Brightline's Stuart station just hit a wall — and they're not backing down
FEC Railway blocked the proposed Stuart station over bridge rules. Brightline says the objections 'lack merit.' Here's what's actually happening.
The Brightline station planned for downtown Stuart just got a lot more complicated — and a lot more interesting.
Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) denied the request for a passenger station at 500 SE Flagler Ave in Stuart, arguing it would force the existing Stuart railroad bridge to violate U.S. Coast Guard regulations. The claim is that the FEC system would require the bridge to stay down while trains stop at the station, blocking boat traffic.
Brightline isn't having it. They say the objections 'lack merit' and that the proposed station will remain fully compliant with Coast Guard rules. They're committed to the project and working with Martin County to move forward.
On top of the FEC drama, federal funding is also in limbo. Martin County won't know if they're getting the grant money until June 2026, which pushes the earliest possible opening to January 2028. The total station cost is projected at $60 million.
Here's why this matters for the entire 772: a Brightline station in downtown Stuart would connect the Treasure Coast to Miami (1.5 hours) and Orlando (2 hours) by high-speed rail. That changes everything — commuting, tourism, property values, and how the rest of Florida sees us.
The proposed station sits on 2.35 acres in the heart of historic downtown Stuart, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and galleries, and minutes from Stuart's beaches. It's the perfect location if they can make it happen.
This one's going to play out over the next year. We'll keep you updated.