State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity

06/17/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/17/2025 12:15

On Day Two in Paris, Governor Ron DeSantis Signed Legislation to Accelerate Aerospace Innovation and Florida’s Reputation as “The Aerospace State”

PARIS, France-On the second day in Paris, Governor DeSantis signed SB 1516 and SB 1662 at the Florida Activation Event to accelerate aerospace innovation, where both Florida and international companies, industry leaders and business executives were brought together to further explore future business development opportunities.

Governor DeSantis also continued to host meetings with several significant Florida aerospace, aviation, military and defense employers to discuss their long-term economic development vision as well reinforce the state's commitment to supporting these sectors and national defense.

"The Governor's leadership of Florida's delegates have shown statewide support for all facets-infrastructure, workforce, and finance-for industries like aerospace, aviation, military, defense, transportation, logistics and manufacturing, industries that drive both great employment opportunities for Floridians and the defense of our nation," said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. "With the signing of SB's 1516 and 1662, Governor DeSantis showed the continued commitment to supporting innovation-like advance air mobility-investment, and workforce for these industries. I want to thank the sponsors of these bills, Senators Wright and Collins, and Representatives Kendall, Abbott, and Bankson for their championing these thoughtful policies."

SB 1662 reinforces Florida's reputation as "The Aerospace State" by establishing a framework for Florida to lead in the integration of Advanced Air Mobility and by increasing investments in the state's spaceports to support continued industry growth.

In addition, SB 1662 provides for the coordination and development of the Florida Transportation Research Institute in partnership with Florida's colleges, universities, state agencies, and industry leaders. The legislation outlines the framework and mission for the institute and prohibits publicly owned airports from charging landing fees for flight training and pilot certification activities associated with collegiate aviation programs in Florida.

SB 1516 positions Florida as a launching pad for aerospace and aviation innovation by supporting startups and advancing research and financial investment in the sector. The bill creates the International Aerospace Innovation Fund (IAIF), administered by Space Florida, to accelerate global aerospace innovation by funding collaborative research and development projects, workforce development initiatives, and commercialization efforts.

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