Florida Governor Ron DeSantis celebrated this Friday the first demonstrations of so-called flying cars within a new federal program and stated that the state is ready to lead a transportation transformation that will connect cities through electric aircraft.
In a message posted on his official X account, DeSantis highlighted the flights conducted over Tampa Bay and recalled that the demonstration recreated a historic route inaugurated in 1914.
The governor also shared another post in which he praised the low noise level of the aircraft and the ease of their controls.
"In 1914, thousands of people gathered by the shores of Tampa Bay to witness Tony Jannus making history with the first flight of a commercial airline in the world," the official recalled.
DeSantis explained that, more than a century later, Florida once again celebrated a significant moment for aviation in the same location, this time with electric aircraft capable of taking off and landing vertically.
"Today, in the same place, we are celebrating the first flights of 'flying cars' in Florida," said the governor, referring to the demonstrations conducted under the new federal advanced air mobility program.
The official emphasized that the event featured various types of electric aircraft and is part of the Advanced Air Mobility Integration Pilot Program, promoted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
"I am proud of Florida's leadership role in this national program and the years of preparation that have brought us to this point," he stated.
DeSantis stated that his administration has made investments in infrastructure, promoted policies favorable to innovation, and worked to introduce new modes of transportation in the state.
"We have made investments in infrastructure, approved policies favorable to innovation, and worked tirelessly to mark the beginning of a new era of transportation here, in the Sunshine State," he wrote.
The governor also stated that Florida has historically been a stage for the development of new technologies and noted that the demonstrations confirm its ability to remain at the forefront of aerospace innovation.
The flights included the participation of Joby Aviation and BETA Technologies, two companies that develop electric aircraft to transport passengers and cargo.
Joby used its vertical takeoff and landing model, known as eVTOL, while BETA participated with electric aircraft featuring conventional takeoff and landing.
Both technologies aim to reduce reliance on traditional propulsion systems and broaden regional transportation alternatives.
In his second publication, DeSantis particularly emphasized the operation of the vehicles and the difference in noise compared to conventional aircraft.
"It was interesting to see the landings at Tampa International Airport, but also to observe how quiet they are compared to traditional aircraft," he remarked.
The governor added that he found the controls intuitive and shared a family experience during a technology demonstration.
According to the account, his son Mason, eight years old, used a simulator at SunTrax to create a virtual route from Tampa International Airport to the vicinity of Raymond James Stadium.
"It landed abruptly, but safely," DeSantis said about the simulation exercise, which did not involve an actual flight.
The Florida Governor's Office confirmed in an official statement that two of the participating aircraft took off from Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg, flew over Tampa Bay, and landed at the facilities of Signature Aviation at Tampa International Airport.
The journey symbolically retraced the route inaugurated on January 1, 1914, by Tony Jannus, who transported former St. Petersburg mayor Abe Pheil in what is recognized as the world's first regular commercial passenger air service.
At that time, the flight represented a novel alternative for crossing the bay. Now, authorities hope that electric aircraft can provide new regional connections and reduce reliance on more congested roads.
The Florida Secretary of Transportation, Jared Perdue, stated that the development of this technology could change the way people and goods move throughout the state.
Perdue explained that Florida is working on a network of air corridors that will connect airports and future specialized facilities, known as vertiports.
The project, named Florida Air Highway Network, aims to use electric aircraft to establish connections between cities, although its commercial development still depends on federal approvals, infrastructure, and additional testing.
In April 2026, DeSantis signed law HB 1093 to promote the construction of vertiports and facilitate their financing, a measure that expanded the state Department of Transportation's involvement in projects related to these new technologies.
The legislation came into effect on July 1st and opened new opportunities for collaboration between authorities and private companies interested in developing advanced air mobility services.
In addition, Florida is working on SunTrax Air, a testing center located near Interstate 4 that will be used to evaluate electric aircraft, safety procedures, and specialized infrastructure.
The demonstrations on Friday also received support from the FAA and the United States Department of Transportation, which confirmed Florida's participation as the seventh jurisdiction to begin testing within the federal program.
The FAA administrator, Bryan Bedford, explained that the flights will allow for the collection of information to establish safety standards and procedures that will facilitate the future integration of these aircraft into U.S. airspace.
The assessments include noise levels, coordination with airports, flight routes, and the operation of facilities that would eventually allow for passenger transport.
As part of the demonstration series, Joby Aviation plans to continue its flights at Orlando International Airport and the Kennedy Space Center.
However, electric air taxis are still not available as a commercial service for Florida residents.
Joby continues to make progress in the certification process of its aircraft with federal authorities, and no fares or definitive dates for starting passenger transport have been announced.
This is not the first time the state has experimented with air taxis. In November 2023, Volocopter conducted a demonstration of an electric aircraft at Tampa International Airport, several years before the current federal integration tests began.
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