Florida Prepares for Electric Flying Taxis as Advanced Air Mobility Takes Flight by 2028
The Florida Department of Transportation is positioning the state as a national leader in Advanced Air Mobility, a new transportation system that could bring electric flying taxis to Miami Beach and other urban areas as early as 2028.
Advanced Air Mobility uses electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, known as eVTOL, to transport passengers and cargo in urban and regional settings. According to FDOT's fact sheet released in February, these aircraft are expected to be quieter and less expensive to operate than traditional helicopters.
The technology promises to provide faster alternatives to ground transportation, particularly appealing to Miami Beach residents who regularly contend with traffic congestion on limited access routes to and from the barrier island.
FDOT has outlined an aggressive timeline for implementation. The Federal Aviation Administration's Innovate 28 program targets early commercial operations by 2028, with the industry expected to scale significantly by 2030. Several Advanced Air Mobility manufacturers and operators are already planning commercial operations in Florida and negotiating with targeted cities and airports within the state.
"Florida continues to be recognized as a national leader in the AAM space," the fact sheet states, citing the state's proactive approach, favorable flying weather, diverse geography ranging from dense cities to rural areas, and substantial population as key advantages for early adoption.
The transportation system will initially operate from existing airports and heliports. As operations expand, new facilities called vertiports will be constructed, ranging from single landing pads to larger facilities with multiple pads, aircraft parking, terminal buildings, charging stations, and weather infrastructure.
FDOT's hypothetical network map shows potential routes connecting Miami with other major Florida cities, including Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Orlando, and Key West, as well as shorter urban flights within metropolitan areas.
The department has been strategically planning for Advanced Air Mobility since December 2021, publishing an implementation plan in September 2023 and a land use compatibility guidebook in September 2024. Statewide local government training is scheduled for March through September 2025.
Proposed uses for the technology extend beyond passenger transport to include emergency response, medical services, firefighting, search and rescue operations, cargo delivery, and recreational flights.
While the technology promises new transportation options for Florida residents, questions remain about regulatory approval, safety protocols, infrastructure costs, and public acceptance of widespread urban aviation operations.
For more information about Florida's Advanced Air Mobility plans, residents can visit FDOT's AAM website at fdot.gov/aviation/advanced-air-mobility.
