Florida Shifts $197M in EV Charging Funds Toward Flying Taxi Infrastructure

Florida is redirecting nearly $200 million in federal electric vehicle charging money toward building infrastructure for flying taxis, a move that has drawn criticism from clean energy advocates.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) plans to use the funds — originally meant for public EV charging stations — to create what it calls an "Aerial Highway Network." This would include takeoff, landing, and charging sites for electric aircraft, effectively electric helicopters.

The state argues it will not "waste taxpayer dollars" on everyday passenger vehicles, instead supporting an emerging mode of transportation. However, the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy says the money is being "hijacked" from benefiting the general public to serve the ultra-wealthy.

Florida has the second-highest number of EVs in the country but lags behind the national average for chargers per vehicle, partly due to many residents living in apartments without access to charging.

The plan came to light after the Miami Herald filed a records request, which was initially ignored until legal pressure was applied. Documents show 32 flying taxi pads are planned, costing $5.6 million each — totaling $179 million — at locations like airports, luxury apartment buildings, golf courses, and military bases.

Florida has already built a testing site for these aircraft, and several companies, including Archer, Joby, and BETA, are involved. Notably, Archer claimed in 2021 it would have flying taxis over Miami by end of 2024, which did not happen. The ultimate goal is autonomous air taxis, though experts note such vehicles face far stricter federal regulations and higher safety risks than ground cars.