Tampa, FL — The Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida (USF) is proud to announce that former Florida Senator Jeff Brandes has been selected as the 2026 inductee into Florida’s Transportation Hall of Fame™, recognizing his significant contributions to transportation innovation, policy, and mobility advancement throughout Florida.
Brandes will be formally inducted during the 2026 CUTR Transportation Achievement Awards on November 18, 2026, at the USF Marshall Student Center in Tampa. The annual event celebrates innovation, leadership, and emerging talent in Florida’s transportation industry and honors a distinguished industry leader selected by the CUTR Advisory Board for induction into Florida’s Transportation Hall of Fame™.
“Senator Jeff Brandes has been one of Florida’s most visionary transportation leaders. His willingness to embrace innovation, challenge conventional thinking, and champion emerging technologies has transformed the way we approach mobility in our state. His leadership has left a lasting legacy, making him truly deserving of this recognition.”
— Ram Kancharla, Vice President, Planning & Development, Port Tampa Bay; Member, CUTR Advisory Board
A decorated Army transportation officer and combat veteran, Brandes served in the United States Army Reserve from 1996 to 2007, including a deployment to Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division from 2003 to 2004. In Iraq, he was responsible for the movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies in a combat environment, gaining firsthand experience in the critical role transportation plays in public safety, economic activity, and national security.
Brandes later served 12 years in the Florida Legislature, representing much of Pinellas County in both the Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate. Throughout his legislative career, he became one of Florida’s leading advocates for transportation innovation and emerging mobility technologies.
Among his most notable accomplishments was sponsoring landmark legislation in 2012 that made Florida one of the first states in the nation to authorize testing of autonomous vehicles on public roads. The legislation established Florida’s initial legal framework for autonomous vehicle testing and helped position the state as a leader in the development, testing, and deployment of automated transportation technologies.
Brandes also played a pivotal role in shaping statewide policy for transportation network companies, helping create a consistent regulatory framework for ridesharing services across Florida. In addition, he was an early advocate for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, supported micromobility and e-bike initiatives, and helped champion the vision for SunTrax, Florida’s premier advanced transportation testing facility in Polk County.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing, Brandes founded the Florida Automated Vehicles Summit in 2013, creating what has become one of the nation’s leading forums for transportation innovation and emerging mobility technologies.
Following his legislative service, Brandes founded the Florida Policy Project, a nonpartisan research organization dedicated to identifying and promoting solutions to Florida’s most significant policy challenges.
Few individuals have had a more lasting impact on Florida’s transportation future than Jeff Brandes. Through landmark legislation, strategic investments, and his commitment to fostering innovation, he helped position Florida as a national leader in mobility technology and transportation policy.
The 2026 CUTR Transportation Achievement Awards will also recognize a rising leader in transportation through the New Voice in Transportation Award, student scholarships, and student research awards. Proceeds from the event support USF transportation student scholarships and CUTR’s mission to advance transportation research, education, workforce development, and outreach.
For event information and sponsorship opportunities, visit cutr.usf.edu/awards.
About CUTR
The Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida is a nationally recognized transportation research center dedicated to advancing innovative transportation solutions through research, education, workforce development, and public service. For more than four decades, CUTR has worked to improve mobility, safety, and quality of life in Florida and beyond.
Media Contact
Sarah Perez
Manager, Communications & Marketing
Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR)
University of South Florida
813-974-7502
siperez@usf.edu
