Move Over, George Jetson! Flying cars coming to Florida

Governor Ron DeSantis speaking in Auburndale, Monday, August 10, 2026. The flying vehicle is left and the autonomous is right. -Courtesy Photo

By Tami Stevenson

Remember The Jetsons, when George Jetson zipped off to work in a flying car while the rest of us watched from our living rooms and figured such things belonged safely in Saturday-morning cartoons? Well, George may have been onto something. Florida is taking a rather large step toward turning yesterday’s science fiction into tomorrow’s morning commute, with “flying cars” expected to take to the skies for testing before the end of the year. And no, Rosie the Robot isn’t behind the wheel—at least not yet.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, Monday, held a press conference at SunTrax in Auburndale, a 775-acre transportation testing facility, located along the Interstate 4 (I-4) corridor in Polk County. SunTrax is expanding its mission from self-driving vehicles on the ground to electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft—known as eVTOLs—in the air. The one-of-a-kind facility is positioning Florida as a testing ground for a future of transportation that, not so long ago, seemed possible only in cartoons.

     This new expansion was purpose-built to help with the safe and innovative development of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technology, or “flying cars”. AAM will offer a brand-new transportation option to Florida’s communities that will relieve congestion and restore regional air services in the state. With this resource, Florida expects to host a series of  AAM test flights by the end of the year.

     “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,” said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. “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.” DeSantis also said Tesla, Waymo and BEEP are among companies currently working with the state at the facility. He said, among them, Tesla’s Cybercab is also being tested at SunTrax.

     By the end of this year, SunTrax Air Ground will be actively testing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft throughout the Central Florida aerospace region. SunTrax Air was purpose-built to support the safe and innovative development of Advanced Air Mobility, and is home to the nation’s first dedicated AAM Aerial Test Track. The facility provides companies with a controlled environment to test aircraft and communications technology under real-world conditions, while additional tenant hangars will provide opportunities for research, light manufacturing and final assembly.

     AAM has the potential to provide new transportation options for passenger air taxis, cargo delivery, medical transportation and emergency response. Florida was also specially selected to lead the development of safety and operational policies for eVTOL and AAM technology through the Federal Aviation Administration’s electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) and AAM Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). Cutting-edge research supporting Florida’s participation in the national initiative is being conducted by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

   At the same time, SunTrax Air Ground is actively testing and supporting the deployment of autonomous and connected vehicles on Florida’s transportation system. SunTrax provides companies with a controlled, real-world testing environment, including the only high-speed autonomous test track in the Southeastern United States, along with simulated weather conditions, urban environments, pedestrian crossings, roadway inclines and other scenarios that allow emerging technologies to be tested before broader deployment.

     That technology is already moving beyond the test track. Waymo, a leader in fully autonomous ride-hailing, has provided hundreds of thousands of trips in Florida. Residents and visitors in Miami and Orlando can already use Waymo for fully autonomous rides, and the company has expanded its Florida operations to include autonomous highway driving across South Florida. Waymo is also preparing to expand into Tampa, where it has completed mapping, begun rider-only testing and conducted hands-on safety training with local emergency personnel, with commercial service expected to launch this fall.

     Waymo works directly with FDOT, local law enforcement and first responders to support the safe integration of autonomous vehicles into Florida’s transportation network.

     As these technologies move from development and testing toward deployment, Florida is also preparing the workforce needed to operate them. FDOT is partnering with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Polk State College to develop training and credentialing opportunities for the next generation of pilots, maintenance technicians, engineers and other transportation professionals. These partnerships will help ensure Florida has the skilled personnel needed to test, maintain and operate advanced transportation technology as the industry continues to grow.

     According to the release, these unique resources found only in Florida further demonstrate the state’s position as a national leader in transportation. The cutting-edge research and testing at SunTrax will keep our state’s transportation system on the forefront of innovation, help ease congestion with new travel options, strengthen the state’s supply chain, and support a safe and efficient travel experience for Florida’s residents and visitors.

For more information, visit Suntraxfl.com.