As a hub for more than 20 major military installations and three unified combatant commands, Florida boasts a robust military and defense industry. Major defense contractors from around the globe have a significant presence in the state. From aerospace and biometrics to cybersecurity, Florida's diverse expertise and skilled workforce – ranked fourth nationally in high-tech employment – make it a premier destination for defense companies.
Florida's military and defense industry is a cornerstone of its economy. The state boasts a vast network of military installations, including major bases like MacDill Air Force Base, Naval Station Mayport and Eglin Air Force Base. Florida's strategic location and supportive business environment make it a prime destination.
Florida's military installations serve as catalysts for innovation among defense businesses in the state. These installations provide a unique environment where defense contractors can collaborate with military personnel, access cutting-edge technology, and test and refine their products and services.
From Northwest Florida to the Space Coast to South Florida, our team can help you find the location you need to succeed.
As a top-five state for DOD contract awards, Florida's robust military presence and supportive business environment make it an ideal location for military and defense companies.
Florida is home to the No. 3 largest veteran population in the U.S. - more than 1.5 million highly skilled potential employees.
Military and Defense is one of Florida’s most significant industry clusters, accounting for over 860,000 direct and indirect jobs and an annual economic impact of $96.6 Billion. A 2023 DOD report noted that Florida is ranked fourth in the nation for defense spending.
This report documents the results of a state-by-state analysis of Department of Defense personnel, contractual, and grant spending during Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Veterans Florida is a non-profit created by the State of Florida to help military veterans transition to civilian life and to promote Florida’s status as the nation’s most veteran-friendly state. Veterans Florida provides powerful tools for veterans to take advantage of the benefits of living and working in the Sunshine State.
Florida Defense Contractors Association is a statewide, state-focused business development and education group for Florida defense and aerospace businesses of all sizes. FDCA organizes and hosts business events, and is a source for information on the defense industry in Florida.
Ontic, a leading global manufacturer of aerospace parts, is expanding into Florida with the opening of its eighth global site. Located in Miramar, this expansion comes as part of the strategic decision to create a global network of Ontic MRO Centers of Excellence. Ontic will create 88 jobs and make a capital investment of $10 million.
AURA AERO Inc., the French designer and manufacturer of next-generation aircraft, has announced its intent to build a 500,000-square-foot manufacturing and assembly plant in Volusia County. The facility will create more than 1,000 high-paying jobs in the area.
LIFT, a national advanced materials manufacturing innovation institute, has selected Pensacola to establish its latest technology accelerator and talent development showcase facility.
Patrick Space Force Base will serve as the permanent headquarters for the U.S. Space Force Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM).
AAR CORP., a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, broke ground on its new maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility in Miami.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.