Skip to main content

Economic Impact

💸 $8 Billion Regional Economic Impact

Northwest Florida’s defense sector supports 70K+ jobs, driving up to 40% of the regional economy. Aviation, cybersecurity, and Infrastructure development offers high-growth investment opportunities.

✈ Aviation & Aerospace Expansion

NAS Pensacola produces all Naval Flight Officers, Air Force Systems Officers & Navy Air Vehicle Pilots; NAS Whiting Field produces 1,200 pilots annually, executing 1.5 million flights operations. This aviation hub fuels industry Partnerships and workforce development.

🔒 Cybersecurity Innovation

Home to DHS, NSA, and DISA, Northwest Florida leads cybersecurity training. The University of West Florida further strengthens national security initiatives with its designated cyber center.

🏗 Infrastructure & Defense Industry Growth

  • NAS Pensacola Hangar B3260 ($20M) – Critical aviation maintenance facility requiring repairs.
  • NAS Whiting Field Advanced Helicopter Training Hangar - Continued funding from FY24
  • NAS Whiting Field Childcare Center ($20M) – Expanding capacity to support military families.
  • Base Buffering & Resilience ($50M+ Invested) – Protecting land use and sustaining mission readiness.