentation must be provided that the project is identified as a priority by the applicable authority. At minimum this includes an authorized signature in the RFF and may include supporting documentation such as adopted prioritization list of projects and / or resolutions. If the project is within a boundary of a MPO, it must be an MPO priority [Section 339.175(8), F.S.] or in non-MPO areas by the Board of County Commissioners in nonmetropolitan areas [Section 339.135(4)(c)1, F.S.] 
* Documentation must be provided that a non-FDOT governmental agency is formally committed to the regular day-to-day operation and maintenance of the project (long-term trail manager). At minimum this includes an authorized signature in the RFF and may include supporting documentation such as a Resolution.
* Eligibility for funding does not supersede location specific requirements which may include but are not limited to project concurrency with the comprehensive plan(s), transportation plan(s), capital improvement plan(s), long-term management plan(s), bicycle and / or pedestrian safety action plan(s), permitting, local ordinances, and zoning.

Each proposal will consist of the following submittal items:

Completed Request for Funding, with required signatures
Aerial Location Map depicting the project limits
Responsible estimate of project costs (one Excel file)

To be eligible for consideration, interested parties must submit a separate, complete "Request for Funding", with all applicable project information, including the prioritization and the required signatures during a solicitation period by the announced deadline through the Grant Application Process [GAP - online system (https://flgap.com/)].

There is not annual solicitation cycles. However, during the annual revision cycle, projects in the adopted work program are considered for advancement or deferral, a new fifth year is added, and the first year drops off as projects are completed. The annual revision is known as the development of the TWP. Late submittals will not be accepted; proposals not meeting the Eligibility Criteria will not receive consideration.

Authorization & Statutes:
Florida Shared-Use Nonmotorized (SUN) Trail Network - Section 339.81, F.S.
Bicycle and pedestrian ways along state roads and transportation facilities - Section 335.065, F.S.
Motor vehicle licenses - Section 320.072, F.S.
Florida Greenways and Trails Act - Chapter 260, F.S.
Florida Single Audit Act - Section 215.97, F.S.
Reinstatement of vetoed appropriations by administrative means prohibited - 216.179, F.S.
Florida Wildlife Corridor Act - Section 259.1055, F.S.
Advertising for competitive bids or proposals - Section 255.0525, F.S.
Public works projects; United States-produced iron and steel products - Section 255.0993, F.S.
Naming of state buildings and other facilities - Section 267.062, F.S.
Public meetings and records - Section 286.011, F.S.
General exemptions from public meetings - Section 286.0113, F.S.
State Uniform Traffic Control  - Chapter 316, F.S.
Definitions - When used in the Florida Transportation Code - Section 334.03(30), F.S.
Powers and duties of the Department - Section 334.044, F.S.
Legislative designation of transportation facilities - Section 334.071, F.S.
Project concept studies and project development and environment studies - Section 334.63, F.S.
Contracting, acquisition, disposal, and use of property - Chapter 337, F.S.
Work program; legislative budget request; definitions; preparation, adoption, execution, and amendment - Section 339.135, F.S.

Robin Birdsong
Statewide SUN Trail Coordinator
Systems Implementation Office
605 Suwannee Street, MS 19 
Tallahassee FL 32399
Phone: (850)414-4900
Email: Robin.Birdsong@dot.state.fl.us

http://www.FloridaSunTrail.com
http://www.fdot.gov/planning/systems/SUNTrail.shtm