The state of Florida plans to repurpose nearly $200 million allocated through federal infrastructure funding, originally designated for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, to develop a network of landing pads for air taxis.
Federal Funding Shift Under NEVI Program
Florida received substantial funding—nearly $200 million—under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which is an initiative established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Despite being in a state that possesses more EVs than any other U.S. location, Florida currently has fewer charging stations per vehicle compared to the national average.
However, according to reports from the Miami Herald, state officials have decided not to spend the allocated funds for EV chargers. The decision was reportedly made because the state believes that private companies have sufficiently addressed the need for building out EV charging infrastructure. Consequently, the Florida Department of Transportation intends to use these monies instead to construct 32 landing pads equipped with charging stations designed for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs).
The Promise and Placement of eVTOL Infrastructure
While the market for eVTOL technology remains in its early stages, with many startups advancing toward production models or pivoting their focus to defense applications, Florida’s Department of Transportation maintains optimism regarding these small aircraft. The state expects that eVTOLs, which typically carry four to five passengers, will help alleviate the area’s well-known traffic congestion.
The NEVI program allows states with what is considered “fully built out” EV charging corridors to reallocate funds according to updated guidance issued by the Trump administration. This flexibility permits the money to be redirected toward establishing “EV charging infrastructure on any public road or in other publicly accessible locations.”
Comparison and Future Plans
Other states, such as North Carolina and New York, have successfully used similar funding streams to install chargers within communities, which specifically benefits residents and renters who do not have assigned parking spots for charging their EVs.
For Florida, the envisioned air taxi hubs are slated for locations including airports, golf courses, and upscale apartment complexes. This plan represents a significant pivot in how federal infrastructure money is being utilized from promoting ground transportation to developing aerial transit networks.
