Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $23.5 million in grants to strengthen Florida's defense workforce, military communities, and aerospace industry during a press conference in Jacksonville on August 31, 2026. The funding includes awards through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and the Florida Department of Transportation Spaceport Improvement Program. The state said the investments aim to expand infrastructure, training programs, and partnerships with defense contractors.
The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund will allocate $15.2 million to support workforce development initiatives, including training for high-demand defense and aerospace roles. Programs will target veterans, military spouses, and local residents seeking careers in manufacturing, engineering, and logistics. The money will also fund partnerships with community colleges and technical schools across the state.
Separately, the Spaceport Improvement Program will receive $8.3 million to upgrade infrastructure at Florida's spaceports, including improvements to launch pads, hangars, and transportation systems. The funding will prioritize projects at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and the Florida Space Coast's commercial spaceports, which have seen increased activity from private aerospace companies.
DeSantis emphasized the grants' role in maintaining Florida's leadership in aerospace and defense. 'These investments ensure our state remains a hub for innovation and employment,' he said. The governor highlighted the economic impact, noting the grants could create hundreds of jobs and attract new businesses to the region.
The awards follow a surge in aerospace activity in Brevard County, home to NASA's Kennedy Space Center and SpaceX's Launch Site 40. Local officials have lobbied for infrastructure upgrades to accommodate growing commercial spaceflight operations. The state said the grants will be distributed over the next two years, with projects expected to begin by early 2027.