Florida signs vertiport funding into law. Dubai’s first vertiport nears completion.

Three signals this week:
One state converting legislation into infrastructure investment.
One market completing construction ahead of commercial launch.
And one state still trying to get its first AAM bill across the line.

SIGNAL · SCORE-RELEVANT

Florida backs vertiport infrastructure with state funding

Governor DeSantis signed legislation directing state resources toward vertiport development across Florida. This builds on the existing Advanced Air Mobility Act and adds infrastructure capital to what was already the strongest regulatory posture in the U.S.

Miami remains at 80 AIS (Advanced), constrained by the absence of an active pilot program. Orlando holds the same score. Florida is now the only state producing multi-market convergence at this level.

What it means: Florida is separating from other states not just on legislation but on infrastructure investment. This is the first clear example of legislation translating into deployable infrastructure at scale in the U.S. The gap between Florida and the next-closest state regulatory environment is widening.

SIGNAL · WATCH

Phoenix legislative momentum continues — cautiously

Arizona SB1457 (vertiport design and zoning) advanced through committee this week. Phoenix moved from 40 to 50 AIS on the back of this signal.

Context matters: two other Arizona AAM bills (SB1827 and SB1826) failed or were withdrawn earlier this session. The state has been generating legislative activity but not converting it into law. SB1457 is the last active bill this cycle.

What it means: Phoenix has operator presence (Joby) and a pilot program, but legislation remains the binding constraint. If SB1457 fails, Phoenix reverts back to a legislative deadlock scenario.

GLOBAL CONTEXT

Dubai’s first purpose-built commercial vertiport nears completion

The DXV vertiport in Dubai — a 3,100 sqm, 4-story facility with capacity for 170,000 passengers per year — is advancing through technical completion. Joby Aviation holds a 6-year exclusive air taxi agreement with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority. Joby completed its first UAE point-to-point piloted flight in November 2025 and is targeting commercial launch in 2026 (pre-commercial).

The UAE’s GCAA published a hybrid operations framework in July 2025 and accepts FAA type certificates directly — no separate certification required.

Why it matters: The highest-scoring U.S. market (LA/Dallas at 95) still lacks full weather infrastructure. Dubai has a near-completed vertiport, a signed operator, and a published regulatory framework. The U.S. is still evaluating where operations are viable. Dubai is already building for them.

If you’re evaluating a specific market or facility, happy to walk through what we’re seeing.

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