ICYMI: On Second Day of Trade Mission, Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Aerospace and Transportation Legislation to Strengthen Florida’s Industry

PARIS, France— Today, at the Florida Activation Event in Paris, Governor Ron DeSantis signed two key pieces of legislation that will further solidify Florida’s position as a global leader in aerospace, transportation, and advanced mobility innovation. The Governor signed Senate Bill 1516, establishing the International Aerospace Innovation Fund, and Senate Bill 1662, which enacts comprehensive reforms to strengthen Florida’s transportation infrastructure and workforce.

 “Florida continues to set the national standard for economic growth, workforce development, and innovation,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “With these bills, we are building on our state’s strong foundation to ensure that Florida remains at the forefront of aerospace and transportation advancement for decades to come.”

SB 1516 creates the International Aerospace Innovation Fund, administered by Space Florida, to drive global aerospace research, commercialization, and workforce development in the state. The fund will foster strategic partnerships between Florida-based aerospace companies, international businesses, research institutions, and space agencies, positioning Florida to attract new projects, companies, and high-wage jobs. Through a combination of private investment, international collaboration, and state support, the legislation ensures Florida’s continued leadership in the global space economy.

The Governor also signed SB 1662, which enacts wide-ranging updates across Florida’s transportation, seaport, airport, and logistics sectors to meet the demands of Florida’s rapidly growing economy and population. Key provisions include:

• Establishing the Florida Transportation Research Institute to provide an epicenter for Florida universities and aerospace industries to conduct high value research and innovation.
• Providing new funding mechanisms for projects involving spaceports and manufacturing, including infrastructure to support commercial space launch operations at any Spaceport territory in Florida.
• Protecting aerospace interests by preventing space-designated land at seaports from being repurposed for non-space activities. With limited real estate around Cape Canaveral, this ensures Florida’s long-term competitiveness in this industry, given that 60% of all global space launches currently launch from Florida.
• Establishing dedicated plans for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)—positioning Florida as a leader in next-generation aviation technologies.

• Providing FDOT the framework to invest in the construction of vertiports, beginning with the first facility at SunTrax to support AAM research, testing and deployment.

“By signing this bill today, Governor DeSantis showed his continued support of investing in transportation and solidified Florida’s commitment to propel innovation, enhance safety, and increase efficiency to best serve Florida communities,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “FDOT is especially proud of this legislation and looks forward to turning bold ideas into action that maintains Florida’s position as a world-class transportation leader.”

“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.”

“The aerospace industry has long been a cornerstone of Florida’s economy and identity,” said Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd.  “I applaud the Governor for signing these bills ensuring Florida’s tradition of advancing the frontiers of flight and space exploration will continue.”

“Thank you to Governor Ron DeSantis for signing this important legislation that will deepen Space Florida’s reach. By expanding capital investment efforts internationally, Space Florida can tap into aerospace market capabilities and create stronger alliances with key partners while ensuring that innovations are developed and commercialized in Florida. Thank you to Senator Tom Wright and Representative Kim Kendall for sponsoring this legislation,” said Rob Long, President and CEO, Space Florida.

Also during the trip, Lockheed Martin and the University of Central Florida (UCF) announced plans to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding, establishing a partnership to advance workforce development, research collaboration, and innovation in Florida.

The agreement will expand UCF’s highly successful College Work Experience Program, which currently supports more than 700 interns annually; significantly grow sponsored research efforts across multiple strategic areas such as AI, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and hypersonic technologies; establish a tailored executive education program to meet Lockheed Martin’s evolving workforce needs; and create new opportunities to jointly pursue research funding.

With the signing of SB 1516 and SB 1662, Florida continues to position itself as a premier destination for global investment, advanced manufacturing, aerospace innovation, and transportation development.

Read more about today's announcement here.