Top 10 Airports for Private Jets in Florida

Whether it’s a private jet airport, or an airport with a stylish FBO – a “fixed-base operator,” which acts as a mini-terminal for private jet passengers – read on to see our list of the ten top private jet airports in Florida, USA.

Miami Executive Airport - TMB

Miami Executive Airport, formerly known as Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport, is a public airport south of Miami International Airport, which caters mainly to general aviation. As one of the busiest general aviation airports in Florida, it’s a well-oiled machine when it comes to discrete but personalised service; with a number of lounges, shops and eateries available. Private jet passengers have access to a number of FBO facilities, which offer VIP lounges, showers and concierge services.

• Year opened: 1968
• Distance from Miami: 13 miles
• Land area: 1,380 acres
• Number of FBOs: 0

Miami Opa Locka Airport - OPF

Miami Opa Locka Airport is located north of Miami proper and only 10 minutes from the Hard Rock Stadium, home to the Miami Dolphins NFL team, ideal if stopping in for a game. Aside from a selection of private jets, you’ll also find Miami coastguard aircraft in attendance as well as two small flying schools. Its selection of FBO’s offer private luxury lounges with catering, business facilities and other concierge facilities.

• Year opened: 1925
• Distance from Miami: 11 miles
• Land area: 1,880 acres
• Number of FBOs: 4

Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport - FXE

Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport is popular with those heading into the Fort Lauderdale area and wants to avoid the bustling main airport. The airport is also home to two rare species of animal native to Florida, the gopher tortoise and the Florida burrowing owl. With five FBO’s on site there is plenty of choice, and the range of luxury facilities available is extensive. Including, complimentary Wi-Fi and catering, luxury lounges, bars and cafes.

• Year opened: 1941
• Distance from Fort Lauderdale: 5 miles
• Land area: 1,050 acres
• Commercial destinations: 213
• Number of FBOs: 5

Palm Beach International Airport - PBI

Palm Beach International Airport is located in the West Palm Beach area and is just 20 miles from Boca Raton. It has been expanding and renovating over the past 10 years, turning it into one of the most pleasant airports in the area and offer three FBOs with a range of services. These include luxury lounges, direct apron access, catering and free Wi-Fi.

• Year opened: 1936
• Distance from Palm Beach: 3 miles
• Land area: 2,120 acres
• Commercial destinations: 55
• Number of FBOs: 3

Boca Raton Airport - BCT

Boca Raton Airport is located between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach and started life as an army airfield. In 2017 it will be gaining a customs facility allowing it the process passengers arriving on international flights also, expanding its use from a domestic and general aviation airport. There are two FBO’s on offer from Atlantic and Signature, both with luxurious lounges, complimentary Wi-Fi, showers, conference rooms and concierge services.

• Year opened: 1936
• Distance from downtown Boca Raton: 2 miles
• Land area: 212 acres
• Number of FBOs: 3

St Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport - PIE

St Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport is set in the heart of the Tampa Bay Area, just nine miles from St Petersburg, seven miles from Clearwater and 17 miles from Tampa. Because it is quieter than Tampa International, it’s ideal for those flying in by private jet and offers two FBOs, Signature and Sheltair, which has a range of amenities including lounges, Wi-Fi, catering and business facilities.

• Year opened: 1941
• Distance from Tampa: 17 miles
• Land area: 19,00 acres
• Commercial destinations: 80
• Number of FBOs: 2

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport - SRQ

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, often simply referred to as Sarasota Airport, can be found straddling Sarasota and Manatee counties, just three miles from Sarasota and six from Bradenton in Manatee County. It was briefly used for training fighter pilots during World War II but returned to civilian use soon afterwards. It has two FBOs, Retrix and Dolphin, both of which offer services such as lounges, dedicated concierge, catering and shower facilities.

• Year opened: 1945
• Distance from Sarasota: 3 miles
• Land area: 1,102 acres
• Commercial destinations: 1
• Number of FBOs: 2

Orlando Executive Airport - ORL

Orlando Executive Airport is located just outside Orlando and is often used by those looking to avoid using the busier Orlando International Airport. There’s also a F-4D Phantom II on display, which was the one flown by Colonel Joe Kittinger, Jr, who is also the namesake of the park at the southwest corner of the airport. The airport features two well-appointed FBOs to choose from: SheltAir Aviation and Atlantic Aviation.

• Year opened: 1928
• Distance from Orlando: 3 miles
• Land area: 1,055 acres
• Number of FBOs: 2

Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport - CRG

Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport, also known as JAXEX at Craig Airport, is ideal for quick access to the city, its beaches and the nearby Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Popular with those flying in on business, it offers two well-appointed FBOs with a range of luxury features. There is also a number of flight schools utilising the airport, so the range of aircraft is varied, offering great plane spotting opportunities.

• Year opened: 1946
• Distance from Jacksonville: 8 miles
• Land area: 1,342 acres
• Number of FBOs: 2

Key West International Airport - EYW

Key West International Airport is the most southerly airport in the USA, and is ideal for those looking to skip the queues at Miami International and head straight to the tip of the Florida Keys to begin their vacation immediately. As it has a relatively short runway, not all aircraft can land at Key West. Private jet passengers have access to the Signature FBO, which offers a luxury lounge, complimentary Wi-Fi, catering options and concierge services.

• Year opened: 1928
• Distance from Key West: 2 miles
• Land area: 334 acres
• Number of FBOs: 1