Florida's urban areas have a lot in common when it comes to transportation priorities. As long range transportation plans are developed throughout the state, one thing is clear: there is a growing disconnect between critical urban transportation needs and available resources.

The concept for Florida's Urban Transportation Coalition came out of a collective interest to find the common ground in Florida's four major metro areas - Jacksonville, Central Florida, Tampa Bay and South Florida. The coalition is focused on advancing common transportation interests during state legislative sessions.  Members of the group include staff members from transportation planning organizations and agencies, business leaders, and elected officials from each metropolitan area.

In 2009, the coalition's legislative agenda generated a notable success - a modification to the Charter County Transportation Surtax. By removing a date requirement in state statute, this voter referendum-based funding source is now available for all charter counties. Additionally, support for a statewide rail policy resulted in the passing of legislation creating the Florida Rail Enterprise.