Jul 31, 2023
10 min
Leonardo Helicopters will invest more than $65 million towards the construction of a 113,000 sq/ft facility in Milton, Florida for aftermarket support for Leonardo’s aircraft.
Explore Aerospace & Defense Companies in Florida
Decades of pioneering innovation, a top-ranked workforce and an infrastructure built for the future will drive your business to new heights. Home to global leaders like NASA, Boeing, Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace, SpaceX, HEICO, Blue Origin and hundreds of other aerospace and defense companies in Florida — the future of your business reach the skies and beyond from here.
Florida’s aerospace and defense industry is booming
2nd largest aerospace industry in the U.S.
3rd largest veteran population in the U.S.
3 space ports
2nd among U.S. states for space and defense systems manufacturing
21 major military installations
400 aerospace establishments
A State Synonymous with Space
One of the most military-friendly states in the nation, Florida's ready-made aerospace and defense workforce is perfectly suited for your company's next mission.
Global Leaders Take Flight from Florida
The Sunshine State is home to 400+ aerospace establishments. From companies specializing in aerospace engineering, machining, avionics and robotics to manufacturing operations and project management, Florida will help your company reach new heights.
Find the Right Location with the Right Talent in Florida
From Northwest Florida to the Space Coast to South Florida, our team can help you find the aerospace and defense location you need to succeed.
Building Space
Florida is No. 2 in the nation for aerospace products and parts manufacturing and is 2nd among U.S. states for space and defense systems manufacturing.
Skilled and Ready
Florida is home to the No. 3 largest veteran population in the U.S. - more than 1.5 million highly skilled potential employees.
Additional Resources
Florida Department of Transportation
The Florida Department of Transportation’s continuing mission is to provide a safe transportation system that ensures the mobility of people and goods, enhances economic prosperity, and preserves the quality of the state’s environment and communities.
WonderFL
The WonderFL campaign is a first-of-its-kind campaign to promote the state of Florida as an ideal location to live, work and play. It features statewide and regional websites promoting the unique work/life balance, employment opportunities and quality of life found in Florida. What will your life be in FL?
Space Florida
Florida’s aerospace economic development organization, committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses.
CareerSource Florida
Florida's statewide workforce policy and investment board, helping connect businesses with the talented workforce and certifications needed to succeed and grow. Florida is also home to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, which proudly offers the nation’s largest Aerospace Engineering program, adding to the state’s skilled workforce.
News Room
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May 31, 2023
15 min
After years of surveys and deliberations, the Space Force announced it would headquarter one of its major commands at Patrick Space Force Base in Florida.
Mar 23, 2023
10 min
The Boeing Company has provided Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a $5.1 million donation for a research center that will drive safety improvements throughout the industry.
Feb 27, 2023
10 min
ST Engineering marked a significant milestone in its continued growth and expansion in Pensacola with the official inauguration of a new aircraft maintenance hangar at the Pensacola International Airport.
Feb 17, 2023
10 min
Located in Northwest Florida are six aviation-focused military bases that employ more than 56,000 individuals. These military operations include aviation activities such as unmanned aerial systems, weapons testing, pilot training and aerospace systems research and development.
Apr 28, 2022
5 min
The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County (BDB) is pleased to announce the opening of Percepto, the leading autonomous inspection and monitoring solution provider, revolutionizing how industrial sites monitor and inspect their critical infrastructure and assets. The company, with roots in Israel, will occupy an 11,000 sq. ft. building located at 7201 Haverhill Business Parkway, Riviera Beach, FL, and estimates 100 new high wage jobs with several million dollars of capital investment planned. Introduced by Florida Power & Light Company’s Office of Economic Development (FPL), the Business Development Board helped Percepto with site location searches, permitting assistance, and local connections. Bill Reichel of Reichel Realty & Investments, Inc., who is a BDB member, handled the real estate transaction.
Feb 21, 2022
10 min
Dan Robinson, a soft-spoken native of northeast England, chats in a Miami Beach coffee house, his dog at his feet. Meanwhile in California, representatives of the U.S. Air Force test a video game-like technology his company is developing to answer America’s military pilot predicament. The nation is short of pilots — by about 2,000 for the Air Force in recent years. It misses the mark in readiness. Training is expensive. “Accelerate change or lose,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. said in 2020 directive to the service.
Dec 22, 2021
5 min
While SpaceX and United Launch Alliance have been sending rockets up at an increased pace the past several years, the Space Coast is about to get much busier with more commercial rocket companies set to join the launch party.
Dec 20, 2021
9 min
The world of space exploration has changed markedly since the heyday of the Space Shuttle, but one element remains unchanged: Florida’s commitment to remaining at the cutting edge of space innovation and investment.
Dec 14, 2021
7 min
Today, Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Space Florida, and NASA hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the new NASA Causeway Bridge, a $126 million project to build two high-level fixed bridges over the Indian River, providing a new gateway to Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. “Since taking office, our administration has prioritized investment in transportation infrastructure that will enhance access to Cape Canaveral and advance Florida’s position as a leader in space,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez.
Oct 16, 2021
10 min
Space Perspective, the world’s leading luxury spaceflight experience company, today announced that it has selected Florida’s Space Coast Spaceport in Titusville, Florida as the location for the company’s worldwide campus and manufacturing complex. Space Perspective will invest more than $38 million in new construction and high-value equipment and tooling, including the $9 million, 120,000 square foot manufacturing building slated to be fully operational within the next 24 months. The investment will also spur the creation of approximately 240 full-time permanent jobs by the end of 2026, with an annual average wage of $80,000, plus benefits.
Jul 01, 2021
7 min
The $210 million project will bring three additional hangars for ST Engineering's aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Pensacola. The project also will add administrative office space to two of the new hangars.
How Can We Help You Get Moving Today?
From Miami to Jacksonville and Orlando to Pensacola or any location in between— our team of experts can help launch your business’s move to Florida, connect you with partners, and put all the pieces together. Join the hundreds of other aerospace companies in Florida today.