EMERGENCY INFORMATION - To be displayed on a situational basis. Hidden otherwise. Due to weather conditions, the Florida Highway Patrol has closed the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. More…

Aviation and Spaceports Office

Aviation and Spaceports Office / More Resources / Airport Safety Inspections

Airport Safety Inspections

Aviation and Spaceports Office
Airport Inspections Overview

Pursuant to Chapter 330, Florida Statutes, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) inspects public airports prior to licensing or license renewal. However, FAA Part 139 Certificate inspections performed by FAA Southern Region personnel are acceptable for annual license renewal.

"Airport" means any area of land or water, or any manmade object or facility located thereon, which is used, or intended for use, for the landing and takeoff of aircraft, and any appurtenant areas which are used, or intended for use, for airport buildings or other airport facilities or right-of-way, together with all airport buildings and facilities located thereon.

Private Airport Information

"Private airport" means an airport, publicly or privately owned, which is not open or available for use by the public, but may be made available to others by invitation of the owner or manager.

Private airports, as of October 1, 2003, will be required to received site approval and register with the Department. If you are interested in opening a private airport or have questions, please contact the FDOT Central Aviation and Spaceports Office at 850-414-4500.

Public Airport Inspections

"Public airport" means an airport, which is publicly or privately owned that meets minimum safety and service standards and is open for use by the general public.

Public airports are inspected and licensed by the FDOT Central Aviation and Spaceports Office located in Tallahassee. You may contact Mr. Jason Myers, Airport Safety and Inspection Manager, at 850-414-4515 for additional information.

Inspections Resources

The Florida Aviation Database website, provided by the Florida Department of Transportation, includes extensive licensing and inspection information for public and private airports.

Chapter 330, Florida Statutes – "Regulation of Aircraft, Pilots, and Airports" includes information on possession of pilot’s license and inspection on demand; definitions; administration and enforcement; rules; standards for airport sites and airports; approval of airports sites and licensing of airports; fees; federal-state joint hearings, reciprocal services; injunctive relief; penalties; airport zoning, approach zone protection; prohibition against county or municipal licensing of airports; regulation of seaplane landings; construction of this law; aircraft fuel tanks.

Chapter 14-60, Florida Administrative Code (FAC), "Airport Licensing, Registration, & Airspace Protection" (PDF 152 KB) includes information on definitions; airport site approval and general licensing requirements; airport licenses; minimum airport standards; airspace protection and obstruction marking and lighting. FDOT Airport Site Approval Application (97 KB in PDF) FAA Form 7480-1 Notice of Landing Area Proposal (Applicable to Airport Sites – Only)