Florida's aviation system includes over 125 public-use airports, including 21 airports offering commercial services. The busiest airports in Florida are Miami International, Orlando International, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, and Tampa International. Miami International Airport is the largest airport in Florida and the tenth busiest airport in the United States, serving over 44.5 million passengers in 2016. Orlando International Airport is the second busiest in the state and the 13th busiest in the US, serving over 41.9 million passengers in 2016.

Florida Airports and their Characteristics

The busiest airports in Florida

Florida is a hub for air travel in the United States, with its world-renowned theme parks, beautiful beaches, and sunny weather. The state boasts superior air connectivity, provided by many of its international and domestic airports.

The busiest airport in Florida is Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is expected to see a record 60 million passengers by the end of 2024. In 2023, the airport welcomed more than 57 million passengers, up 15.1% from the year before. Orlando International is the focus airport for JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airways. The airport can have at least 45 airlines offering more than 850 daily flights to hundreds of US and international cities.

The second busiest airport in Florida is Miami International Airport (MIA), which is also the largest airport in the state. In 2016, it was the tenth busiest airport in the United States, with more than 44.5 million passengers. MIA is the hub for passenger airlines American Airlines and Executive Airlines. The airport is one of eight in the country that can accommodate the massive Airbus A380.

The third busiest airport in Florida is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), located near the city of Hollywood. It is a hub for Caribbean Airlines, Allegiant Air, and JetBlue Airways, and a focus city of Spirit Airlines. The airport’s proximity to Port Everglades makes it popular with tourists headed for the Caribbean.

The fourth busiest airport in the state is Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is publicly owned by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority. It is the hub for Silver Airways and offers many daily Southwest flights.

Other busy airports in Florida include Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, Palm Beach International Airport, and Jacksonville International Airport.

Airports near the city of Hollywood, Florida

Florida is a major tourist destination, with its beaches and amusement parks attracting thousands of visitors from across the world every year. The state has superior air connectivity, with several international and domestic airports.

The city of Hollywood in Florida is served by the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), which is located just 4.2 miles from the city. This airport is a hub for Caribbean Airlines, Allegiant Air, JetBlue Airways, and Spirit Airlines. It is also one of the busiest airports in Florida, serving as a gateway for tourists headed to the Caribbean, thanks to its proximity to Port Everglades.

Other airports near Hollywood include Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), which is 12 miles away, and the major Miami International Airport (MIA), which is approximately 17 miles from Hollywood. These airports offer alternative options for travellers heading to or departing from the Hollywood area.

Additionally, for those seeking further alternatives, there is the West Palm Beach/Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), situated around 47 miles from Hollywood, and the Freeport Airport (FPO) in the Bahamas, which is approximately 97.5 miles away. These airports provide extended travel possibilities for those visiting the region.

Airports with military access

Florida has several international and domestic airports that provide superior air connectivity to the state. The busiest airports in Florida include Miami International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, and Tampa International Airport.

During World War II, the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) established numerous airfields in Florida for antisubmarine defence in the western Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as for training pilots and aircrews. Some of these former airfields have been replaced by new commercial airports, while others continue to function as active U.S. Air Force installations.

One example of a former World War II-era airfield that transitioned to a civil-military airport is the Jacksonville Army Airfield, which was replaced by a newly constructed international airport and a concurrent Air National Guard base. This new airport, however, closed in 1975 and was converted into a civilian commercial international airport in 1976.

Another former World War II-era naval air station that remains under the control of the Air Force is located in Florida. This station is home to an ACC-gained AFRC rescue wing as its sole military flying unit, as well as an Air Education and Training Command (AETC) flying training group.

While the aforementioned airports are primarily civil aviation hubs, they have historical connections to military usage or ongoing partial military usage.

Private-use airports

Florida is a major tourist destination, with thousands of travellers visiting the state every year. The state has superior air connectivity, with numerous international, domestic, public-use, and military airports. While some of the busiest airports in Florida are Miami International, Orlando International, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, and Tampa International, there are also several private-use airports in the state.

One example of a private-use airport in Florida is the Boca Raton Airport (BCT). Located in Boca Raton, this airport primarily serves private and corporate aviation. It is known for its convenient location, offering easy access to the Boca Raton business district and the surrounding areas. The airport has a single runway and offers services such as aircraft parking, fuelling, and maintenance.

Another private-use airport in Florida is the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport (ZPH), situated in Zephyrhills, Pasco County. This airport is owned by the City of Zephyrhills and caters mainly to general aviation. It features two asphalt runways and provides services such as aircraft parking, hangars, and aviation fuel. Zephyrhills Municipal Airport is also known for its skydiving operations, attracting thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts from across the state and beyond.

Additionally, the Lake Istokpoga Seaplane Base (X19) in Highlands County is a private-use seaplane base. Seaplane bases, in general, cater to a niche market and often serve recreational and charter flights. Lake Istokpoga Seaplane Base provides a unique aviation experience, offering scenic flights over the lake and the surrounding natural areas.

These are just a few examples of private-use airports in Florida. Each of these airports plays a role in the state's aviation network, catering to specific needs and providing alternative options for pilots, aircraft owners, and travellers who prefer a more exclusive flying experience.

Airports with commercial enplanements

Florida is home to several international and domestic airports, including some private-use and former airports. Airports with commercial enplanements (or commercial passenger boardings) are classified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) into four "hub" types:

Large Hub

These airports account for at least 1% of total US passenger enplanements. An example of a large hub airport in Florida is Miami International Airport (MIA), the largest airport in the state. It is a major gateway between the United States and Latin America, serving more than 44.5 million passengers in 2016. MIA is a hub for passenger airlines such as American Airlines and Executive Airlines.

Medium Hub

These airports account for between 0.25% and 1% of total US passenger enplanements. An example of a medium hub airport in Florida is Orlando International Airport (MCO), the second-busiest airport in the state. In 2016, MCO received over 41.9 million passengers and is a focus airport for JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airways.

Small Hub

These airports account for between 0.05% and 0.25% of total US passenger enplanements. An example of a small hub airport in Florida is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), located near the city of Hollywood. This airport is a hub for Caribbean Airlines, Allegiant Air, and JetBlue Airways, and a focus city for Spirit Airlines. Its proximity to Port Everglades makes it a popular choice for tourists headed to the Caribbean.

Nonhub

These airports account for less than 0.05% of total US passenger enplanements but still record more than 10,000 annual enplanements. An example of a nonhub airport in Florida is Tampa International Airport (TPA), publicly owned by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority. TPA is a hub for Silver Airways and offers many daily Southwest flights.

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