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Get the latest coverage of the 2024 Florida legislative session in Tallahassee from our coverage partners and WUSF.

Space Florida seeks more land and tax exemptions during the 2024 legislative session

The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket sits on Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) at Cape Canaveral at sunset for the United States Space Force's Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (SBIRS GEO 6) mission. Photo credit: United Launch Alliance
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket sits on Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) at Cape Canaveral at sunset for the United States Space Force's Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (SBIRS GEO 6) mission. Photo credit: United Launch Alliance

Jim Gregory, Dean of the College of Engineering at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, talks about Space Florida's top priorities for the 2024 legislative session.

Space Florida, the state agency responsible for developing Florida’s private space industry, recently released its top priorities for the ongoing legislative session.

Jim Gregory is the Dean of the College of Engineering at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
Daryl LaBello
/
ERAU
Jim Gregory is the Dean of the College of Engineering at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

Priorities for the 2024 legislative session

Leaders in Florida’s space industry are looking to expand aerospace infrastructure and make spaceport bonds tax exempt.

HB 577 and SB 968 seek to expand Florida's spaceport system territory to include Tyndall Air Force Base and Homestead Air Reserve Base.

CS/HM 143 and SB 370 seeks to add seaports as a qualified tax-exempt category of private activity bonds.

Jim Gregory, Dean of the College of Engineering at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, said Space Florida's expansion plans are an indication that the aerospace industry is on the rise in the Sunshine State.

He points to the record number of launches we saw in 2023.

"It's an extraordinary amount of launch activity. But launches are just one piece of the puzzle of the aerospace industry in Florida. Guidance and navigation systems are being made in Clearwater, for example. There's a whole host of aerospace companies in Orlando and throughout the state."

Investment in Florida's aerospace industry

As Florida continues to invest in the aerospace industry, Gregory said more high paying jobs will come to the region which will have trickle effects in our economy.

"That's money not just for the people who hold those jobs, but then they're spending and investing in their communities."

He said Space Florida recently got 15 aerospace related companies to move to Florida. "And that's led to the preservation or creation of over 5000 Really high paying high quality jobs."

Copyright 2024 WMFE. To see more, visit WMFE.

Talia Blake
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