Florida Plans to Use EV Charger Funds to Build Air Taxi Landing Pads

Florida plans to redirect nearly $200 million in federal funding originally meant for electric vehicle charging infrastructure toward building landing pads and charging stations for electric air taxis, according to the Miami Herald.

The state has one of the largest EV markets in the U.S., second only to California, but still has fewer public chargers per EV than the national average.

State officials say private companies have already made enough progress expanding charging access.

Funding shifted to eVTOL infrastructure

Florida received nearly $200 million through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The state has not yet spent the funds.

Instead, the Florida Department of Transportation plans to use the money to build 32 landing pads with charging stations for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, or eVTOLs.

Officials say the aircraft could help reduce congestion on Florida’s busy roads.

Air taxi industry still developing

The eVTOL market is still in early development.

While some startups are moving toward certification and production, many have also expanded into defence work as commercial timelines have slowed.

Most current designs carry four to five passengers.

Federal rules allow flexibility

Updated federal guidance allows states with established EV corridors to redirect NEVI funds toward publicly accessible charging projects.

Some states continue expanding EV charging networks, while others have taken different approaches.

New York and North Carolina, for example, have funded community charging projects for residents without home charging access.

Florida’s plan instead focuses on future air mobility infrastructure.

According to the Miami Herald, the state envisions landing pads and charging sites at airports, golf courses, and luxury apartment complexes to support future air taxi services.