All Roads Lead to Orlando

Autonomous Vehicle Proving Ground

Orlando is a leading hub for autonomous vehicle (AV) innovation, serving as a global test bed and proving ground. As one of the first regions designated a national AV proving ground, it benefits from some of the nation’s most supportive AV legislation.

Orlando’s status as the nation’s top tourist destination provides the infrastructure and scalability for diverse testing scenarios. With strengths in simulation, aviation, defense, and space exploration—alongside specialized university research and a skilled talent pipeline—Orlando is the ideal location for developing and deploying autonomous technologies.

Connect with an Expert

Abigail Wagner

Associate Director, Economic Development

407.902.2442

Florida is one of the States With the Best Regulatory Environment for Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, 2025
Orlando is the Largest Rental Car Market in the World

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
16,000+ AV-Related Jobs

In Central Florida (7-County Region)
Lightcast (QCEW), Q1 2026 Data Set
Over 10,000 Miles of Fiber Optic Communications Infrastructure

Orlando MSA
GeoTel, 2025

Known for the companIes we keep

Featured Autonomous Vehicle Technology Companies

80 percent of workers in Orlando are employed outside of the leisure and hospitality industry. We’re a little more innovative than you might think.

Beep

Beep provides safe, clean, autonomous and AI-enabled transportation solutions.

Luminar Technologies

Luminar is a sensor and software company delivering LiDAR for autonomous vehicles.

OXA

Oxa builds software called Universal Autonomy™ that enables any vehicle to be self-driving, anywhere, at any time.

ProHawk

Headquartered in Lake Mary, ProHawk produces computer vision AI solutions for self-driving vehicles.

The Nation’s friendliest state For Autonomous Vehicle Legislation

Florida is one of the friendliest places in the world for AV legislation. Orlando’s hospitality roots extend beyond welcoming tourists from all over the world to new technologies and companies.

2011: Orlando began exploring AV technology with the connected vehicle-affiliated testing bed along I-4.
2012: The Florida Automated Vehicles program was established to lead the state in developing best safety practices and promote awareness for AVs and relevant technology.
2019: House Bill 311 was signed, removing barriers to AV advancement and establishing a statewide statutory framework.

Statewide, multiple bills clearing the way for all forms of AV testing have become law.

The Theme here is success

Training Tomorrow’s Workforce Today

Orlando universities, including the University of Central Florida, Full Sail University, and Florida Polytechnic University, offer specialized programs and certifications related to autonomous technology.

Florida Polytechnic University
This STEM degree based-university in Lakeland is home to the Advanced Mobility Institute, a leader in autonomous vehicle research.

Full Sail University
Full Sail’s bachelor’s degree in Simulation & Visualization equips students with vital programming and critical thinking skills for designing virtual systems.

Orange Technical College
The Modeling Simulation Production program prepares students for employment as technicians, programmers, and developers in the modeling & simulation industry.

UCF Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy (FIEA)
A graduate video game design school offering an accredited master’s degree in interactive entertainment.

UCF School of Modeling, Simulation, and Training
The UCF School of Modeling, Simulation, and Training is a global leader in Modeling and Simulation graduate education.

UCF The College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL)
CREOL is a world leader in education, research, and industrial partnership.

UCF College of Engineering & Computer Science
The UCF College of Engineering & Computer Science offers graduate degrees in robotics and autonomous systems in addition to a graduate certificate in smart community technologies.

UCF Connected and Autonomous Vehicle REsearch Lab (CAVREL)
CAVREL engages in research on connected and automated vehicles, transportation safety, and energy efficiency.

A Thriving Ecosystem

Industry Assets

Orlando’s established simulation technology industry cluster has grown due to supportive R&D and funding partners like the annual I/ITSEC conference and the National Center for Simulation.

http://www.suntraxfl.com/

SunTrax

A large, state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the research, development and testing of emerging transportation technologies in safe and controlled environments.

https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/dot1717

Kennedy Space Center

NASA Kennedy Space Center provides a controlled testing facility for AV that offers a contained environment with a vast roadway network and secure access.

https://www.fdot.gov/info/moreDOT/districts/dist5.shtm

Public Highways

Orlando has designated public highways, roadways and transit for autonomous vehicle testing.

https://www.cfxway.com/

Central Florida Expressway Authority

A privately owned highway network that includes Florida highways 408, 414, 417, 429, 451, 528, 429 and 453.

http://centralfloridaavpg.com/

Central Florida Automated Vehicle Partners

One of 10 nationwide designated proving ground pilot sites to encourage testing and information sharing around AV technologies.

Connect with a Subject Matter Expert

Get in touch with Abigail Wagner, Associate Director of Economic Development, for additional information including customized talent data and tailored space recommendations.

Call her today: 407.902.2442