Innovative Service Development Grant

The Innovative Service Development Grant is administered by the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged, a state-level entity responsible for ensuring the availability of efficient, cost-effective, and quality transportation services for individuals who face barriers to mobility. The program is funded through the Transportation Disadvantaged Trust Fund, which is appropriated annually by the Florida Legislature. For this funding cycle, the Commission anticipates approximately 6 million dollars in total program funding, subject to legislative approval and the Governor’s authorization. The grant is structured as a competitive opportunity designed to support pilot projects that enhance transportation service delivery across Florida. The primary purpose of this grant program is to encourage the development and testing of innovative transportation solutions that improve accessibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness for transportation disadvantaged populations. These populations include individuals who are unable to transport themselves due to disability, income limitations, or other barriers. The program emphasizes innovation not only in entirely new service models but also in meaningful enhancements to existing systems that expand reach, improve service quality, or address unmet needs. Projects are expected to demonstrate measurable improvements in mobility outcomes, such as increased access to employment, healthcare, education, and essential services. Funding is structured as a reimbursement model, where grantees are compensated for eligible transportation trips after services have been delivered. Eligible expenditures are limited to one-way passenger trips provided to qualified individuals, and all services must not be funded by other federal, state, or local programs. The grant explicitly prohibits the use of funds for capital purchases, administrative overhead outside approved rate structures, or duplicating existing services. Projects must clearly demonstrate that they are introducing new or improved services rather than replacing current operations. Additionally, applicants must maintain documentation of rider eligibility and comply with record retention requirements for at least five years. Applicants are required to provide a local cash match of at least 10 percent of the total project cost, with the grant covering up to 90 percent. Acceptable match sources include local government appropriations, private donations, dedicated tax revenues, and rider fares, but may not include federal or state funds. The maximum award amount is 750000 dollars for single service area projects and 1500000 dollars for multi-county or regional initiatives. Projects may be funded for up to four years, although applicants must reapply annually and continued funding is contingent upon performance and eligibility. Eligible applicants include Community Transportation Coordinators as defined by Florida statute and non-traditional transportation providers such as transportation network companies offering door-to-door, on-demand, or scheduled services. All applicants must be registered in MyFloridaMarketplace. Applications must be submitted electronically via email and include a comprehensive package consisting of the application form, project scope, budget, rate model worksheet, and required documentation. The project scope must address key evaluation criteria including evidence of need, project design, innovation, measurable outcomes, and sustainability planning. Applications are evaluated through a structured scoring process totaling 100 points, with additional bonus points available for collaboration and partnerships. Review criteria include the clarity and strength of the project’s innovation, the feasibility of implementation, the robustness of outcome measurement, and the viability of long-term sustainability beyond the grant period. Applicants may be required to present results and conduct annual customer satisfaction surveys, with successful projects potentially highlighted at state or national levels. The application deadline for this funding cycle is May 18, 2026, with submissions required by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. A webinar providing guidance on the application process was scheduled for May 6, 2026, and applicants were encouraged to submit questions via email prior to May 15, 2026. Final award decisions are expected to be made during a Commission meeting on June 11, 2026. Funded projects must complete service delivery by June 30, 2027, with final invoices due by August 15, 2027. This program is recurring annually, with funding availability tied to the state fiscal year cycle.

Focus on clearly demonstrating innovation and sustainability avoid duplicating existing services provide measurable outcomes and strong justification aligned to scoring criteria