Posted: June 07, 2024
In Florida, the aviation and military industry plays a vital role in the state's economy. Recently, Florida was ranked 4th in military defense spending in the nation. This ranking represents $30.2 Billion and 5.4% of the Department of Defense's total expenditures in the United States. Most of this spending contributes to the state's aviation and aerospace industry.
In 2013, Florida exported an average of $5.2 billion in aerospace and aviation products. Ten years later, Florida is now exporting $9.8 billion in 2023, making this field the state's number one export (International Trade Administration). The Northwest Florida region has nearly 500 aerospace and defense companies contributing to Florida's aerospace and aviation exports to countries such as Canada, Brazil, and Germany.
The growth in this industry continues to enhance the region's local communities and provides new employment opportunities for its residents. For many residents, aerospace education begins early and continues at local colleges, leading to employment opportunities for driven aviation students. As the annual 3,000 military members separate from Northwest Florida's six military installations, local aerospace corporations will receive funding to train these individuals. The talent pipeline from residents and veterans produces innovation and efficiencies in the regional aviation and defense industries, contributing to it becoming Florida's top exporting industry.
Florida’s Great Northwest is the regional economic development organization for the 13-county region of the Florida Panhandle. The organization's purpose is to promote Northwest Florida for economic growth and diversification, to advocate for economic development issues that affect the region, and to collaborate to improve regional competitiveness. Beyond our beaches, Northwest Florida offers business competitive, bottom-line advantages in workforce training, upgraded infrastructure, access to a host of defense assets, and a diverse base of industries that already call the region home.
