What is needed for a Traffic Impact Study?

Our traffic engineering professionals can help you determine what is required to comply with local regulations throughout South Florida.

What Is a Traffic Impact Study?

A Traffic Impact Study (TIS) / Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) is an engineering evaluation that assesses the potential traffic and transportation impacts of a proposed development. The goal of these studies is to ensure that new projects do not create undue congestion, compromise safety, or result in traffic conditions that exceed the capacity of nearby roads and intersections.

Jurisdictional Requirements Across South Florida

TIS/TIA requirements vary significantly across South Florida’s counties, cities, villages, and towns. Working with a qualified traffic engineer who understands local thresholds, review processes, and analysis methodologies is essential to avoid costly delays, unnecessary improvements, and to help ensure timely project approvals.

Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County enforces Traffic Performance Standards (TPS) to determine whether a TIS/TIA is required. A preliminary analysis may be needed to evaluate whether the traffic generated by a project represents a significant portion of capacity on affected roadway links. If thresholds are exceeded, a full TIS/TIA may be required. Projects generating 20 or fewer gross peak-hour trips may be exempt from a full TIS/TIA.

Broward County

In Broward County, TIS/TIA requirements are primarily governed by the local municipality where the project is located, rather than the county itself. For example, the City of Fort Lauderdale, the largest municipality in Broward County, requires a TIA for developments expected to generate more than 1,000 daily trips.

Miami-Dade County

Miami-Dade County determines TIS/TIA requirements based on the number of net new peak-hour trips generated by a project. The county defines three study levels:

• Level 1: Fewer than 100 peak-hour trips

• Level 2: Between 100 and 300 peak-hour trips

• Level 3: More than 300 peak-hour trips

Each level involves increasing levels of analysis detail and a larger study area.

Monroe County

Monroe County determines TIA requirements based on the number of gross daily trips generated. The county outlines the following thresholds:

• Level 1: Between 11 and 249 gross daily trips

• Level 2: Between 250 and 500 gross daily trips

• Level 3: More than 500 gross daily trips

Trip Generation and Traffic Credits

When conducting a TIS/TIA, trip generation estimates are typically based on the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual, which provides data by land use type and intensity. If a proposed land use is not listed in the manual, surrogate data may be collected from comparable sites to estimate daily or peak-hour trips.

Traffic engineers may also apply trip credits to refine trip generation estimates and demonstrate that a development will not significantly impact the surrounding network.

• Existing Development or Land Use Credits: Account for existing buildings or uses that already generate traffic on-site.

• Pass-By Trip Credits: Applied to land uses (e.g., gas stations or quick-service restaurants) where some traffic is already present on the roadway.

• Internal Capture Credits: Used for mixed-use developments where some trips occur internally between uses (e.g., residents walking to on-site retail).

Proper application of these credits can significantly reduce a project’s assessed impact—potentially lowering required roadway improvements and associated impact fees.

Need a Traffic Study for Your Development?

Whether you're working on a new site plan or preparing for a development application, our team can help you navigate the traffic study process from start to finish. We specialize in preparing traffic studies that meet local requirements while supporting timely approvals. Contact us today to request a proposal or learn more about our services.