DeSantis highlights SunTrax as state pushes electric aircraft and autonomous vehicles
Tallahassee, Florida – Florida is preparing for a transportation future that may look as different above the road as it does on it.
At SunTrax in Polk County, a testing facility originally designed for connected and autonomous vehicles is expanding its mission into the air, with electric aircraft expected to begin test flights before the end of 2026.
Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted the 775-acre SunTrax campus in Auburndale as Florida develops Advanced Air Mobility technology, including electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, or eVTOLs. The site sits along the Interstate 4 corridor and now combines ground-based autonomous vehicle testing with facilities built specifically for emerging aviation technology.
“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,” DeSantis said.
SunTrax Air includes what Florida describes as the nation’s first dedicated Advanced Air Mobility aerial test track. Companies can use the controlled site to evaluate aircraft and communications systems under real-world conditions. Planned tenant hangars will also support research, light manufacturing and final assembly.
Advanced Air Mobility could eventually be used for passenger air taxis, cargo deliveries, medical transportation and emergency response. Florida has also been selected to participate in the Federal Aviation Administration’s eVTOL and AAM Integration Pilot Program, with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University conducting research connected to the effort.
Ground transportation remains a major part of SunTrax. The facility has the only high-speed autonomous test track in the Southeastern United States and can recreate urban streets, pedestrian crossings, roadway grades and different weather conditions.
Florida is also preparing workers for those technologies. FDOT is partnering with Embry-Riddle and Polk State College on training and credential programs for pilots, engineers, maintenance technicians and other transportation professionals.
“SunTrax and Florida’s strategic plan to take highways to the sky are prime examples of why Florida remains a global leader in transportation,” FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue said.
The goal now is to move emerging technology from controlled testing toward everyday transportation while building the infrastructure and workforce needed to support it.
More information about the facility is available at SunTraxfl.com.
