Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

The Orlando Sanford Airport began its history prior to the 1940’s as an 865-acre airport equipped with two runways. On June 11, 1942, the City of Sanford deeded the Airport to the U.S. Navy and the Airport became a Naval Air Station. The Navy acquired an additional 615 acres of land for the station and immediately began construction of its facilities. The majority of these facilities are still present at the Airport today, some of which currently serve as storage hangars. In 1943, active flight operations began at the Naval Air Station; the station served as a fighter and dive-bomber training base. After World War II, in 1946, the Naval Air Station’s job was completed and the station was decommissioned. The City of Sanford reacquired the land and the facility was named the Sanford Airport. As the Sanford Airport, the Airport accommodated several tenants on the field. Between 1946 and 1950, these tenants included the New York Giants American Baseball Training Camp, a retirement home, a hospital, and a clothing company.

In 1970, the City Department of Aviation replaced the commission, and all administrative and operational control was taken over by the City. In 1971, the City of Sanford, by legislative act, created the Sanford Airport Authority, a dependent special district. Since 1971, the Sanford Airport Authority has been responsible for the operation, maintenance, and development of the Airport and the Airport’s facilities. Initially, the Airport Authority consisted of seven people who were each appointed to serve a four-year term. Today, the Authority is comprised of nine members appointed by the Sanford City Commission. The Authority elects its own chairman, vice chairman, secretary, and treasurer. The Authority also employs a President, Executive Vice President, Vice President-Aviation Marketing, Vice President-Operations and Maintenance, Vice President-Finance and Vice President-Administration, as well as 34 full-time employees.