Miami’s aerospace scene is ready for takeoff
South Florida has long been a hub for aviation, with its massive airport infrastructure and deep ties to the global cargo industry.
But over the last few years, something bigger has been happening – literally. Aerospace and space-related industries are taking off in the region, with new state initiatives, tax incentives, and private sector momentum accelerating growth.
David Seifer, head of the Corporate & Finance practice at Miami law firm Bilzin Sumberg, has been keeping a close eye on these developments. With decades of experience representing companies across the aviation and aerospace sectors, he has a front-row seat to Miami-Dade’s expanding role in the space economy.
The term “aerospace” encompasses both aviation and space-related industries, and Miami has long had a stronghold in the former. Our region’s strategic location has made it a natural center for aircraft leasing, maintenance, and logistics. Yet, as the state pushes forward with infrastructure investments, a different kind of aerospace business is beginning to take root.
“What South Florida has historically had is the aviation component of aerospace,” Seifer told Refresh Miami. “Planes, cargo, leasing, airports, airplane parts, airplane maintenance – that’s been the backbone. But now, with new legislation and tax incentives, the state is actively designating additional locations as spaceports and encouraging more aerospace businesses to set up operations here.”
Florida’s space economy has historically been centered on the Cape Canaveral area, where launches from Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station dominate the industry’s headlines. However, Miami-Dade and other parts of South Florida are carving out a role of their own – not necessarily in launching rockets but in building the ecosystem that supports the broader space industry.
“The state is trying to create new hubs for aerospace growth that don’t necessarily involve vertical launch facilities,” Seifer explained. “Instead, the focus is on aviation, aerospace, and space-adjacent businesses. That means manufacturing, R&D, logistics, and other critical components of the supply chain.”
One of the key advantages South Florida offers is its deep – and ever-expanding – talent pool. Engineers, technicians, and logistics experts are already concentrated in the region, drawn in part by its aviation sector, and Miami Dade College has offered training and degree programs in this space for decades. Seifer pointed out that the influx of professionals into Miami post-COVID, especially from the financial and tech industries, has helped strengthen the talent pipeline for aerospace as well.
“The workforce potential here is huge,” he said. “People want good jobs in high-growth industries, and aerospace offers exactly that. We saw financial services and tech professionals relocate to Miami in droves over the last few years. With the right tax incentives and investment, there’s no reason we won’t see a similar trend with aerospace talent.”
Beyond the workforce, Seifer emphasized that private investment will be crucial in driving the next phase of growth. Government incentives can provide a foundation, but real expansion will require venture capital and corporate funding.
“The world doesn’t go around just on government money,” he said. “It takes private investment to get these businesses off the ground, to build the facilities, and to scale operations. The good news is, investors are paying attention. There’s a recognition that Miami is becoming an important hub for aerospace, and we’re seeing more deals flow in as a result.”
For startups in the aerospace space – whether in AI, drone technology, or satellite applications – the momentum is undeniable. Seifer noted that Miami’s startup ecosystem has matured significantly in recent years, and that level of organization and connectivity is opening doors for early-stage aerospace companies.
“Post-COVID, the startup ecosystem here has become much more structured,” he said. “We used to hear complaints about how fragmented things were. That’s changed.”
So, what’s next? Seifer believes the conversation around aerospace in South Florida is getting louder, and that momentum will only build in the coming years.
“If the intensity and frequency of these discussions are any indication, we’re going to see real movement soon,” he said. “All the right players – the state, private investors, universities, and the business community – are aligned on making this happen. That’s what makes it exciting.”
*This was republished with permission from Refresh Miami. Click to access the publication.
