Florida’s Space Coast region has led to increased tourism in the state, increased job opportunities, especially in the high-tech manufacturing industry, higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and economic output for Florida. A large portion of this economic gain can be attributed to the partnership between Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) – jointly referred to as the Cape Canaveral Space Port.
Florida TaxWatch President and CEO, Jeff Kottkamp said, “As Florida’s Lieutenant Governor, I had the honor of serving as Chairman of the Board of Space Florida and have a unique perspective regarding the importance and impact of our space program. Kennedy Space Center is not just a launch center but also a center for innovation and discovery in the space industry.
“Working with our partners at NASA, the Air Force Space Command, and the private sector, Florida has become the world leader in commercial space launch. From 2010 to 2017, our state saw an influx of 49 new private projects with a capital investment of $1.68 billion, creating close to 8,700 new jobs in the Space Coast region. From 2018 to 2019, another 37 new space related companies created nearly 7,640 jobs in the region. In the same eight-year period, the city of Titusville – located across the river from the Space Port, experienced a tax base increase of $400 million.
“Florida’s legacy of success in aerospace demands ongoing capital investments to solidify our position as the world’s leader in the space industry.”
Looking ahead, Florida also plans to strengthen its position as a key player in the aerospace industry with the establishment of critical military and space operations within the state. The U.S. Space Force has established its permanent Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) headquarters at Patrick Space Force Base in Florida. This facility will house 350 personnel, including 69 officers, 49 enlisted members, and 132 civilians. These new projects yet again prove that Florida’s Space Coast is unmatched in its potential for the growing space economy.
NASA alone has an economic impact of $8.2 billion in economic output from its agencywide operations in Florida. It supports more than 35,000 jobs and brings in more than $286 million in state tax revenue.
As of April 2025, the first full-scale satellite launch from Amazon’s project Kuiper was successful. In October 2025, Space Coast hosted its 89th orbital launch of the year – on track to beat last year’s record of 90 launches. The opportunity for public and private infrastructure development in the space economy in Florida is constantly growing.
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About Florida TaxWatch As an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit government watchdog and taxpayer research institute, and the trusted “eyes and ears” of Florida taxpayers for more than 45 years, Florida TaxWatch (FTW) works to improve the productivity and accountability of Florida government. Its research recommends productivity enhancements and explains the statewide impact of fiscal and economic policies and practices on taxpayers and businesses. FTW is supported by its membership via voluntary, tax-deductible donations and private grants. Donations provide a solid, lasting foundation that has enabled FTW to bring about a more effective, responsive government that is more accountable to, and productive for, the taxpayers it has served since 1979. For more information, please visit www.floridataxwatch.org.
