Commission accepts Advanced Air Mobility feasibility study; board says county will plan for vertiports (5—1)

County staff and consultant VHB presented the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) feasibility study and recommended county-level procedures to review any vertiport proposals, including public notification, traffic and utility analyses, and coordination with FAA and FDOT. The study identified several potential clusters — south of UCF/Central Florida Research Park, near Oak Ridge/Florida Mall, and northwest Orange County — and modeled where county zoning could allow vertiports by right or by special exception (SEG 3043—3070).

The consultant noted the FAA controls airspace and emphasized the county's role in land use, zoning and community engagement: "Approval is contingent upon FAA's determination as well as the FDOT process for a new heliport, airport, or vertiport," the consultant said (SEG 3104—3116). Commissioners pressed staff on noise, compatibility, revenue opportunities and state coordination; Commissioner Semrad and others asked county attorneys to explore whether local fees or launch/landing charges could be legally implemented.

After discussion the board voted to accept the study findings and recommendations; the motion passed 5—0 (SEG 3739—3746). Staff said acceptance does not itself implement code changes — it authorizes staff to use the study to guide future zoning and permitting reviews and to return with detailed ordinance or regulatory proposals if appropriate (SEG 3692—3700).