Florida News
Published Aug. 10, 2026, 4:25 p.m. ET | Updated Aug. 10, 2026
AUBURNDALE, Fla. — Florida will begin testing cars capable of taking off and landing vertically across Central Florida by the end of the year as the state expands its push into autonomous and advanced transportation technology, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday.
Speaking at the SunTrax testing facility in Auburndale, DeSantis said Florida has moved from creating a legal framework for advanced air mobility to building infrastructure where the technology can be tested.
“Last year, I signed legislation recognizing advanced air mobility as an official mode of transportation in the state of Florida, and we have moved from establishing that framework to actually building the infrastructure right here at SunTrax to be able to test this technology,” DeSantis said. “We are turning this somewhat dream into a reality.”
NOW: Gov. Ron DeSantis says Florida will begin testing aircraft that take off and land vertically by the end of the year.@GovRonDeSantis: “I think we’re going to be able to get you up in the air at some point in the not too distant future.” pic.twitter.com/o413dcGgy5
DeSantis said the 775-acre SunTrax facility in Polk County now includes two vertiports, which allow aircraft to take off and land vertically without a traditional runway.
By the end of 2026, he said, Florida plans to begin actively testing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, commonly known as eVTOLs, throughout the Central Florida aerospace region.
“I can’t promise we’ll ever be able to take you to the future, to the past,” DeSantis joked after referencing the movie Back to the Future. “But I think we’re going to be able to get you up in the air at some point in the not too distant future.”
WATCH: Gov. Ron DeSantis highlights Florida’s testing of autonomous vehicles from companies including Tesla and Waymo at SunTrax.@GovRonDeSantis: “We’re the only high-speed autonomous vehicle test track in the United States.” pic.twitter.com/p1EEcfzcXY
DeSantis said the technology could eventually be used as an alternative to driving between heavily traveled areas such as Tampa and Orlando. He also pointed to potential uses for cargo transportation, medical services and emergency response.
The governor later said in a social media post that Florida would be “actively testing” the aircraft by the end of the year and described the SunTrax facility as part of the state’s effort to lead in the future of transportation.
Great to be at the SunTrax Testing Grounds in Auburndale today to highlight Florida’s leadership in the future of transportation. By the end of this year, Florida will be actively testing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. SunTrax Air Ground is actively… pic.twitter.com/4w9q1HvUf9
Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue said the aircraft displayed at Monday’s event are already flying in controlled environments and undergoing the Federal Aviation Administration certification process.
“When is the last time we, as civilization, got to usher in a new way to move people?” Perdue said. “We’ve improved the automobile with autonomy, and now we’re entering the age of flying cars.”
NOW: Florida transportation officials say the state is preparing to enter a “new era” as flying cars are expected to begin testing in Florida’s airspace by the end of the year.@FDOT_Secretary: “What you saw in the Jetsons is becoming a reality.” pic.twitter.com/GL7UEdUayQ
The state is also using SunTrax to test autonomous vehicles, including technology developed by Tesla, Waymo and Beep.
DeSantis highlighted a Waymo Jaguar and Tesla Cybercab at the event, noting that some autonomous vehicles are being developed without traditional controls such as steering wheels or pedals.
“We’re the only high-speed autonomous vehicle test track in the United States,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis also announced that the Florida Department of Transportation is partnering with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Polk State College to prepare students for jobs connected to emerging transportation technology.
The partnerships will support education and training for pilots, engineers, technicians and other skilled workers needed to operate, maintain, test and deploy the new systems.
“The future of transportation, of aerospace, and advanced manufacturing is being built right here in our own backyard,” Polk State College President Anastasios Kamoutsas said during the event.
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DeSantis announces Florida will begin testing ‘flying cars’ by end of year – Florida’s Voice
