Jared W. Perdue, P.E., appointed as the Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on April 7, 2022, by Governor Ron DeSantis, stands as a prominent Department Of Transportation Leader. In this pivotal role, Perdue is at the helm of the state agency responsible for the comprehensive planning and development of Florida’s transportation network. His leadership is crucial in ensuring a safe, efficient, and interconnected transportation system that caters to the diverse needs of all regions within the state, harmonizing various modes of transport for seamless connectivity.
Secretary Perdue’s career trajectory is deeply rooted within the FDOT, commencing with his participation in the Professional Engineer Training Program in District Three. This foundational experience ignited his dedication to public service and Florida’s transportation infrastructure. His journey through various leadership positions within the Department has provided him with an intricate understanding of virtually every facet of the state’s transportation ecosystem and the communities it supports. His extensive background includes significant roles such as District Geotechnical Engineer, District Traffic Operations Engineer, and District Design Engineer, showcasing his versatile expertise. Furthermore, Perdue’s experience extends across multiple transportation modes, including specialized areas like spaceports and multi-use trails, and notably, his tenure as CEO of SunRail, a major commuter rail system. Most recently, he has been instrumental in spearheading Governor DeSantis’s ambitious Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, a landmark investment aimed at proactively addressing Florida’s rapid population growth. This initiative is designed to alleviate congestion, enhance safety protocols, bolster the resilience of the transportation network, and strengthen Florida’s crucial supply chain infrastructure statewide.
Since assuming the role of Secretary, Perdue has articulated a clear vision focused on constructing a safer, stronger, and more resilient multimodal transportation system, deeply integrated with and responsive to Florida’s communities. Recognizing the intrinsic link between transportation infrastructure and the quality of life for Floridians, Secretary Perdue is committed to ensuring FDOT’s projects effectively serve both current residents and future generations. His approach emphasizes close collaboration with communities to realize their specific visions and address their evolving transportation demands. Under his guidance, the Department’s core priorities remain steadfast: achieving zero fatalities and serious injuries across the transportation network, continuously enhancing infrastructure, fostering innovation within the sector, and cultivating robust partnerships. These pillars are essential to maintaining Florida’s position as a national leader in transportation excellence.
Secretary Perdue’s academic foundation is a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a family man, married to Brandis and a father to five daughters. His commitment to both his profession and his family underscores his dedication to service and leadership, qualities that define his approach as a department of transportation leader for the state of Florida.
