FloridaCommerce

Transportation is essential to economic growth and quality of life. The recent @SelectFLA and @FLACommerce UK Mission trip reflects the kinds of strides we are taking in Florida to establish preeminence in the transportation industry and help state business flourish both at home and abroad. Through engagements such as the 2026 Farnborough Airshow and partner delegation meetings, this mission included focuses on the aviation and aerospace industries, both of which are a big part of Florida’s economy and will continue to bring high paying jobs to our local communities.

Yesterday, @FLSecofCommerce J. Alex Kelly participated in a Manufacturing Roundtable in Stuart. Hosted by the Business Development Board of Martin County, participants discussed the economic impact of the Florida manufacturing sector and the wide array of resources Florida has to support manufacturers—from cutting-edge research facilities and world-class universities to pro-business policies and infrastructure. The panel also discussed maritime, aviation and defense; opportunity zones; and the Pay-for-Performance Apprenticeship Grant Program.

On the road again! Florida's Rural Business Resource Tour continues Friday, August 7 at the Suwannee Electric Cooperative in Live Oak! Bringing business resources directly to rural entrepreneurs:  ✅Learn about federal, state, and local business resources ✅Workshops ✅Networking opportunities ✅Meet one-on-one with SBDC consultants ✅And so much more! Learn more & register: FloridaSBDC.org/ruraltour

This morning, @FLSecofCommerce J. Alex Kelly joined the Florida Airports Council Panel alongside @MyFDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, @SelectFLA President and CEO Matt Swanson, and SelectFlorida Board Member and Gateways Advisory Council Chair Nick Primrose—discussing the strategic investments Florida has made in the state’s 21 commercial service airports, 130 public use airports, 16 deepwater seaports and 3 spaceports. Florida has convened industry pioneers, public-sector leaders, researchers and innovators to explore the strategy, infrastructure, policy and research driving advanced air mobility across the state.

On the Last Day of the International Business Development Leadership Mission to the United Kingdom, Florida Anchors Aerospace, Maritime, Advanced Manufacturing and Economic Development Partnerships in Edinburgh and Northern Ireland >> bit.ly/3TpArgg

ICYMI: Governor DeSantis Leads Successful International Business Development Leadership Mission to the United Kingdom—Further Strengthening Florida-United Kingdom Partnership >> bit.ly/4x9uYc0

SAVE THE DATE! Florida’s Rural Business Resource Tour is coming to your community on Friday, August 7 at the Suwannee Electric Cooperative in Live Oak!   What to Expect: ✅ Learn about federal, state, and local business resources ✅ Attend workshops  ✅ Networking opportunities ✅ Meet one-on-one with SBDC consultants ✅ And more! 👉 Learn more & register: FloridaSBDC.org/ruraltour

The Utility Relocation Reimbursement Grant Program is open! Apply Now >> bit.ly/4yJUmqr

UPDATE: @CareerSourceFL and @FLACommerce to Hold Introductory Webinar for USDOL Pay-for-Performance Apprenticeship Grants on Thursday, July 30 >> bit.ly/4pB7tGl

SAVE THE DATE! The Florida Rural Business Resource Tour is on the move and preparing for its 11th stop on Friday, August 7 at the Suwannee Electric Cooperative in Live Oak!   We hope to see you there or at a future tour stop! For more information & to register, please visit FloridaSBDC.org/ruraltour.   #FloridaBusiness #FloridaRuralEntrepreneurs #FloridaSmallBusiness #FloridaRuralBusiness

On day two of the @SelectFLA Leadership Mission to the United Kingdom, Secretary of State @CordByrd joined @FLSecofCommerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly, to meet with officials as part of the 5th UK-Florida MOU working group focused on space and financial sector collaboration. Following the meeting, Secretary Byrd had the opportunity to tour the Churchill War Rooms and Museum.

Today, our team was in Scotland forging real aerospace partnerships and creating new opportunities for collaboration. 🍊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 @SelectFLA @FLACommerce

FDOT had the honor of attending the @FIAFarnborough Florida Pavilion Ribbon Cutting Ceremony alongside @GovRonDeSantis. This occasion showcases the transportation advancements that are driving economic growth and development under the Governor’s leadership, further cementing Florida’s position as a global hub for aerospace and aviation.

In 2025, total bilateral merchandise trade between Florida and the UK reached over $4.1 billion--Making seaports a major focus of this UK mission trip, including in Scotland. Thank you @forthports for hosting us and discussing the important role that maritime logistics and supply chain infrastructure play in global trade.

In the Free State of Florida, we understand that economic freedom is the foundation of prosperity. That’s why I was proud to establish the Adam Smith Center for Economic Freedom at Florida International University to ensure the next generation studies the ideas that have lifted more people out of poverty and created more prosperity than any other economic system. In Edinburgh, I joined FIU and Heriot-Watt University to build on that foundation with the signing of an MOU, which will strengthen the enduring ties between Florida and Scotland, and prepare students for economic advancement.

As part of Wednesday’s Florida Business Seminar in Edinburgh, @FLSecofCommerce J. Alex Kelly spoke on Florida’s commitment to strengthening shared key industries, like aerospace and aviation, military and defense, FinTech, advanced manufacturing, maritime and quantum, through economic collaboration. The seminar served as a strategic platform for advancing the goals laid out in the 2023 Florida-U.K. Memorandum of Understanding signed by @GovRonDeSantis—driving opportunities for capital investment and long-term partnerships between Florida and U.K. private sector stakeholders.

On Tuesday morning, @FLSecofCommerce J. Alex Kelly Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly, Secretary of State Cord Byrd, Florida leadership and other members of the delegation joined key United Kingdom (UK) partners and stakeholders for the fifth working group meeting of the 2023 Florida-U.K. Memorandum of Understanding. Together, the group discussed strategic opportunities for continued bilateral economic collaboration between our two regions—highlighting key sectors including aerospace and aviation, emerging technology, quantum and photonics, life sciences and financial services.

I joined Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky, Lady Mayor Dame Susan Langley and industry stakeholders in London for a series of discussions about Florida and the United Kingdom’s insurance and reinsurance industries. Sitting down for a fireside chat with the Lady Mayor and Commissioner Yaworsky, we discussed our mutual economic priorities and opportunities to advance collaboration between Florida and the U.K.’s capital markets.

I joined @SpaceFlorida and the U.K. Space Agency in London to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding to advance international space collaboration through Florida’s International Aerospace Innovation Fund.

Florida is making a strong showing at #FIA2026. Proud to join the Florida Pavilion inauguration with Governor @RonDeSantis, who highlighted the exponential growth of FL #space sector. Minister @SDoughtyMP stressed the opportunities for enhanced collaboration with 🇬🇧 companies.