FDOT State Safety Office Traffic Safety Subgrants

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) State Safety Office administers the Highway Traffic Safety Subgrant Program, a funding initiative aimed at reducing traffic-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities across Florida. This program is made possible through federal funding distributed annually to states by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). FDOT allocates these funds via subgrants to a broad range of traffic safety stakeholders—including government agencies, law enforcement, educational institutions, fire departments, emergency service providers, and qualifying nonprofit organizations—for the development, expansion, or enhancement of local safety programs. FDOT positions these subgrants as "seed" money to initiate innovative or expanded traffic safety programs that address documented deficiencies or high-risk areas. Awarded projects must align with one or more of FDOT’s traffic safety priority areas, which include but are not limited to: Aging Road Users, Community Traffic Safety Outreach, Distracted Driving, Impaired Driving, Motorcycle Safety, Occupant Protection and Child Passenger Safety, Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety, Speed/Aggressive Driving, Teen Driver Safety, Traffic Records, Work Zone Safety, and others. Equipment purchases are permitted but must be justified with a clear need and integrated into a broader implementation strategy. Subgrants for equipment-only purposes are not allowed. To apply, prospective subrecipients must first register in the FDOT Intelligrants System and designate up to two Subrecipient System Administrators per agency. The application process begins with the submission of a concept paper between January 1 and the last day of February for funding consideration in the next federal fiscal year, which runs from October 1 to September 30. Concept papers must identify a specific traffic safety problem, supported by data (e.g., crash reports), and outline a clear, actionable plan to address the issue using subgrant funding. Agencies must also detail how the proposed program aligns with Florida’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan and supply documentation such as their ranking in the Highway Safety Matrix. FDOT evaluates concept papers based on criteria including the alignment with safety priorities, data-driven problem identification, compliance history for previously funded applicants, and potential program impact. Areas ranking in the top 40% for traffic safety concerns, according to the Highway Safety Matrix, are prioritized. Selected applicants will be notified between mid-September and late September, after which they may proceed with the full subgrant application process through the Intelligrants platform. While the funding cycle is annual and competitive, projects may be renewed based on performance and continued need, though renewal is not guaranteed. For administrative and technical support, applicants are directed to Chris Craig, who serves as a primary contact for the FDOT State Safety Office. Training resources, reporting forms, and historical sample concept papers are accessible on FDOT’s website to assist agencies in preparing robust submissions. Projects funded through this program are expected to eventually become self-sustaining, ensuring long-term safety improvements on Florida’s roadways.

Use data-driven statements and align with priority areas. Avoid equipment-only proposals. Rankings in Highway Safety Matrix can improve funding chances.