Vero Beach Regional Airport (VRB) has taken a significant step to enhance its capacity to receive international flights with the opening of a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) station.
The facility, which began operations in April 2025, streamlines the process for travelers arriving from abroad, eliminating the need for an intermediate stop at another airport with customs capabilities, such as Fort Pierce.
The new station, a $3.5 million project funded by fixed-base operator (FBO) Corporate Air, is designed to process passengers and crews from private and charter aircraft.
The Customs facilities are located next to Corporate Air’s headquarters (3450B Airport W. Drive), on the west side of the airport.
Prior to its opening, international flights bound for Vero Beach had to land first at an airport with customs facilities before continuing their journey. This detour represented a significant additional cost for travelers, estimated at around $4,000 per flight.
The new facility is expected to have a considerable economic impact on the region.
Local authorities and business leaders project up to a 30% increase in air traffic, which will translate into higher revenue from fuel sales, car rentals, and a boost for local hotels and restaurants.
Corporate Air, the airport’s fixed-base operator, funded the $3.5 million facility, which is expected to contribute to a 30% growth in the local economy, according to the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce.
The move positions Vero Beach as a more attractive and convenient destination for international tourism and business, particularly for air traffic coming from the Bahamas.
The customs station operates from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, and is located next to Corporate Air’s headquarters on the west side of the airport. This initiative represents a public-private partnership that, according to local officials, benefits the community at no cost to taxpayers.
