Brightline Lists Florida Garage, Seeks $100 Million Debt

The passenger rail line linking South Florida and Orlando is scrambling to shore up liquidity as it faces mounting debt obligations, and it’s offering up some real estate to address the cash crunch.

Brightline is seeking approval from key lenders to raise $100 million in debt to fund day-to-day operations and potential legal costs, even as ridership and revenue show signs of improvement, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported.

The Miami-based operator also listed a seven-story parking garage next to its downtown Fort Lauderdale station for sale, asking $20 million. The 571-space garage at 300 Northwest Second Street is on the market with JLL. Brightline wants to lease it back for 25 years. A brochure pitches a bullish outlook, saying profitability is expected to significantly increase, despite the company’s financial strain and a recent ratings downgrade.

Fortress-owned Brightline, the nation’s only privately owned passenger railway, lost nearly $550 million in 2024. It’s also facing lawsuits, including wrongful death claims.

Over 180 people have been killed in accidents with Brightline trains since 2017, an investigation by the Miami Herald and WLRN found earlier this year. A $60 million lawsuit in federal court from a train conductor claims he suffered post-traumatic stress disorder from witnessing fatal crashes. The company has never been found at fault for the accidents.

Brightline did not respond to the outlet’s requests for comment.

The company is also facing legal challenges from the Florida East Coast Railway regarding expansion plans for Brightline’s Coastal Link regional commuter.

Besides that, S&P Global Ratings recently slashed Brightline’s debt deeper into junk territory, cutting the railroad’s $2.2 billion in senior secured debt to CCC from BB- and downgrading $1.1 billion in corporate notes issued by parent Brightline East. S&P said it expects a default by January 2027, citing discounted fares, slower-than-expected mode switching from cars to rail, and cash needs outpacing revenue growth.

Ridership rose 14 percent year-over-year in November to 280,136 passengers, with three all-time ridership days. Revenue on Miami-to-Orlando trips jumped 21 percent as average fares topped $80. Brightline added five new passenger cars and rolled out fixed peak and off-peak pricing for short-haul commuters.

— Rachel Stone