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.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Florida
In 2020, Florida patented 5,513 inventions recorded by the USPTO. As a result, there has been a startup boom, with more than 50,000 monthly business applications since 2020.
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U.S. News has recognized Florida as a top-ranking state in economy, education, and job growth.
In recent months, U.S. News has recognized Florida as a top-ranking state in economy, education, and job growth. These achievements represent the growth and continued development occurring within the Sunshine State.
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U.S. News and World Report Ranks Florida #1 in Higher Education
Florida was recently ranked #1 in the country for Higher Education by the U.S. News and World Report. This ranking reflects the 74%, 4 Year College Graduation Rate, as well as the 62%, 2 Year College Graduation Rate.
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Florida Ranked 2nd Best State for Business
Florida was ranked #2 in a survey by Chief Executive to discover what states are the best for doing business.
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Northwest Florida Capitalizes on Aerospace Opportunities at Farnborough International Airshow
Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) led a local delegation to the Farnborough International Airshow in mid-July aiming to attract aerospace companies to consider Northwest Florida as a prime location for aviation business success. FGNW was a host sponsor of the SelectFlorida Pavilion and was surrounded by other major aerospace players in Florida, including two Pensacola-based companies, Paradigm Parachute & Defense and Viewpoint Systems.
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APPLICATION WINDOW NOW OPEN FOR CLASS III OF NORTHWEST FLORIDA’S REGIONAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Northwest, FL – Applications are now being accepted for Class III of Leadership Northwest Florida, a regional collaboration program offered by Florida’s Great Northwest Foundation.
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FloridaCommerce Secretary Explores Regional Opportunities on Familiarization Tour Hosted by Florida's Great Northwest
Economic Development Project Wins and Industrial Site Readiness were the Focus of the Tour
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Florida was ranked 4th in High Tech Employment
Florida was ranked 4th in High Tech Employment by CompTIA research.
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REGIONAL COLLABORATION PROGRAM CELEBRATES ITS SECOND CLASS OF GRADUATES
At a closing retreat and graduation ceremony on May 17, 2024, Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) Foundation honored its new graduates from Leadership Northwest Florida, a regional collaboration program focused on community, content, and connection.
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