Florida House Panel Approves Tax Breaks for Aerospace Companies

The measure aims to keep Florida's aerospace industry competitive with other states.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Florida House Ways & Means Committee has approved a bill that would provide property tax and sales tax exemptions for private companies working on space programs hired by Space Florida, the state's space project development agency. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Tyler Sirois, says the measure is designed to keep Florida's aerospace industry competitive with other states like California, Texas, and Alabama that are actively courting the industry.

Why it matters

Florida has historically been a leader in the aerospace industry, but faces increasing competition from other states trying to attract aerospace companies and projects. This tax incentive bill is an effort to maintain Florida's edge in this lucrative and technologically advanced industry.

The details

The bill (HB 1177) would provide tax breaks for companies working on space programs hired by Space Florida. Rep. Sirois says the measure is aimed at keeping Florida competitive, as the industry is expanding beyond just the Cape Canaveral area to places like Cecil Spaceport in Jacksonville and Cape San Blas in the Panhandle. However, Rep. Anna Eskamani expressed concerns about giving tax breaks to private companies working on public projects, citing legal challenges to such incentives.

  • In 2025, Space Florida oversaw a record 109 launches from Sunshine State facilities.
  • In January 2026, Space Florida officials projected the launch figure would likely be eclipsed this year.

The players

Tyler Sirois

A Republican state representative from Merritt Island who sponsored the tax break bill.

Anna Eskamani

A Democratic state representative from Orlando who was the only committee member to vote against the tax break measure.

Space Florida

The state's space project development agency that oversees aerospace activity in Florida.

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What they’re saying

“We need to move forward in a way that keeps up with the industry and we need to be aggressive, because I'm here to tell you, California, Texas, Alabama, these states are not slowing down in challenging us for what historically has been an industry that we're head and shoulders above our peers.”

— Tyler Sirois, State Representative (floridapolitics.com)

“This is the Statehouse, not a courthouse. What I'm here to do is put forward to you opportunities for us to continue to advance the footprint of this industry.”

— Tyler Sirois, State Representative (floridapolitics.com)

What’s next

The measure now heads to two other House panels: the Transportation & Economic Development Budget Subcommittee and the Commerce Committee. A similar bill (SB 1512) is also making its way through the Senate.

The takeaway

Florida is taking aggressive steps to maintain its leadership in the aerospace industry by offering tax incentives to private companies working on space programs. This is an effort to keep the state competitive with other states that are actively courting this lucrative and technologically advanced sector.