Florida is one of the most visited states in the U.S., with millions of travelers heading to theme parks, beaches, and retirement communities each year. But airfare costs can vary wildly depending on which airport you choose. The cheapest option isn’t always the closest or most obvious — it depends on competition, budget airline presence, and your departure city. This guide organizes Florida’s airports into tiers, helping you identify where the best deals are most consistently found.
Top 50 Cheapest Airports In Florida
1. Orlando International Airport (MCO)
MCO is Florida’s busiest airport and consistently the cheapest due to massive airline competition. It serves nearly every major carrier, plus budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Southwest. Its central location makes it ideal for theme park visitors, and high passenger volume drives down fares. With extensive domestic and international routes, MCO offers flexibility and affordability. Travelers benefit from modern facilities, multiple terminals, and easy access to Orlando attractions, making it the state’s most reliable bargain gateway.
2. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
FLL is a major hub for Spirit Airlines and a focus city for JetBlue and Southwest, creating fierce competition and low fares. Located near Miami, it often undercuts Miami International on price. The airport offers extensive domestic and Caribbean routes, plus growing international service. Its proximity to cruise ports makes it popular with vacationers. Budget airlines dominate here, making FLL one of Florida’s most consistently affordable airports for travelers seeking cheap flights to South Florida.
3. Tampa International Airport (TPA)
TPA is a well-connected airport serving Florida’s Gulf Coast. Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier drive competitive pricing, while legacy carriers provide extensive options. Known for its efficient design and passenger-friendly amenities, Tampa International consistently ranks high in customer satisfaction. Its location makes it ideal for travelers heading to Tampa Bay, Clearwater, or St. Petersburg. With strong airline competition and convenient access to popular destinations, TPA is a reliable choice for affordable flights into West Central Florida.
4. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
RSW serves Fort Myers and the surrounding Gulf Coast, including Naples and Cape Coral. It’s a key vacation destination airport, with strong service from budget carriers like Spirit and Frontier. Seasonal demand is high, but competition keeps fares reasonable. The airport is modern and easy to navigate, offering convenient access to Southwest Florida’s beaches and resorts. For travelers seeking affordability combined with proximity to vacation hotspots, RSW is one of the best options in the region.
5. Miami International Airport (MIA)
MIA is Florida’s largest international hub, serving Latin America, Europe, and beyond. While fares can be higher due to demand, competition from nearby Fort Lauderdale often forces prices down. Spirit, Frontier, and American Airlines all operate heavily here, creating opportunities for deals. Miami International offers extensive global connectivity, modern facilities, and proximity to downtown Miami and the beaches. For international travelers, MIA can be surprisingly affordable when booked strategically, especially compared to smaller regional airports.
6. Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
PBI serves West Palm Beach and the southeastern coast, offering a quieter alternative to Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Spirit Airlines maintains a strong presence, keeping fares competitive. The airport is smaller and easier to navigate, with shorter lines and convenient access to Palm Beach County. While not as large as MIA or FLL, PBI often provides affordable fares, especially for travelers seeking budget-friendly flights into South Florida without the congestion of the bigger hubs.
7. Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
JAX is the primary airport for North Florida, serving Jacksonville and surrounding areas. It offers competitive fares thanks to service from Southwest, JetBlue, and American Airlines. While smaller than Orlando or Miami, JAX provides convenient access to the region and often features affordable flights, particularly for domestic routes. The airport is easy to navigate, with modern facilities and a reputation for efficiency. For travelers heading to North Florida or southern Georgia, JAX is a cost-effective choice.
8. Sanford Orlando International Airport (SFB)
SFB is a major base for Allegiant Air, specializing in ultra-low-cost flights from smaller U.S. cities. Located north of Orlando, it’s an alternative to MCO for budget-conscious travelers. While routes are limited, fares are often among the cheapest in Florida. The airport is smaller and less crowded, offering a streamlined experience. For travelers whose hometowns align with Allegiant’s network, SFB can be the most affordable way to reach Central Florida and the Orlando area.
9. St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
PIE is another Allegiant Air stronghold, serving the Tampa Bay area with ultra-low-cost flights. It’s smaller and less congested than nearby Tampa International, making it attractive for budget travelers. Allegiant’s focus on secondary markets means fares are often significantly cheaper than competitors. The airport provides convenient access to Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Gulf Coast beaches. While limited in airline diversity, PIE consistently delivers affordability and convenience for travelers seeking low-cost flights into West Central Florida.
10. Punta Gorda Airport (PGD)
PGD is a small airport near Fort Myers and Sarasota, almost exclusively served by Allegiant Air. Its ultra-low-cost model makes it one of Florida’s cheapest entry points, though routes are limited to select U.S. cities. The airport is easy to navigate, with minimal crowds and quick access to Gulf Coast destinations. While not ideal for international travel, PGD is a hidden gem for budget-conscious domestic travelers seeking affordable access to Southwest Florida’s beaches and communities.
Top 50 Cheapest Airports in Florida
| # | Airport | Code | Type | 15-Word Travel Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Orlando International Airport | MCO | Major Hub | Florida’s cheapest, busiest airport with nonstop budget flights from all major airlines. |
| 2 | Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport | FLL | Major Hub | Spirit’s main hub offering ultra-low fares and nonstop Caribbean routes. |
| 3 | Tampa International Airport | TPA | Major Hub | Excellent deals from Southwest, Frontier, and Spirit with modern facilities. |
| 4 | Southwest Florida International Airport | RSW | Major Hub | Popular vacation airport with frequent low-cost flights to Fort Myers region. |
| 5 | Miami International Airport | MIA | Major Hub | Competitive fares due to heavy airline presence and nearby FLL rivalry. |
| 6 | Palm Beach International Airport | PBI | Secondary | Smaller crowds, frequent Spirit sales, and affordable flights to southeast Florida. |
| 7 | Jacksonville International Airport | JAX | Secondary | Budget-friendly gateway to North Florida with strong Southwest and Delta competition. |
| 8 | Sanford Orlando International Airport | SFB | Secondary | Allegiant Air base offering ultra-cheap fares to Orlando’s attractions. |
| 9 | St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport | PIE | Secondary | Allegiant hub providing low fares to Tampa Bay and Midwest cities. |
| 10 | Punta Gorda Airport | PGD | Secondary | Allegiant-only airport known for rock-bottom fares to Gulf Coast destinations. |
| 11 | Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport | VPS | Regional | Affordable flights to the Emerald Coast from Allegiant and major carriers. |
| 12 | Sarasota Bradenton International Airport | SRQ | Regional | Breeze and Spirit routes drive low fares for Gulf Coast travelers. |
| 13 | Key West International Airport | EYW | Regional | Occasionally cheap flights during promotions from American and Silver Airways. |
| 14 | Melbourne Orlando International Airport | MLB | Regional | Budget alternative to MCO serving Florida’s Space Coast with low-cost carriers. |
| 15 | Daytona Beach International Airport | DAB | Regional | Small, easy airport with occasional Delta and JetBlue fare sales. |
| 16 | Gainesville Regional Airport | GNV | Regional | Limited flights but occasional bargains from Delta and American. |
| 17 | Tallahassee International Airport | TLH | Regional | State capital’s airport with occasional deals via competition between major carriers. |
| 18 | Naples Municipal Airport | APF | Regional | Silver Airways sometimes offers affordable flights to South Florida’s luxury coast. |
| 19 | Orlando Melbourne International Airport | MLB | Regional | Another low-cost gateway to Orlando with fewer crowds and shorter lines. |
| 20 | Leesburg International Airport | LEE | Regional | Small general aviation airport occasionally offering charter or budget flights. |
| 21 | Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport | ECP | Regional | Serves Panama City Beach; growing Southwest and Spirit presence keeps fares low. |
| 22 | Vero Beach Regional Airport | VRB | Regional | Small airport occasionally featuring low-cost carrier promotions for Treasure Coast. |
| 23 | Orlando Executive Airport | ORL | GA | Convenient private and charter flight hub minutes from downtown Orlando. |
| 24 | Kissimmee Gateway Airport | ISM | GA | Near Disney; intermittent Avelo service offers occasional cheap flight options. |
| 25 | Lakeland Linder International Airport | LAL | GA | New Avelo routes make this mid-Florida airport surprisingly affordable. |
| 26 | Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport | FXE | GA | Serves private and charter flights near FLL with budget charter options. |
| 27 | Opa-locka Executive Airport | OPF | GA | Miami-area charter hub with occasional low-cost private flights. |
| 28 | Witham Field | SUA | GA | Stuart-based regional airport offering private and business flights. |
| 29 | Boca Raton Airport | BCT | GA | Business jet hub sometimes offering affordable charter rates. |
| 30 | Clearwater Air Park | CLW | GA | Close to beaches; small airport occasionally used for private air deals. |
| 31 | Deland Municipal Airport | DED | GA | Small airport known for skydiving and private flight training deals. |
| 32 | Flagler County Airport | XFL | GA | Serves Palm Coast with private and budget general aviation flights. |
| 33 | Fort Myers Page Field | FMY | GA | General aviation airport offering budget-friendly small-plane services. |
| 34 | Herlong Recreational Airport | HEG | GA | Jacksonville’s smaller airfield for charters and training flights. |
| 35 | Immokalee Regional Airport | IMM | GA | Southwest Florida regional airport for budget charter operations. |
| 36 | Jacksonville Executive Airport | CRG | GA | Serves private charters with competitive regional flight options. |
| 37 | Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport | TMB | GA | Miami’s secondary executive airport offering small charter and training flights. |
| 38 | Marco Island Airport | MKY | GA | Convenient private flight hub for the Naples–Marco Island area. |
| 39 | Miami Executive Airport | TMB | GA | Major general aviation hub with occasional low-cost private flights. |
| 40 | Naples Airport | APF | GA | Offers charter flights and limited commercial service at moderate cost. |
| 41 | New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport | EVB | GA | Serves Volusia County; private and charter flight hub. |
| 42 | Northeast Florida Regional Airport | SGJ | Regional | Serves St. Augustine with limited commercial flights from Elite Airways. |
| 43 | Okeechobee County Airport | OBE | GA | Rural general aviation airport with inexpensive flight options. |
| 44 | Page Field | FMY | GA | Affordable private flight alternative near Fort Myers. |
| 45 | Pompano Beach Airpark | PMP | GA | Charter-friendly airport for Broward County with flight school activity. |
| 46 | Sebastian Municipal Airport | X26 | GA | Treasure Coast general aviation field with low-cost flight training. |
| 47 | Space Coast Regional Airport | TIX | Regional | Titusville airport serving budget travelers to Kennedy Space Center area. |
| 48 | Treasure Coast International Airport | FPR | Regional | Serves Fort Pierce with general aviation and charter services. |
| 49 | Whitted Airport | SPG | GA | Downtown St. Petersburg airport offering charter and scenic flight options. |
| 50 | Williston Municipal Airport | X60 | GA | North Central Florida airport for small private aircraft and charters. |
Closing:
Finding the cheapest airport in Florida isn’t about memorizing a list — it’s about knowing how to use it. Start with the major hubs like Orlando (MCO) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL), then check secondary airports such as Sanford (SFB) or St. Pete-Clearwater (PIE) for hidden bargains. Always factor in baggage fees, rental cars, and drive time to your final destination. By combining flexible search tools with this tiered airport strategy, you’ll unlock the most affordable way to reach the Sunshine State.