FDOT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield FDOT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the purpose of cold milling? → To eliminate irregularities in old surfaces
2. What does 'K-value' represent in FDOT vertical curve design? → The ratio of curve length to algebraic difference in grades
3. What is the minimum required freeboard above the 100-year flood elevation for FDOT roadway design? → 1 foot
4. According to FDOT standards, what is the typical minimum cover required for a utility crossing beneath a paved roadway? → 36 inches
5. What is a 'channelizing device' as defined in Florida's MUTCD for work zones? → A portable traffic control device that guides drivers through a work zone
6. What is a 'french drain' as used in FDOT highway drainage design? → A perforated pipe in a gravel-filled trench for subsurface drainage
7. What Florida environmental law governs the protection of sovereign submerged lands that FDOT projects may cross? → Florida Sovereignty Submerged Lands Act (Chapter 253, F.S.)
8. What does "moisture content" refer to in FDOT Earthwork? → The amount of water present in the soil relative to its dry weight
9. What pipe material is prohibited by FDOT for use in retention pond outfall control structures? → Corrugated metal pipe (CMP) without lining in acidic soils
10. What is the purpose of a 'pilot car' in FDOT construction zone traffic control? → Lead traffic through one-way alternating traffic control sections
11. According to FDOT standards, what is the minimum slope required for storm drain laterals to maintain self-cleaning velocity? → 0.30%
12. What is the primary purpose of a drilled shaft (drilled pier) foundation in FDOT bridge construction? → Transfer heavy loads through weak soils to competent bearing material or by skin friction
13. What is the minimum width of a temporary lane used for through traffic on an FDOT construction project on an urban arterial? → 11 feet
14. What is the minimum median width required for a raised median on a divided arterial to accommodate a left-turn storage lane per FDOT standards? → 12 feet
15. According to FDOT horizontal alignment standards, what is the minimum radius of curvature for a 60 mph design speed road with maximum superelevation of 8%? → 855 feet
16. Under FDOT's utility permit process, a utility owner who must perform emergency repairs to a facility within the right-of-way may: → Begin work immediately but must notify the FDOT District Permit Office within 48 hours
17. What federal act requires FDOT to assess environmental impacts of major highway projects before approval? → National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
18. Which FDOT document provides design criteria for stormwater management on highway projects? → FDOT Drainage Manual
19. What federally listed species protection law requires FDOT to consult with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before projects affecting listed species? → Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7
20. What FDOT specification requires contractors to submit a concrete mix design for approval before use? → Section 346
21. What type of NEPA document is prepared for FDOT projects with significant environmental impacts that cannot be mitigated? → Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
22. A refined paving asphalt used in hot mix asphalt is _________. → Asphalt Cement
23. What is the standard maximum span length for FDOT Type III Florida I-Beam (FIB) girders? → 100 feet
24. What is the purpose of a 'mitigation bank' in FDOT environmental permitting? → Provide compensatory mitigation credits for unavoidable wetland impacts
25. A utility owner fails to complete relocation by the agreed date in the Utility Work Schedule, causing construction delays. What action may FDOT take? → Arrange for relocation by the contractor and back-charge costs to the utility owner
26. What is the purpose of the FDOT Concrete Field Inspector certification program? → To certify personnel in concrete sampling, testing, and placement inspection
27. What is the purpose of the FDOT 'Load Rating' process for existing bridges? → Determine the maximum vehicle weight a bridge can safely carry
28. FDOT may reimburse a utility owner for relocation costs when the utility was installed: → With legal authority prior to highway construction, establishing prior rights
29. What is the FDOT requirement for consolidating concrete in bridge deck forms? → Internal vibration with approved vibrators
30. Trucks dump the hot mix into the ___________ of the paver. → Hopper