Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced new infrastructure projects that will take place in the central part of the state.
An expansion project in Florida will add 100 truck parking spaces and 17 miles of express lanes on Interstate 4. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced new infrastructure projects that will take place in the central part of the state. According to the information shared, the completion of the project has been expedited, with a new target date set for fall 2027.
The truck parking expansion project involves the creation of 100 additional truck parking spaces within Polk County, between the Polk Parkway interchange and I-4. Existing right-of-way land will be converted into parking areas, according to DeSantis.
Today in Polk County, I was pleased to announce progress on several major projects that will bring congestion relief to the I-4 Corridor in Central Florida, including new express lanes, truck parking, and Advanced Air Mobility infrastructure. Not only will these improvements… pic.twitter.com/jdX6cFlcTW
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 17, 2025
Polk project aims to increase truck parking availability in Florida
The decision to build additional parking spaces along the I-4 corridor stems from a longstanding shortage of truck parking in the area. Data shared by Transport Topics shows that the stretch between Orlando and Tampa sees an average of 18,000 trucks daily, yet it currently offers only 90 public truck parking spaces. The Polk project is intended to begin addressing this issue.
The project will involve a $500 million investment, funded through surplus general revenue from the State of Florida, according to DeSantis. In addition, the construction is expected to boost the local economy and create jobs, said Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jared Perdue.
In addition to the truck parking spaces, the FDOT plans to construct 17 miles of express lanes on I-4 in Hillsborough County. These new lanes aim to reduce congestion in the area by separating long-distance traffic from local traffic. According to FDOT, the project is now scheduled to begin in 2028, ten years earlier than originally planned.
DeSantis stated that through the “Moving Florida Forward” initiative, the state is making record investments in infrastructure, allowing many projects to be launched or completed in response to Florida’s growth and needs. The Polk project is part of this initiative, along with other ongoing efforts to create more than 1,400 truck parking spaces along the I-4 corridor, according to Perdue.
DeSantis: committed to supporting Florida’s trucking workforce
Another truck parking project on I-4 began construction in September, near Tampa Bay, in the northwest area of Polk County. This new facility, located on 49 acres of state-owned land, will provide 160 truck parking spaces. It is expected to open by next fall, about a year before the Polk project is completed.
Governor DeSantis has reaffirmed his commitment to expanding truck parking facilities across Florida, emphasizing that 75% of freight in the state is transported by truck. The FDOT’s Truck Parking Implementation Study: January 2023 revealed that Florida had 300 public truck parking areas, which account for only 30% of the total parking spaces available. The remaining 70% are provided by private facilities and truck rest areas. DeSantis aims to change these numbers through numerous upcoming projects.

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