Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday outlined ambitious transportation initiatives in Polk County, signaling the state’s intent to lead in emerging mobility technologies while addressing long-standing infrastructure needs.
Speaking at the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 1 headquarters in Bartow, DeSantis was joined by FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue to discuss plans for vertiports and improvements along Interstate 4.
Vertiports, small air transportation hubs designed to move passengers short distances, are part of Florida’s push into advanced air mobility. DeSantis described the concept as an “air version of an Uber,” noting that each vertiport would accommodate four to five passengers. “This will be the nation’s first advanced air mobility test track, and it will have dedicated airspace driving innovative research and development for this new technology,” he said, emphasizing the state’s goal to become a hub for next-generation transportation solutions.
The governor highlighted the early stage of the technology but expressed confidence in Florida’s approach. The state aims to construct two vertiports at an FDOT testing facility, which could provide a model for private operators.
Secretary Perdue, who accompanied DeSantis, noted that prototypes of vertiports were viewed at the Paris Air Show and said the project is on track to receive federal approval by 2026. “It is essentially the age of flying cars. How can we support the private sector being successful, speed to market? You cut through the red tape; you give them the ability to operate and operate quickly and become profitable. And this will [be a] new opportunity for Florida residents,” Perdue explained.
Beyond futuristic transportation, DeSantis addressed more immediate infrastructure concerns. Interstate 4, a critical artery in Central Florida, has long been plagued by congestion, affecting both commuters and commercial traffic.
DeSantis announced an expansion under the Moving Florida Forward Initiative, adding 17 miles of new lanes in Hillsborough County from I-75 to County Line Road. “That is going to make a big difference for folks traveling in that Hillsborough County section of Interstate 4,” he said.
DeSantis also unveiled plans for a new truck parking facility along the I-4 corridor in Polk County, providing 100 additional parking spots. The facility is designed to improve safety and efficiency for commercial drivers while easing congestion for other motorists.
Florida’s transportation initiatives under DeSantis reflect a dual strategy: embracing innovative mobility technologies while addressing practical infrastructure challenges.
By promoting private sector involvement in vertiport development, the state aims to accelerate adoption and foster economic growth. Meanwhile, investments in road expansion and truck parking target immediate quality-of-life improvements for residents and businesses.
With federal approvals anticipated in 2026 for vertiports, Florida is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation transportation while maintaining a focus on conventional infrastructure improvements.
DeSantis’s announcements underscore the state’s commitment to combining technological innovation with pragmatic solutions to keep people and goods moving efficiently across Florida.
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