Florida, already teeming with electric vehicles (EVs), is eyeing an aerial revolution. Despite boasting more EVs than many states and fewer chargers per vehicle, the Florida Department of Transportation has decided to pivot federal funding intended for EV charging into an eVTOL network.

The $200 million from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program will fund 32 landing pads with charging stations. The move comes as the market for eVTOLs remains in its infancy, with startups increasingly exploring military applications instead of commercial routes.

While the state hopes these air taxis could ease notorious traffic woes, the plan faces skepticism and practical challenges. Land use issues, maintenance needs, and safety concerns loom large. Still, given Florida’s love for innovation and its history of pushing technological boundaries, perhaps this vertical leap is just what the Sunshine State needed.

Meanwhile, other states like New York and North Carolina are using similar funds to build chargers in communities, ensuring EV owners have convenient access. Florida’s plan envisions eVTOLs landing at golf courses, luxury apartment buildings, and airports, blurring the lines between land and air transportation.