Space Florida CEO shares vision for Florida’s expanding aerospace economy to Team Orlando leaders

By Cassidy Mills, Senior Staff Writer

June 24, 2026

Rob Long, president and chief executive officer of Space Florida, outlined the state’s expanding role in the aerospace industry during a presentation at the National Center for Simulation’s annual Former Team Orlando Commanders’ Luncheon on June 3.

Long shared how Space Florida, the state’s aerospace finance, development and spaceport authority, is helping attract investment, expand infrastructure and strengthen workforce development efforts across Florida.

Created in 2006, Space Florida was established with unique statutory authorities designed to provide flexible financing options and infrastructure access for aerospace companies looking to grow within the state.

“We are all about reducing the cost of capital and putting deals together that are going to last through strategic partnerships,” Long said. “Usually for every dollar of state involvement, we see between six and eight dollars of private capital coming in alongside those deals.”

Long noted Florida’s aerospace industry continues to benefit from an established ecosystem that includes transportation infrastructure, workforce talent and a business-friendly regulatory environment. He pointed to the state’s growing project pipeline and increasing levels of private-sector investment as indicators of continued growth.

“We have things that companies want,” Long said. “Capital access, infrastructure, workforce and a business-friendly environment. We have them here in Florida.”

The state’s workforce remains one of its greatest strengths. Long highlighted Florida’s universities and technical education programs, noting institutions such as the University of Central Florida continue to produce highly skilled graduates ready to enter aerospace and defense careers.

“We have more aerospace engineers than I actually have jobs for,” Long said. “That’s a good problem to have.”

Long said aerospace jobs in Florida average approximately $119,000 annually — nearly twice the state’s average wage — and generate a significant multiplier effect throughout the economy.

“Aerospace jobs create other jobs,” Long said. “When we think about return on investment, those are important factors for us to consider.”

Long also discussed Space Florida’s efforts to strengthen workforce development through initiatives that connect industry requirements with educational pathways. Programs such as the Spaceport Talent Development Program help students identify certifications and skills that align with aerospace career opportunities throughout the state.

On the infrastructure side, Long emphasized Florida’s continued leadership in commercial space operations and transportation. He noted launch activity at Cape Canaveral continues to reach record levels while companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin expand their operations and investments.

“Space is really becoming a transportation conversation,” Long said. “We’re moving from talking about launches to talking about how much cargo and capability we’re moving from Point A to Point B.”

Long explained Space Florida’s Spaceport Improvement Program helps fund projects that support launch operations, manufacturing facilities and transportation infrastructure throughout the state’s spaceport system. The program has helped attract private investment while positioning Florida to accommodate future growth in commercial space activity.

Looking ahead, Long said Space Florida is preparing for a future in which reusable launch systems, increased launch frequency and emerging space transportation capabilities significantly expand the industry’s economic impact.

He also highlighted opportunities for collaboration between Florida’s aerospace sector and the modeling, simulation and training community represented by Team Orlando.

As aerospace manufacturers scale production and operations, Long said workforce training, digital engineering and simulation technologies will play an increasingly important role in preparing the next generation of aerospace professionals.

Throughout his presentation, he emphasized Florida’s success depends on continued collaboration among government, industry, academia and military partners.

“When we do right by the aerospace companies that are here and help drive technology forward, we’re going to be in the right place,” Long said. “It’s about making sure Florida remains competitive and continues to lead in aerospace innovation.”