Aviation & Aerospace

Why are so many aviation and aerospace companies located in Greater Fort Lauderdale?

 

Greater Fort Lauderdale's aviation is a multibillion-dollar sector, including airlines, general aviation, airports, airframe and engine manufacturers, component parts suppliers, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) businesses, and allied industries such as banking and insurance. One of its hubs is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), which has a total economic impact of $37.5 billion annually.

Greater Fort Lauderdale’s worldwide recognition as part of one of the largest aviation MRO clusters in the world is thanks in large part to such leaders as Aero Accessories, All Clear, Daher, GA Telesis, HEICO, National Jets, Aviation Inflatables, Kapco Global, Propulsion Technology International, Sheltair, Willis Lease Finance Corporation, and hundreds of other aviation innovators and leading organizations.

The region's schools, colleges and universities offer a variety of programs to educate and train skilled workers in the aviation and aerospace sectors providing a world-class aviation training network and talent pool.

Watch Alliance CEO Bob Swindell as he discusses the aviation industry on This Week in South Florida:

TOP REASONS TO DO BUSINESS IN GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE

•  Zero state income tax.

•  Florida ranks #1 in MRO establishments and #3 in aircraft manufacturing establishments in the U.S.

•  Florida is one of US's top exporters of Aircraft and aerospace products and parts. The state generated $10.6 billion in exports in 2023.

•  Aviation & aerospace programs and degrees provide continuous graduating talent available for recruitment.

IN GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE/SOUTH FLORIDA

•  Access to over 6.3 million people and 100+ languages.

•  35 colleges and universities with an estimated 280,000 students provide a large, diverse talent pool for numerous occupations.

•  10 airports, including 3 international and 7 general aviation.

•  By the end of 2024, there were an estimated 71,000 aviation & aerospace industry workers employed in the region.

 

 

Leading Greater Fort Lauderdale Based Aviation Companies include:
Aerothrust, All Clear Aerospace & Defense, ARC-145. Boeing Distribution, CDB Aviation, CTS Engines, El AL Airlines, Embraer, GA Telesis, GE Aviation, Heico Corporation, International Aircraft Associates, JetBlue Travel Products, Kellstrom Aerospace Group, Nordic Aviation Capital, Ontic, Sintavia, Spirit Airlines, Turbine Controls, Inc., Wayman Aviation and Willis Lease Finance Corporation.

 

   

Tax exemptions on Aviation include:

Maintenance or Repair of Aircraft
An exemption from sales and use tax applies to the amount charged to customers fro labor associated with the maintenance or repair of:
• Aircraft, including rotary wing aircraft, with a maximum certified takeoff weight of mor than 2.000 pounds.

Equipment Used in Aircraft Repair or Maintenance
The sale of equipment used to maintain or repair fixed wing aircraft and rotary wing aircraft is exempt from sales and use tax when the equipment:
• Includes replacement engines, parts, and/or equipment used to maintain or repair the aircraft;
• Is used on an aircraft with a maximum certified takeoff weight of more than 2,000 pounds, including rotary wing aircraft; and,
• Is installed on aircraft maintained or repaired in Florida.

Fixed Wing Aircraft Sales or Leases
An exemption from sales and use tax applies to the sale or lease of fixed wing aircraft:
• Having a maximum certified takeoff weight of more than 15,000 pounds; and,
• Used by a “common carrier,” as defined in Federal Aviation Administration regulations (Title 14, chapter I, part 128 or 129, Code of Federal Regulations).

A Training Facility and Degree Offerings: 

The Emil Buehler Aviation Institute at Broward College offers degrees and certifications essential to safe and effective air travel. Located at North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines, the facility hosts 91 hangars, an exclusive pilot lounge, and two hangars connected to four classrooms where students study aviation operations and airport operations management, avionics, aviation management, air traffic control, and other disciplines. The college also offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aerospace Sciences, atop its three associate degrees, five certificate programs, and professional pilot and aerospace management tracks. The institute this year kicked off its partnership with JetBlue’s Gateway University, making it the first community college to join the airline’s pilot development program.

A Regional Aviation Association
The Greater Miami Aviation Association (GMAA) is South Florida’s oldest aviation organization. It represents the region’s aviation industry and provides a forum to increase public awareness while promoting programs that leverage the positive impact that aviation has on the economic development of local communities. The Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance works closely with GMAA to build and support the region’s aviation industry.

Putting South Florida Aviation “On the Map”
Since 2020, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and regional partners have created an aviation asset map. This asset map is meant to help tell the story of aviation in South Florida and showcase the large cluster of aviation businesses including MROs, parts companies, training facilities, airports, FBOs, carriers and OEMs. The map is shared with Broward County Public Schools to capture the curiosity of students who may not be aware of the various career opportunities in the industry. The map will also be available to aviation associations and the private sector, future conferences and will be used to promote the region to potential investors. To download the map, click here. 

For aviation and aerospace business location and expansion information, please contact David Coddington, SVP Business Development at 954-627-0123 or via email at [email protected]