X

Transportation – Connecting is Easier Than Ever

Map showing Highlands County's proximity to other metro areas in Central FloridaFlorida has one of the most extensive multi-modal infrastructures in the world, and Highlands County is strategically located in the center of it all, nearly equidistant to Tampa, Orlando and Fort Myers.

 

The county is located within a 2-hour radius of seven deep water ports, 10 international/commercial airports, three major interstates, the Florida Turnpike, and 86 percent of the state’s population (17 million people). This ideal location makes the area primed to quickly receive, produce, and distribute goods and services regionally and globally.


Highlands County’s inland location provides ample room for growth and miles of uncongested routes outside of Florida’s metro areas. U.S. Highway 27 gives the county north/south access to the markets in South Florida as well as the rest of the United States.

Road

  • North/South Connection – U.S. Highway 27 connects directly with Interstate 4 to the north and the South Florida markets
  • East/West Connection – State roads 64, 98 and 70 link to Florida’s Turnpike and interstates I-95 & I-75

Rail

  • Railroads: CSX (mainline rail) and South Central Florida Express (short line rail)
  • Central Florida Intermodal Logistics Center, Winter Haven, FL - 60 miles

Sea Ports

  • Port of Tampa -- 99 miles
  • Port Manatee -- 88 miles (Post Panamax)
  • Port of St. Petersburg -- 105 miles
  • Port Canaveral -- 140 miles
  • Port of Fort Pierce -- 81 miles
  • Port of Palm Beach -- 102 miles
  • Port of Everglades -- 151 miles
  • Port of Miami -- 172 miles (Post Panamax)

Airports

Local Airports

  • Aerial view of Sebring AirportSebring Regional Airport features two asphalt runways and is capable of serving corporate aircraft as well as freight. A premier business destination, the Sebring Regional Airport is a 2,000-acre commerce park that offers competitive leasing options and unique advantages, such as a Foreign Trade Zone, Community Redevelopment Agency, Tax Increment Trust Fund, and more. Find out more at sebring-airport.com.
    • Runway 1-19 is 100 feet wide by 5,234 feet long. The runway is slated for an extension that will increase its length to 7,000 feet.
    • Runway14-32 is 100 feet wide and 4,990 feet long.
  • Avon Park Executive Airport
    Avon Park Executive Airport is located in Avon Park, FL, in the northwest corner of Highlands County. The airport has two runways and encompasses 321 acres of land. It is one half mile from U.S. Highway 27 on State Road 64, which provides direct connection to Florida's west coast.
    Runway 05-23 is 5,374 feet long and 100 feet wide
    Runway 10-28 is 3,844 feet long and 75 feet wide. 

 

Visit the Florida Department of Transportation for more details on Florida’s public airports at https://fdot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=324053528c0f49beaab365d0ef6796f8

International/Commercial Airports

Highlands County’s central location provides nearby access to 10 international airports with commercial air service, all within a 150-mile radius of the county.

  • Sarasota/Bradenton International -- 86 miles
  • Tampa International -- 106 miles
  • Orlando International -- 91 miles
  • Orlando/Sanford International -- 115 miles
  • Palm Beach International -- 112 miles
  • Miami International -- 150 miles
  • Southwest Florida International (Ft. Myers) -- 90 miles
  • St. Pete-Clearwater International -- 110 miles
  • Melbourne International -- 128 miles
  • Punta Gorda Airport -- 67 miles

 

Quickly Connect to Florida’s Major Metro Areas and Beyond:

Distance Between Highlands County, FL and:

  • Orlando -- 86 miles
  • Fort Myers -- 87 miles
  • Tampa -- 89
  • West Palm Beach -- 118 miles
  • Ocala -- 134 miles
  • Miami -- 162 miles
  • Gainesville -- 172 miles
  • Jacksonville -- 220 miles

 

Transportation Resources and Downloads:


OUR MISSION

Enhancing the quality of life in Highlands County by attracting a variety of new businesses and increasing industrial investment, all while facilitating the retention and successful expansion of existing businesses and industry.

Keep In Touch

Economic Development
Highlands County Board of County Commissioners
(E)
economicdevelopment@highlandsfl.gov
(P) 863.402.6924
(F) 863.402.6651