Overview of
Space & Defense in Jacksonville
JAX is not a market positioning toward aerospace and defense. It is an operating ecosystem — built, scaled and active. We’re home to Cecil Spaceport, one of only nine FAA-licensed horizontal-launch commercial spaceports in the country, and with global industry leaders such as Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, one of the largest manufacturers in the Southeast, along with Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin and Embraer all operate in the Jacksonville region today.
1st
FAA-licensed horizontal-launch commercial spaceport on the East Coast
3
Major military installations
98M+
Consumers reached within a day’s drive
11% lower
Construction costs vs. U.S. average
Explore This Industry
1
Talent & Workforce
Within a 250-mile radius, more than 108,000+ college and university graduates are produced annually in programs supporting aerospace, manufacturing and technology.
What's Already Here
A strong aviation talent pipeline begins with the region's colleges and universities. Florida State College at Jacksonville, Jacksonville University and nearby Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University prepare students for careers in professional piloting, aviation maintenance, air traffic control, aviation management and aerospace engineering.
One of Florida's highest concentrations of veterans strengthens the region's workforce, bringing aviation experience, technical expertise, security clearances and operational discipline to aerospace and defense employers.
Pipeline Partners
University of North Florida
Jacksonville University
Florida State College at Jacksonville Aviation Center of Excellence
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
University of Florida (Downtown Jacksonville graduate campus)
Florida State University
University of Central Florida
Earn Up + Find Your JAX
JAXUSA’s workforce development and talent attraction programs designed to grow and retain the regional pipeline.
CareerSource Northeast Florida
Partners with life sciences employers to recruit, train and upskill talent through customized workforce solutions, hiring assistance and training grants.
2
Infrastructure
Cecil Spaceport
First FAA-licensed horizontal-launch commercial spaceport on the East Coast
- One of only nine licensed horizontal-launch spaceports in the country
- Four runways, including Florida's third-longest, at 12,500 feet
- Built for aerospace manufacturing, MRO and future launch operations
Cecil Commerce Center
Largest aviation industrial park in the Southeast
- 800-acre certified megasite, master-planned and multimodal
- 34 million square feet projected for buildout — manufacturing, distribution and warehousing
- $150M+ in public-private infrastructure investment
Military Alignment
NAS Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport and Blount Island Command
- One of Florida's highest concentrations of veterans
- Workforce brings security clearances, systems discipline and operational experience
Global Connectivity
Two deep-water ports
- Three Class I railroads
- Three major interstates (I-95, I-10, I-75)
- 7 airports, including an international airport and spaceport
- One of only 17 U.S. strategic seaports designated to move military cargo — and the only one in Florida
Recent Infrastructure Expansion
$13 million in state funding for new Cecil road infrastructure serving Boeing and future spaceport tenants
- $5.5 million state grant funded a 3-mile rail spur connecting Cecil to a dual freight rail line
3
Costs & Incentives
When you model a production facility, testing operation or MRO hub in Northeast Florida, the inputs hold up under scrutiny.
What the Market Offers
Construction costs 11% below the U.S. average
Industrial lease rate: $9.71 per square foot
Engineer salary advantage vs. legacy aerospace markets
Florida’s Tax Structure
No
personal state income tax
No
corporate franchise tax
No
inventory tax
6.0%
manufacturing equipment tax
5.5%
corporate income tax rate
5th
Florida ranked 5th best business tax climate in U.S.
(Tax Foundation, 2025)
4
Success Stories
Otto Aerospace
Aerospace & Defense Technologies
Announced in 2025, Jacksonville was selected as the future manufacturing hub for Otto Aerospace at Cecil Airport, where the company will develop and produce its next-generation Phantom 3500 ultra-efficient business jet. As part of the project, Otto Aerospace is relocating its global headquarters to Jacksonville, reinforcing the region’s growing strength in aerospace and advanced manufacturing. The project represents a transformational investment of up to $430 million and is expected to create 1,200 high-wage jobs in two phases. As of 2026, Otto Aerospace has advanced into early-stage site development and planning as the company moves toward production readiness and future flight testing at Cecil Airport.
“We are about to create one of the greatest aerospace companies that the history of aerospace has seen here in Jacksonville out at Cecil Field. We have a revolutionary aircraft that’s going to create wonderful jobs for the folks down on the shop floor all the way up to the engineers and the executives.”
Scott Drennan
Otto Aerospace CEO
More Companies Headquartered or Operating Here
Let's Talk
Ready to Experience the Jacksonville Region?
Our team can connect you with resources, community information and employer partners to help you evaluate the region for your business, career and family.
Confidential — your inquiry is protected
Fast response within 1 business day
Direct access to your dedicated project manager
Backed by real site data and market intelligence