A proposed Brightline rail station in Cocoa is closer to reality after the U.S. Department of Transportation approved a $55.5 million grant, according to announcement Wednesday from U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos.
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The funds are part of the DOT’s Federal Railroad Administration’s National Railroad Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program and will provide more than the expected $80 million price tag for the Brevard County stop along the high-speed rail that runs from Miami to Orlando.
The Cocoa Multimodal station would be where the train track switches from an east-west path along State Road 528 to its north-south path along the Florida East Coast Railway tracks. It would be located near Clear Lake Road and U.S. 1.
“Brightline already connects Orlando to South Florida, and now we are one major step closer to bringing that connection directly to the Space Coast,” said Rep. Haridopolos in a press release. “This $57.48 million investment will make the Cocoa station a reality, giving residents and visitors another way to travel across our state while supporting the continued growth of Brevard County.”
The station would be within striking distance of Port Canaveral and its growing cruise industry as well as giving access to attractions such as Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
The company announced its intentions back in 2024 to build a stop in Cocoa, but a completion date is not expected until 2030.
Patrick Goddard, CEO of Brightline Trains Florida, called it a “monumental step forward for Florida’s transportation infrastructure.
“From the moment we launched our Orlando expansion, the Space Coast has been an important part of our vision,” he said. “This grant is a testament to the power of public-private collaboration, and we look forward to building, operating, and welcoming passengers to a world-class station that connects Brevard County to the rest of the state.”
The company, though, is navigating financial straits at the moment with an estimated $5.5 billion in debt. It’s in the midst of negotiations attempting to restructure that debt.
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Adding a stop in northern Brevard, though, could mirror roles the train has in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, especially as an alternative to driving into Port Canaveral.
“This is a transformational moment for the City of Cocoa and the entire Space Coast,” said Cocoa Mayor Michael C. Blake in the release.
“This station in Cocoa will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, increased tourism, and expanded transportation options for residents and visitors alike,” Blake said. “The Space Coast will no longer be a pass-through for passenger rail. This is an investment in our community’s future and a milestone that will benefit generations to come.”
Brightline also has stops in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Aventura. A stop in Stuart to support the Treasure Coast has also been proposed, but is facing deadline pressures. An extension beyond Orlando to Tampa has also been part of Brightline’s expansion plans.
The grant is tied to construction of the new passenger station along with parking and amenities and add about 4 miles of track and other rail improvement to support “safe and efficient passenger service.”
The funds are tied to partnership funds from the City of Cocoa and Brightline to construct the station, which would be run by Brightline once it is complete.
Other organizations that have promised funds to see the station complete include the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization and the Brevard County Tourism Development Council.
“Advancing the Cocoa Station into final design and construction is a significant milestone that positions our community for long-term economic growth, expanded mobility, and enhanced regional connectivity,” said Cocoa City Manager Stockton Whitten. “We are proud to help bring this transformative project one step closer to reality.”
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