Aviation / Aerospace
Florida’s Space Coast is known as the birthplace of space exploration, but the state’s aviation and aerospace industry has grown well beyond that component to include aircraft, missile and air defense manufacturing, aeronautical systems, MROs, flight training, and avionics installation and retrofit. Florida now has the second largest aviation and aerospace cluster in the nation.
Workforce
To ensure a continued pipeline of talent for employers, several universities in the state offer programs in various aspects of aviation and aerospace. Progressive degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering, flight-training, aviation/aerospace technology and management, as well as research centers for space transportation and space commercialization promote knowledge, discovery and innovation.
Business Climate
Florida’s strong business climate has been recognized by various publications and organizations, including ranking third on Chief Executive Magazine’s “Best States for Business” list. In addition, the state ranks as having the fifth best tax climate for business according to the 2012 report compiled by the Tax Foundation.
Infrastructure
Florida offers a comprehensive multi-modal transportation network that includes 14 deepwater seaports, 21 commercial airports, two spaceports, almost 3,000 miles of rail, and 18,000 highway miles to make moving product easy and efficient.