Winter Haven Regional Airport, Winter Haven, FL
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Winter Haven Regional Airport or Winter Haven’s Gilbert Airport(GIF, KGIF, FAA LID: GIF) is a non-towered, city-owned public airport 3 nautical miles NW of the central business district of Winter Haven in Polk County, Florida. It is also known as Gilbert Field and is linked via taxiway to the Jack Brown Seaplane Base (F57). The runways are as follows:
| Designation | Diminsions | Suraface | Condition |
| 5/23 | 5,005′ x 100′ | Asphalt | Fair |
| 11/29 | 4,001′ x 60′ | Asphalt | Good |
FBO & Services
The airport’s FBO services are administered by the airport director and provided by the Airport Division. They are open 7/7 and have Phillips 66 AVGas and Jet A, both full and self-service. They also have self-serve MOGAS. The after-hours call-out fee is $35.00, and overnight parking is $5.00 as of April 2026. This field has no commercial traffic, but it is an active training environment due to Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base.
Transportation
There is no courtesy car here, but 24Seven Taxi, Imperial Cab, or Amen Taxi will get you where you’re going. You can get a Hertz Rental Car at the FBO or call Carla Car Rental to compare prices and vehicles. Uber and Lyft also operate here.
Traveler’s Corner
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Where To Eat
The two closest restaurants are Jazzy’s Diner and Raise the Bar and Grill. Sometimes, smaller places don’t have enough ratings to make the recommended list, but the comments on both are good.
There is no restaurant at the airport, but the best ratings in town are Lucille’s American Cafe (American comfort food), only a couple of miles away, and Sauvage, an upscale casual spot with creative seasonal plates and a more intimate atmosphere.
Where To Stay Near Winter Haven Regional Airport
Prices and names change frequently. For current prices, amenities, and new owner rebrands, check Expedia.com or Hotels.com. All listed hotels are within a five-mile radius of GIF. Looking for a whole house? VRBO.com has properties here.
Closest to the airport: Holiday Inn Winter Haven and Hampton Inn Winter Haven
Unique Stays: Lake Ida Beach Resort-a Lakeside retro‑Florida cottage resort with kitchenettes. Additionally, if you brought kids, it doesn’t get any better than LEGOLAND Hotel.
Budget-friendly: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Winter Haven or Budget Inn Winter Haven. There are less expensive options, but the ratings are pretty poor.
If you are driving to SUN’n FUN and the camping areas fill up, there are a couple of campgrounds between Lakeland and Winter Haven that still might have space. Wilderness Shores (863) 899-5147 and Saddle Creek Campground (869) 413-2399. Have Fun!
Things To Do
Winter Haven offers aviation access, family attractions, and outdoor recreation all within a short drive of the airport.
Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo (Lakeland)
One of the world’s largest aviation events, held each spring just 20 minutes from GIF. GIF is a popular relief airport for pilots avoiding Lakeland congestion.
Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base (Adjoining GIF)
A legendary seaplane training center on Lake Jessie, directly beside the airport. Visitors can watch splash‑and‑go operations or book training.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort + Peppa Pig Theme Park (4.5 miles)
A major Central Florida attraction with a full theme park, water park, and two themed hotels. The Peppa Pig Theme Park sits next door — perfect for younger travelers.
Chain of Lakes Trail (Rail Trail)
A paved, nearly 5‑mile multi‑use trail running between Winter Haven and Lake Alfred. Ideal for walking, running, or biking.
Gallery
Sights in Winter Haven, Florida: Kayaks at Silver Lake, a vision in LEGOLAND, and part of the Chain of Lakes Trail.
Why Fly Here — Winter Haven (GIF)
Winter Haven Regional Airport sits in the center of one of Florida’s most active general aviation corridors. The field connects directly to Jack Brown’s Seaplane Base, a globally recognized training center where more than 28,000 pilots have earned their seaplane rating over the past six decades. It’s also a strategic alternative during the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo in nearby Lakeland — giving pilots a calm, well‑managed airport when they want to avoid the heavy traffic and airshow congestion at KLAL.
While my friend Amanda (who worked at the Lakeland airport) assures me that, although they do get slammed, they have never run out of room. If you don’t feel up to that for any reason or don’t want to deal with it, Winter Haven Regional Airport or Bartow Executive Airport is close by and offers some options.
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