Florida officials plan to repurpose nearly $200 million in federal infrastructure money originally designated for electric vehicle chargers, redirecting it to build landing pads for electric air taxis instead. Main Developments The Florida Department of Transportation announced it will use the funds to construct 32 landing pads equipped with charging stations for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, known as eVTOLs. The money comes from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. State officials claim private companies have already built sufficient EV charging networks, justifying the diversion of federal dollars. Florida has more EVs than any state except California, yet it has fewer chargers per vehicle than the national average. Read also: LinkedIn Adds Button to Flag AI-Generated Slop in Feed Background Florida never spent the original NEVI funds despite being awarded the money. The program was created to expand EV charging infrastructure nationwide along major highways. Why It Matters The decision could set a precedent for states reinterpreting federal infrastructure mandates. Critics may question whether private investment alone can close the charging gap, especially as Florida currently trails the national average in charger availability. What's Next Construction timelines for the air taxi pads remain unclear. The state must now seek federal approval for the redirected spending.