New terminal opens at DeFuniak Springs Municipal Airport, signaling major economic growth and a bold vision for the region’s aviation future.

By Kerri Parker

On Friday morning, August 1, 2025,  a large crowd gathered for a moment years in the making as the City of DeFuniak Springs officially cut the ribbon on a brand-new terminal at its municipal airport.

Former Florida Senator George Gainer, Representative Shane Abbott, and a long list of state and local officials were on hand to celebrate the $8.4 million project, which marks a major phase in the airport’s long-term expansion plan.

In a prepared video message, U.S. Congressman Dr. Neal Dunn shared, “The DeFuniak Springs Airport Terminal project is a result of years of hard work, vision, and dedication. I can’t be prouder than to share this moment with you.” He noted the terminal’s role in linking DeFuniak Springs “to the rest of Florida and the entire country,” and said the facility would help “enhance connectivity and the quality of life for everyone in the community and their families.”

Over the past five years, the City has secured more than $25 million in aviation-related funding for the airport, including grants from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and allocations from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Additional support came from state appropriations, Walton County’s ARPA funds, the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, and a $4.2 million award from Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc.

Mayor Bob Campbell said the terminal has been “a priority for the city and a part of our CIP (Capital Improvement Plan) for several years.” He added, “Throughout the pandemic and an ever-changing economic climate, we have remained committed to this significant upgrade and modernization of our airport that we are confident will serve the city for years to come.”

The terminal is part of a broader vision that includes the widening and extension of the runway, new hangars, an access road, and a taxiway—improvements that are anticipated to bring nearly 500 jobs to the region over the next decade.

The DeFuniak Springs Municipal Airport (54J) is a city-owned, 343-acre public-use airfield and the only airport in Walton County. In addition to private and recreational aviation, 54J supports commercial and corporate functions and sits at the intersection of I-10, U.S. Highway 90, Route 331, and the CSX rail line. It also includes a 56-acre Florida First Site industrial park and is positioned to serve transitioning military personnel from nearby bases with aviation training and employment opportunities.

Councilman Todd Bierbaum described the airport as “a community airport that serves general and corporate aviation.” He added, “Our mission is to be the premier general aviation airport on the Emerald Coast and the gateway airport to the beaches of South Walton and one of the newest hubs in the state for advanced aviation-related growth.”

With the ribbon now cut, the new terminal stands as more than just a building. It’s a clear sign of where DeFuniak Springs is headed: forward.