The proposed bill, titled the Advanced Air Mobility Competitiveness and Infrastructure Act, aims to enhance the infrastructure and regulatory framework for advanced air mobility in Florida. It revises the definition of "qualifying project" to include vertiports and charging systems, and establishes a new section defining "vertiport" while providing certain operators with sovereign immunity. The bill also mandates the Department of Transportation to fund a significant portion of vertiport project costs and requires the department to expeditiously approve vertiports that comply with a model siting code. Additionally, it preempts local regulations concerning vertiport design and electric aircraft charging stations, ensuring that local entities cannot impose ordinances that would hinder the operation of advanced air mobility aircraft.

Key amendments include the expansion of the definition of airport infrastructure to encompass vertiport-related facilities and the establishment of a framework for local governments to issue building permits for electric aircraft charging stations based solely on compliance with state standards. If a local government fails to act on a permit application within 15 business days, the application will be automatically approved. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and includes provisions for future legislative review and potential repeal.

Statutes affected:
S 1362 Filed: 255.065, 332.007
S 1362 c1: 255.065, 332.007