Advanced Wireless Infrastructure Deployment Act<\/a>, a Florida law that limits local control over where wireless providers can place small cell and other wireless facilities in public rights-of-way. <\/p>\n\u201cIt\u2019s called home rule, and the state has taken it away for this reason, and I\u2019m assuming it\u2019s because everyone and their mother would be saying no to these,\u201d Victoria Bruce, Winter Springs City Commissioner, District 2, told News 6. <\/p>\n
Under the law, the public does not have to be notified of the placement of the 5G towers. <\/p>\n
As for the permitting process, under the statute, local government can request an alternate location for the tower within 14 days of the filing. The municipality and the wireless carrier can negotiate for 30 days. <\/p>\n
The attorney for Winter Springs touched on this during a commission meeting, \u201cIf they (the carrier) say they\u2019re not going to go, the city has to process the application within the maximum of 90 days from the date it was filed. There\u2019s a shot clock to make all of this happen.\u201d <\/p>\n
Local governments can deny permit applications for a select number of reasons; if they are not ADA compliant, interfere with traffic signals or impede on the line of sight for drivers and pedestrians. <\/p>\n
However, according to the city attorney, \u201cif the city inappropriately denies one of these requests, the wireless provider has the ability to file suit in federal district court.\u201d <\/p>\n
A city spokesperson told News 6 that 14 permit applications for these 5G towers have been filed. <\/p>\n
The cost of the installation and maintenance of these towers are paid for by the carrier, according to the city, but Bruce told News 6 if the city wants to relocate the already installed poles, the cost falls on taxpayers. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt could be anywhere from $3,000 to $30,000,\u201d said Bruce. <\/p>\n
[COVERING WINTER SPRINGS: Commissioners consider future of the closed Winter Springs Golf Course]<\/p>\n
The city told News 6 that staff met with Verizon last week to discuss the relocation of any proposed towers, and those conversations are ongoing. <\/p>\n
\u201cAs part of those conversations, we are actively exploring options to relocate proposed towers to areas that would have the least amount of impact on residents. Verizon has said that they will work with us to relocate these towers where feasible,\u201d according to a city spokesperson. <\/p>\n
As for future permits, city staff will review each application on a case-by-case basis. <\/p>\n
\u201cMoving forward, once the permit applications come in staff will reach out to Verizon to discuss about locations and how best to work together,\u201d the city told News 6. <\/p>\n
News 6 asked Verizon why it chooses certain locations to install these towers and if it would consider moving or modifying proposed and current installations. A Verizon spokesperson sent us this statement: <\/p>\n
\u201cVerizon\u00a0is currently focusing on five new small cell sites in the Winter Springs area, specifically near Northern Way and Tuskawilla. These are being efficiently co-located on existing Duke Light poles to minimize new infrastructure while significantly boosting local connectivity. This work is part of our broader 2025 investment to ensure residential municipalities outside the Orlando core have access to the same cutting-edge technology found in the city center.<\/p>\n
These sites are designed to provide a robust backbone for both 4G and 5G Ultra Wideband (UW) services. They are essential for supporting the high-speed data needs of our mobile subscribers and the growing number of 5G Home Internet customers in the area. By increasing network capacity, we ensure that activities like streaming, gaming, and remote work remain seamless for residents, even as the community\u00a0continues to grow.<\/p>\n
This is part of a massive, statewide commitment to Florida.\u00a0Verizon\u00a0currently has thousands of\u00a0 small cells active throughout the state, with over 300 new 5G solutions deployed in the Orlando region alone during 2025. We are proactively expanding into booming hubs like Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Oviedo, Apopka, and Sanford to provide gold-standard, reliable connectivity for both residents and the millions of visitors who come to Central Florida each year.”<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need the technology in our community right? We don\u2019t want to fall behind,\u201d said Johnson, \u201cI think that growth is good. I think growth is good if it\u2019s managed correctly.\u201d <\/p>\n
If you have any questions or concerns about the placement of the 5G towers, the city encourages residents to contact the city, their commissioner or state representative. <\/p>\n
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