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

Florida is shifting nearly $200 million in federal electric vehicle charging money toward building infrastructure for electric flying taxis, according to documents obtained by the Miami Herald. The state plans to use the funds to create an "Aerial Highway Network" with 32 pads for electric aircraft to take off, land, and charge.

6 million, totaling $179 million.

" The move comes as Florida ranks second in the nation for EV ownership but lags behind the national average for chargers per vehicle, partly due to many residents living in apartments without charging access.

Critics argue the money is being diverted from public needs. Stephen Smith of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy called it "money being hijacked" from the general population to benefit "oligarch, ultra-wealthy" interests. The state had stopped publicly posting its EV charger plans, and the Miami Herald only obtained the documents after applying legal pressure.

Proposed locations for the pads include airports, luxury apartment buildings, golf courses, and military bases. Companies involved include Archer, Joby Aviation, BETA, and Electra. Archer previously claimed it would have flying taxis over Miami by the end of 2024, which has not happened.

Florida has also built the nation's first aerial testing site at the FDOT SunTrax facility. The ultimate goal is autonomous air taxis, though experts note such aircraft face stricter FAA rules and greater safety risks than ground vehicles.