Since 2007, Space Florida has had a $5.9 billion economic impact on the state. It’s projected to continue with an impact of $1.1 billion annually over the next 5 years (as of 2022).
In Florida, there are eight spaceport territories per Florida statute:
1. Cape Canaveral Spaceport
2. Cecil Spaceport
3. Eglin Air Force Base
4. Cape San Blas
5. Space Coast Regional Airport and Spaceport
6. Patrick Space Force Base
7. Tyndall Air Force Base
8. Homestead Air Reserve Base
A spaceport territory is an aerospace hub that creates an ecosystem for companies to be centralized in one area with access to resources, shared knowledge and ideas, access to a talented workforce, premium locations, and capital. For more information, view out Spaceport Territory Page.
Space Florida's operations budget comes from the Florida’s General Revenue fund. Currently, Space Florida's operations budget is $17.5 million.
Space Florida is responsible for creating the aerospace ecosystem in the state of Florida. This is done primarily in two ways: 1) enhancing spaceport infrastructure to support the state’s quintamodal transportation system, and 2) leveraging third-party financing and deploying its unmatched financial tools—from conduit financing to synthetic leases—that unlock financial efficiencies for aerospace companies they need to see their new ideas take off in Florida. Space Florida does not give companies taxpayer backed incentive dollars.
Space Florida is NOT a state agency per Florida statute. Space Florida is the state’s aerospace finance and development authority. As a public corporation and a statewide special-purpose entity, Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida’s position as a global leader in aerospace commerce.
Space Florida was established by the Florida legislature on September 1, 2006. The Space Florida Act consolidated Florida’s three existing space entities (Florida Space Authority, Florida Space Research Institute, and Florida Aerospace Finance Corporation) into a single organization.
If you would like to request a tour of one of Space Florida’s facilities, please email communications@spaceflorida.gov.
Yes, Space Florida has several facilities that customers can lease, including the Launch and Landing Facility, reusable launch vehicle hangar, launch complexes and more. View all our facilities.
What was once a runway primarily used for government operations, the Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility (LLF) has become a gateway for aerospace innovation, exploration, research, manufacturing, and testing. Formerly known as the Shuttle Landing Facility, the LLF is one of the longest runways in the world at an impressive 15,000-feet long. Adjacent facilities are currently available for use by external customers and are operated and managed by Space Florida under a 30-year property agreement with NASA. The LLF provides a unique capability for new and expanding suborbital launch providers, unmanned aerial vehicle operators and other aerospace-related businesses.
To learn if Space Florida can partner with you, please take our business assessment test or contact our business development team at businessdev@spaceflorida.gov. Take our Business Assessment.
Space Florida works with aerospace companies. Aerospace is broadly defined in statute as “the technology and industry related to the design, manufacture, maintenance, repair, and operation of aircraft or any other device intended to be used or designed for flight or reentry, including rockets, missiles, spacecraft, satellites, space vehicles, space stations, space and aircraft facilities or components thereof, and related equipment, systems, facilities, simulators, programs, and activities, including, but not limited to, the application of aerospace and aviation technologies in air-based, land-based, space-based, and sea-based platforms for commercial, civil, and defense purposes.”
No, Space Florida is not an economic development agency and does not give out incentive dollars.
Supporting early-stage aerospace companies is essential to meeting the growing demand for commercial activities both in space and on Earth. Space Florida partners with the Florida Venture Forum, Florida’s largest statewide support organization for investors and entrepreneurs, to fuel early-stage aerospace companies. Read about our Capital Accelerator Program.
Space Florida does not provide incentive dollars. However, Space Florida partners with groups like the Florida Venture Forum and the Israel Innovation Authority to provide capital to early-stage companies on research and development projects. Learn more.
Space Florida can assist companies with tax benefits, as well as potential asset depreciation for federal income tax purposes. View our financial toolkit.
As an independent special district of the state, Space Florida has the authority to offer companies creative financial solutions through its Financial Toolkit, including conduit financing, synthetic leasing and other financial and tax efficiencies. View our financial toolkit.
Space Florida is where leading aerospace companies get everything they need to see their new ideas take off. All the aerospace communities want your business and say they can help. But it takes more than tax incentives, some quick cash, and a ribbon cutting to really get a new idea off the ground and ensure sustainable, long-term growth. In Florida, businesses can take their place in the new space economy, or any other aerospace market, with direct access to established infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and an environment built for innovation. And only Space Florida brings unrivaled experience, unmatched financial tools, and an unbeatable location to the table.
Building the workforce of tomorrow starts with inspiring our students. Space Florida is helping to drive education through the ongoing development of our “Space Academy” to be incorporated into K-12 classrooms to equip students with the education and pathway to obtain regionally in-demand credentials/skills. Work for Space Florida.
Space Florida is committed to building up the aerospace workforce to match the growing demand for skills in our state. We work with industry and community leaders to bring aerospace employers together with training providers and offer resources to K-12 and higher-level educational institutions. Work at Space Florida.
While the aerospace industry is growing rapidly in the state, Space Florida does not provide a specific list of aerospace companies. Candidates are encouraged to use traditional career placement platforms to find opportunities. Available roles with Space Florida can be found on our job bank. Work for Space Florida.
Events at the LLF are limited to current tenants. Please contact Kelly Dollarhide for additional information: kdollarhide@spaceflorida.gov.
To read the latest news about Space Florida, please visit our Media Room.
To request sponsorship from Space Florida for your event, please email communications@spaceflorida.gov.
To request a speaker from Space Florida at your event, please email communications@spaceflorida.gov.
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