History of Space Florida

The Governor’s Commission Report outlined the potential benefits of realigning the structure and functionality of the three predecessor organizations into a new structure that satisfied three characteristics derived from best practices; a high level of visibility within the State; a high level of recurring industry participation in setting strategic direction; and a single point of contact for business.

All three of these attributes were considered in the creation of the new organization, Space Florida.

The Commission Report's Further Space Florida Vision

The Governor's Commission recommended an organization that would:

• Enhance customer service
• Ensure a focus on mission-critical activities through clear lines of authority and accountability that flow from a single, strongly managed coordinating office
• Serve as the central organization for coordinating and communicating all space-related matters within the State
• Be responsible for representing the State and tracking all related legislative issues at the State and Federal levels
• Be the faces and voices of space & aeronautics in Florida (President of Space Florida & senior staff)
• Be structured as a private/public partnership similar to Enterprise Florida or Visit Florida
• Report to its Board of Directors, which will be chaired by the Governor and includes representatives from all aspects of the State's space industry, including business, finance, marketing, spaceport operations, research and development, and education. The Board also includes members appointed by the Governor, the Speaker of the House, and the Senate President
• Include three major functions that receive their strategic direction, budget, and authority from the Board: Business Development and Finance; Spaceport Operations; Education, and Research & Development and Workforce Development

In May 2006, the Florida Legislature passed the Space Florida Act, consolidating Florida's three existing space entities (Florida Space Authority, Florida Space Research Institute, and Florida Aerospace Finance Corporation) into a single new organization. Space Florida was formed to be the single point of contact for state aerospace-related activities with federal agencies, the military, State agencies, universities, and the private sector, consolidating the roles and responsibilities of three predecessor organizations.