All oversize loads entering the City of Bonifay, located in Holmes County, must conform to the requirements set by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and any supplemental regulations imposed by the City of Bonifay.

In general, any vehicle exceeding 8 feet 6 inches in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height, or operating at a weight that classifies it as a Class A vehicle (over 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight) should obtain an oversize load permit from the Bonifay Public Works Department, in addition to any required FDOT permits.

Within Bonifay city limits, special attention should be paid to weight restrictions on roads accessing US Highway 90 and State Road 79. Some residential streets, particularly those near Bonifay Elementary School, have lower weight limits and require careful route planning.

Escort vehicles are generally required in Bonifay when the load exceeds 12 feet in width, 15 feet in height, or 100 feet in length. Specific requirements depend on the route and time of day. A front escort is typically required for widths exceeding 12 feet, and both front and rear escorts are needed for widths exceeding 14 feet.

While the Bonifay Police Department does not typically provide escort services for routine oversize loads, they may be required for exceptionally large or complex moves. If a police escort is deemed necessary, contact the Bonifay Police Department at (850) 547-3661 at least 72 hours in advance to discuss availability and associated fees, which are typically billed at an hourly rate per officer.

To apply for an oversize load permit in Bonifay, you must first obtain the necessary permits from the Florida Department of Transportation. Once you have the FDOT permit, you can submit a copy along with a detailed route plan to the Bonifay Public Works Department. Contact the department at (850) 547-2414 or visit Bonifay City Hall at 201 N Oklahoma Street.

Documentation should include a copy of the FDOT permit, vehicle registration, insurance information, a detailed route map highlighting all turns and potential obstructions, and dimensions of the load. It's also beneficial to include a diagram of the load configuration.

Time-of-day restrictions are in effect within Bonifay city limits. Oversize loads are generally prohibited from traveling through the city between the hours of 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on weekdays to avoid peak traffic congestion, especially around school zones.

Seasonal restrictions may apply during major local events such as the Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo in October. Check with the Bonifay Public Works Department for specific restrictions during these times.

Avoid routing oversize loads through residential areas, particularly those east of State Road 79 and north of US Highway 90. These areas have narrow streets and are not suitable for large vehicles. The preferred route for through traffic is generally along US Highway 90 and State Road 79.

The base permit fee for oversize loads within Bonifay is $25.00. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with reviewing the route and ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Additional fees may be assessed based on the complexity of the route, the size and weight of the load, and the potential impact on city infrastructure. Loads requiring police escorts will incur additional charges based on the hourly rate of the officers involved.