Florida is preparing to begin testing electric aircraft at a state transportation research facility in Polk County, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Monday.
At an appearance in Auburndale, Gov. DeSantis touted new capabilities at SunTrax, a 775-acre testing complex that has traditionally been used for autonomous and connected vehicle research. The site has now been expanded to accommodate electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, or eVTOLs, with flight testing expected to begin before the end of 2026.
The aircraft can take off and land vertically and are being developed for potential uses ranging from passenger transportation and cargo delivery to medical services and emergency response. SunTrax includes a dedicated aerial testing area where companies can evaluate aircraft and communications systems in a controlled setting before the technology is introduced more broadly.
DeSantis said Florida is seeking to establish itself as a center for the development of both autonomous ground transportation and advanced aviation systems.
“By the end of this year, Florida will be actively testing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, while SunTrax Air Ground is actively testing and supporting the deployment of autonomous and connected vehicles,” he said. “I was also proud to announce that FDOT is partnering with Embry Riddle and Polk State to help Florida students prepare for exciting career opportunities in the next generation of transportation. Florida has the innovation-friendly policies, the universities and research institutions, the infrastructure and forthcoming infrastructure investments, and the talent needed to become the premier location for emerging transportation technology.”
The state is also participating in a Federal Aviation Administration initiative examining how eVTOL aircraft can be safely incorporated into existing transportation networks. On the ground, SunTrax continues to serve as a testing site for autonomous vehicles, with facilities that can recreate urban traffic, pedestrian activity, roadway grades and varying weather conditions.