Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has expressed his support for legalizing the new Tesla Roadster, an electric sports car developed by Elon Musk that can briefly lift off the ground using thrusters, in the state.
However, there's a hitch in his pledge: DeSantis is set to leave office in January 2027, while Tesla has slated the vehicle's production to begin in 2028, after his second term as governor has ended.
DeSantis Backs Flying Tesla in Florida
On October 16, DeSantis responded on X to a user inquiry about whether the new Roadster would be permitted in Florida. "We'll make sure it's legal. At the very least, it could be used to jump over golf carts in The Villages," the governor remarked, alluding to the well-known retirement community in central Florida, where such vehicles are common.
Elon Musk himself reacted to the governor's message with a fire emoji.
Following the sports car's reveal, Musk also highlighted its capabilities in another post: "Turns out the future does have flying cars."
The Limits of DeSantis' Pledge
DeSantis' promise faces significant political boundaries. His second term will conclude on January 5, 2027, and Florida's Constitution bars him from seeking a third consecutive term.
Consequently, when Tesla plans to start manufacturing the Roadster in 2028, a different governor will be in office in Florida. Any measures not enacted by DeSantis before he leaves will fall under the next administration's jurisdiction.
Moreover, DeSantis alone cannot assure the legality of all the Tesla car's features. Federal vehicle safety regulations remain in effect, regardless of state-level decisions.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stated that the Tesla vehicle does not meet its aircraft criteria, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reminded that the manufacturer must adhere to applicable federal automotive standards.
Elon Musk has acknowledged that the Roadster may not be legal in all jurisdictions.
Introducing the Ground-Lifting Tesla Roadster
The Roadster was unveiled on October 15 at SpaceX's rocket testing grounds in McGregor, Texas, during a demonstration featuring unusual maneuvers for a car.
The sports car ascended a multi-story ramp, drove inverted using a suction fan system, and executed an aerial spin with cold gas thrusters developed with SpaceX technology. These maneuvers were performed without a driver onboard.
The system utilizes high-pressure compressed air to generate bursts capable of briefly lifting the vehicle. However, it has not been proven to sustain extended flight or to function as a traditional air taxi.
Tesla has introduced three configurations: Performance, designed for road use; Thrust, with additional thrusters; and Rocket, the most extreme, available only by invitation and not approved for public roads.
Reservations have been announced at $50,000 for Performance and $250,000 for Thrust, although final pricing has yet to be disclosed by the company.
Production is scheduled for 2028, following numerous delays since the project's original announcement in 2017.
FAQs About the Flying Tesla Roadster in Florida
When is the Tesla Roadster expected to be produced?
Tesla plans to begin production of the Roadster in 2028.
Will the Tesla Roadster be legal in Florida?
Governor DeSantis has expressed support for its legalization, but the decision will ultimately depend on the administration in office when the car is ready for production.
What are the different configurations of the Tesla Roadster?
The Tesla Roadster will have three configurations: Performance, Thrust, and Rocket.