Governor Ron DeSantis has been making waves on the international stage.
The Florida Republican is positioning his state for massive economic growth.
And Ron DeSantis just made one stunning move that sent Democrats scrambling.
DeSantis takes Florida’s business to the world stage
While Democrats in Washington, D.C. continue to fumble their way through another crisis, Governor Ron DeSantis is busy making Florida the envy of the nation.
The Florida Governor traveled to Paris for the International Paris Air Show where he signed two groundbreaking pieces of legislation that will cement Florida’s dominance in the aerospace and transportation industries.
DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1516 and Senate Bill 1662 at the Florida Activation Event, surrounded by international business leaders and aerospace executives who are eager to bring their investments to the Sunshine State.
"Florida continues to set the national standard for economic growth, workforce development, and innovation," DeSantis said. "With these bills, we are building on our state’s strong foundation to ensure that Florida remains at the forefront of aerospace and transportation advancement for decades to come."
The first bill, SB 1516, creates the International Aerospace Innovation Fund that will be administered by Space Florida.
This fund will drive global aerospace research, commercialization, and workforce development throughout the state.
The legislation fosters strategic partnerships between Florida-based aerospace companies, international businesses, research institutions, and space agencies.
Florida positions itself as the global aerospace capital
The second piece of legislation, SB 1662, enacts comprehensive reforms to strengthen Florida’s transportation infrastructure and workforce.
This bill creates the Florida Transportation Research Institute to provide a hub for Florida universities and aerospace industries to conduct high-value research and innovation.
The legislation also provides new funding mechanisms for projects involving spaceports and manufacturing, including infrastructure to support commercial space launch operations at any spaceport territory in Florida.
One of the most important provisions protects aerospace interests by preventing space-designated land at seaports from being repurposed for non-space activities.
With limited real estate around Cape Canaveral, this ensures Florida’s long-term competitiveness in the aerospace industry.
Florida currently hosts a significant portion of the nation’s space launches from its Cape Canaveral facilities.
The bill also establishes dedicated plans for Advanced Air Mobility, positioning Florida as a leader in next-generation aviation technologies.
It provides the Florida Department of Transportation the framework to invest in the construction of vertiports, beginning with the first facility at SunTrax to support Advanced Air Mobility research, testing, and deployment.
Major aerospace partnership announced in Paris
DeSantis didn’t stop with just signing legislation.
During the trade mission, Lockheed Martin and the University of Central Florida announced plans to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding to advance workforce development, research collaboration, and innovation in Florida.
The agreement will expand UCF’s College Work Experience Program, which currently supports approximately 650 students annually.
It will also significantly grow sponsored research efforts across multiple strategic areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced manufacturing, and hypersonic technologies.
The partnership will establish a tailored executive education program to meet Lockheed Martin’s evolving workforce needs and create new opportunities to jointly pursue research funding.
"The aerospace industry has long been a cornerstone of Florida’s economy and identity," Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd said. "I applaud the Governor for signing these bills ensuring Florida’s tradition of advancing the frontiers of flight and space exploration will continue."
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly praised DeSantis for showing "continued commitment to supporting innovation—like advance air mobility—investment, and workforce for these industries."
Democrats left scrambling as Florida soars ahead
While Democrat-controlled states continue to hemorrhage businesses and population, DeSantis is actively courting international investment and positioning Florida as the go-to destination for cutting-edge industries.
The contrast couldn’t be more stark.
Democrat states like California and New York are driving businesses away with crushing regulations, sky-high taxes, and woke policies that prioritize political correctness over economic growth.
Meanwhile, DeSantis is in Paris signing deals with international aerospace giants and creating thousands of high-paying jobs for Floridians.
Rob Long, President and CEO of Space Florida, thanked DeSantis for signing the legislation that will "deepen Space Florida’s reach" and allow the agency to "tap into aerospace market capabilities and create stronger alliances with key partners while ensuring that innovations are developed and commercialized in Florida."
Both pieces of legislation take effect on July 1, 2025.
This international trip demonstrates exactly why DeSantis has become one of the most effective governors in America.
While other politicians talk about economic development, DeSantis gets results.
Florida’s aerospace industry is booming, and these new laws will ensure the Sunshine State remains the undisputed leader in space exploration and advanced transportation technologies for decades to come.
DeSantis continues to prove that conservative leadership and business-friendly policies are the winning formula for economic prosperity.
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