Space Florida

07/01/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/01/2024 05:02

Florida Expands Spaceport System with Two Newly Designated Territories

EXPLORATION PARK, Fla.-July 1, 2024-Space Florida released the following statement on the designation of Homestead Air Reserve Base and Tyndall Air Force Base as Florida spaceport territories. The quote should be attributed to Rob Long, president and CEO, Space Florida.

"Today marks a significant milestone for Florida's aerospace industry as we officially welcome Tyndall Air Force Base and Homestead Air Reserve Base into Florida's spaceport territories. This legislative change, effective July 1, 2024, reflects our commitment to establishing Florida as the premier global and interplanetary capital for aerospace commerce. Through investment into these strategic locations, we will continue to bolster the aerospace ecosystem across the entire state of Florida by bringing companies together and providing access to essential resources, shared knowledge, and innovative ideas. We are excited about the opportunities this designation will bring and look forward to the continued growth and success of Florida's aerospace sector."

Space Florida thanks Governor Ron DeSantis for signing Senate Bill 968 into law, as well as Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, who serves as the Chair of the Space Florida board of directors. Thank you to the bill sponsors: Senator Calatayud and Representative Griffitts; and co-sponsors: Senator Trumbull and Representatives Altman, Chambliss, Garcia, and Mooney. Their leadership is crucial to further establishing the state's space transportation network, providing optionality for future development, and enhancing the resiliency of the United States.

What is a spaceport territory?
A spaceport territory is an aerospace hub that creates an ecosystem for companies to be centralized in one area with access to resources, shared ideas, a talented workforce, premium locations, and capital. This designation enhances the use of the Space Florida toolkit, which includes the Florida Department of Transportation's Spaceport Improvement Program, unlocking the ability for companies to access funding from this program for development and infrastructure improvements.

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Media Contact:
Alayna Curry, APR
[email protected]

About Space Florida
Space Florida is where leading aerospace companies get everything they need to see their new ideas take off. As the state's aerospace finance and development authority, Space Florida brings a mix of unrivaled experience, unmatched financial tools, and unbeatable location to the table by providing critical business financing opportunities for the aerospace industry, managing infrastructure investment in the state's spaceport system, and facilitating research and development, workforce, education, and investment programs.