FDOT Office of Modal Development

FDOT-Office-of-Modal-DevelopmentThe Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Office of Modal Development plays an important role in fostering the safe and efficient movement of people and goods across various modes of transportation: rail, sea, air, aerospace, and road. The office’s vision is clear – to be recognized as an integral partner and facilitator in the delivery and promotion of a modern, sustainable, and congestion-free multimodal transportation system that safely transports people and goods throughout Florida.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Modal Development Office has undertaken various responsibilities, and one of its key functions is managing archived data related to transportation services in Florida. This involves several aspects, including the Statewide Services Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Architecture. Let’s take a closer look at some of these roles and responsibilities:

Aviation Data Management
  • Accessing the archived FDOT Aviation Database, which contains comprehensive transportation data related to aviation in the State of Florida. This data is utilized for various purposes such as research, analysis, and operations.
  • Collecting FDOT Aviation data pertaining to aviation activities in Florida and integrating it into associated systems, including databases, models, analytical tools, and user interface devices, to facilitate in-depth analyses.
Rail-Highway Crossings Database
  • Accessing the FDOT Rail-Highway Crossings Database, which contains crucial information about grade crossings, including crash reports. This data serves multiple functions, including planning, assessments and enhancing safety measures.
  • Collecting data from FDOT Rail-Highway Crossings, including details on grade crossing characteristics and crash reports, and incorporating it into associated systems (e.g., databases, models, analytical tools, user interface devices) to support comprehensive analyses and safety improvements.
Marine Transportation Data Management
  • Accessing marine transportation data within the State of Florida, encompassing cargo and port-related information. This data is instrumental for a wide range of purposes, including reviews, surveys and operational considerations.
  • Collecting marine transportation data, including cargo and ports data, and integrating it into associated systems (e.g., databases, models, analytical tools, user interface devices) to facilitate thorough analyses and optimize marine transportation systems.
Rail Transportation Oversight
  • Accessing archived rail-transportation data linked to rail activities in the State of Florida, encompassing both freight and passenger data. This data is necessary too and serves multiple purposes.
  • Collecting rail-transportation data, including information on freight and passenger activities, and integrating it into associated systems (e.g., databases, models, analytical tools, user interface devices) to enable thorough analyses and informed decision-making.
Transit Data Collection
  • Accessing transit data from four distinct databases that encompass passenger, inventory, and fare information related to transit systems in the state. This data serves a wide range of functions, including planning, inquiries and operational decision-making.
  • Collecting transit data from these databases and incorporating it into associated systems (e.g., databases, models, analytical tools, user interface devices) to support comprehensive analyses and insights.

Divisions of Modal Development

The Modal Development Office functions through an operational framework that includes five distinct divisions, each with its unique role and responsibilities.

Aviation

Tel: 850-414-4500

Address: 605 Suwannee St, Tallahassee, FL 32399 MS 46

Florida boasts one of the most comprehensive and progressive airport systems in the United States. The Aviation Office within Modal Development is responsible for guiding the development of the Florida Aviation System, regulating airports, and safeguarding airport approaches. They also oversee aviation system development, grant programs, intergovernmental coordination, outreach efforts, and emergency operations management.

The Aviation Office’s mission is clear: to ensure a safe, secure, and reliable air transportation system while advancing innovation to protect the environment and communities. Notably, an Aviation Economic Impact Study revealed that Florida’s airports contribute significantly to the state’s economy, supporting over two million jobs and contributing over $336 billion.

Public Transit

Tel: 850-414-4500

Address: 605 Suwannee Street, MS 26, Tallahassee, FL 32399

The FDOT Transit Office is dedicated to identifying, supporting, advancing, and managing cost-effective, efficient, and safe transportation systems. This includes maximizing the passenger carrying capacity of surface transportation facilities. The office comprises three sections: Grants and Procurement, Transit Operations, and Transit Planning, each with specific responsibilities.

Working in collaboration with public transportation providers, the FDOT Public Transit Office aims to provide reliable, safe, and cost-effective access to residents and visitors in Florida. Their vision is to offer viable and reliable alternatives to driving, creating a better travel experience for all.

Spaceport

Tel: 850-414-4513

Address: 605 Suwannee St Tallahassee, FL 32399

Florida leads the nation in space-related development, manufacturing, and flight. The Spaceport Office within Modal Development administers the Spaceport Improvement Program (SIP), which has funded numerous capital infrastructure projects, generated jobs, and contributed billions to Florida’s economy. They collaborate with Space Florida and aim to make Florida the ultimate destination for space industry innovation.

Freight and Rail

Tel: 850-414-2602

Address: 605 Suwannee St, Tallahassee, FL 32399

The Freight and Rail Office (FRO) focuses on building quality transportation networks that drive commerce, ensuring efficient freight movement throughout the state. This involves developing the Florida Rail System Plan, rail safety, rail project management, research, and Strategic Intermodal System (SIS) implementation. The FRO plays a vital role in enhancing Florida’s economy and communities through efficient freight and rail networks.

Seaport

Tel: 850-414-4551

Address: 605 Suwannee Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399

The Seaport Office collaborates with Florida’s deepwater seaports, assisting in planning, funding, and managing strategic seaport projects. They also coordinate seaport infrastructure projects with Florida’s 15 publicly-owned deepwater seaports. The office’s efforts align with FDOT’s mission to provide a safe transportation system that ensures mobility, enhances economic prosperity, and preserves the environment and local communities.

Stay Updated

To receive the latest updates from Modal Development, please register on the Department’s Contact Management System site. After registering, you will receive an email to confirm your participation. After authenticating your email and password, you can then register for various interests with the Department. When asked to select “interests,” open the drop-down for Bulletins & Memos and select Modal Development.

For general inquiries and further information, you can contact the Office Manager, Melissa Smith, who serves as the Chief of Modal Development. The office is located at 605 Suwannee St, Tallahassee, FL 32399, and can be reached via telephone at 850-414-4500 or by fax at 850-414-4508.

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FAQs

Q : What is the vision of the Modal Development Office?

A: Their vision is to create a sustainable, multimodal transportation system in Florida.

Q : How can I contact the Modal Development Office?

A: You can reach out to them at 850-414-4500 for any inquiries.

Q : How can I stay updated with Modal Development news?

A : Register on the Department’s Contact Management System site and select “Modal Development” under Bulletins & Memo.

Chris is a Midwest Transplant that has lived in South Florida since 1999. While he likes to remain active and is an avid sports enthusiast, he's become our go-to provider of reviews of any establishment serving food and booze!