Formal and informal, mainly through leadership. FDOT's leadership team-which includes the secretary, chief of staff, legislative affairs director, communications director and director of the office of policy planning-is the main conduit of information between the agency and the Legislature. Six members of this team are registered lobbyists who can actively advocate for FDOT initiatives. These staff interact with legislators and legislative committee staff during the interim, appear before committees during session, and pursue FDOT's policy and funding issues. FDOT also has a legislative affairs office that provides information to legislators and staff.