Florida Outdoor Advertising Association

News & Events

May, 2015

States Partner with Digital Billboard Companies to Post Emergency Alerts

Watchfire introduces unprecedented guarantee for digital billboards

 

December, 2014

Governor Rick Scott Appoints Jim Boxold as Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of Jim Boxold as Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation effective January 3, 2015.

Governor Scott said, "During Jim's time as Chief of Staff of the Florida Department of Transportation, we've accomplished a lot to meet the transportation needs of Florida families, visitors and businesses. This year we made an historic investment of over $10 billion for transportation and DOT's five-year plan will invest nearly $41 billion into our state's transportation system, thanks to the leadership of Secretary Prasad and Jim. We have also focused on making Florida's ports a world leader in trade, a goal that we will continue to pursue. Jim will bring passion, energy and experience to our mission of making Florida the premier destination for jobs. I am grateful for Secretary Prasad's service and I am confident Jim is the best person to carry on his commitment to excellence in improving our state's infrastructure in the years ahead."

Jim Boxold said, "It is an absolute honor to be appointed as Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation today. Under Governor Scott's leadership, transportation has been made a top priority to help drive our state's economic growth and improve the lives of families. We will continue to focus on the Governor's mission to make Florida the best state to live and get a great job."

Jim Boxold has served as Chief of Staff of the Florida Department of Transportation since July 2013. Previously, he served as the Director of Cabinet of Affairs for the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture from 2003-2013, and as Deputy Director of Cabinet Affairs for Governor Jeb Bush from 2001-2002. Jim served as Legislative Affairs Director for Congressman Porter J. Goss from 1995-2001. He received his bachelor's degree from George Washington University.

The Florida Transportation Commission identified three candidates to serve as secretary and presented those recommendations to the Governor.

 

July, 2014
Scenic America Lawsuit Dismissed

US District Court Judge James E. Boasberg issued a ruling on June 20th dismissing Scenic America's lawsuit challenging 2007 federal Guidance to the states regarding regulation of digital billboards.

Judge Boasberg concluded his 29-page opinion with this clear statement:
"The Court will issue a contemporaneous Order that will grant in full Defendants' and Intervenor's Motions for Summary Judgment and deny Scenic America's. The Court will dismiss with prejudice all three of Scenic America's challenges to the 2007 Guidance."

On January 23, 2013, Scenic America filed a lawsuit in the federal court in the District of Columbia, claiming that 2007 Guidance from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) violated administrative process, Federal State Agreements regarding billboards, and the Highway Beautification Act (HBA).

The Outdoor Advertising Association of America intervened on behalf of the industry, on the same side as defendant (US-DOT/FHWA).

In his decision, the judge dismissed all three counts of Scenic's complaint, ruling that:

  • FHWA's 2007 Guidance was an interpretation and not a substantive rule.  Therefore, the judge said, the government's Guidance did not violate the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).
  • The 2007 Guidance interpreted longstanding Federal State Agreements and, therefore, the Guidance did not infringe on these agreements.
  • Combining the reasoning on counts one and two, the judge also said the FHWA Guidance is consistent with "customary use," and, therefore, did not violate the HBA.

The judge's opinion are available in the Members section on the FOAA website.  FOAA will continue to monitor the status of the lawsuit regarding the possibility of an appeal by Scenic America.

13-93 Outdoor Advertising Association Order
13-93 Scenic America Opinion