Sarasota Review

U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) has led a group of Florida lawmakers in sending a letter to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The letter urges the agencies to improve coordination with each other and with commercial partners to support Florida’s role in aerospace development.

The initiative, highlighted by the Washington Examiner, involves a bipartisan group of Florida legislators pressing federal authorities to enhance collaboration and communication for the state’s aerospace sector. The lawmakers are seeking the creation of an Airspace Coordination Team (ACT) that would include both government and industry representatives. They also request clarification from DOT and FAA on plans to address issues caused by fragmented responsibilities within their agencies and ask for updates on certifying the Space Data Integrator capability.

“From Cape Canaveral to the Suncoast, Florida is the cornerstone of America’s vibrant aerospace sector,” said Rep. Steube. “As the world continues to push past the boundaries of earth, it is critical that we preserve Florida’s leadership role in the global space race. I am honored to join the Florida delegation in calling for Secretary Duffy and FAA Administrator Bedford to improve the efficiency and security of air and space travel by modernizing their respective agencies.”

The letter was signed by several members of Florida's congressional delegation, including Sen. Ashley Moody and representatives Aaron Bean, Gus Bilirakis, Vern Buchanan, Kat Cammack, Mario Díaz-Balart, Byron Donalds, Neal Dunn, Randy Fine, Scott Franklin, Carlos A. Gimenez, Mike Haridopolos, Laurel Lee, Anna Paulina Luna, Brian Mast, Cory Mills, Jared Moskowitz, Jimmy Patronis, John Rutherford, María Elvira Salazar, Darren Soto, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Daniel Webster.

“Florida is home to America’s space industry,” said Rep. Webster. “As home to the world’s premiere spaceport, it is critical that we strengthen the systems that support it. By modernizing our airspace infrastructure and establishing a coordinated framework, we can ensure the second space race to the Moon and beyond launches first from Florida and not China.”

Rep. Haridopolos added: “Florida’s Space Coast is the heart of America’s space and aerospace industry. To sustain that success, we must modernize our systems and strengthen coordination to protect our airspace. As launches grow more frequent, our technology and infrastructure must evolve to meet the pace. Creating an Airspace Coordination Team will make Florida’s skies safer, our launches more efficient, and our economy stronger. Florida should lead the world in how we manage airspace, streamline operations, and ensure safety.”

Rep. Gimenez stated: “Florida is America’s gateway to space, and Cape Canaveral stands at the forefront of our nation’s next great era of exploration. With the growing number of commercial and military launches, it’s critical that we streamline communication and coordination among all stakeholders to keep our skies safe and efficient. Establishing an Airspace Coordination Team and modernizing our radar and air traffic control systems will strengthen Florida’s leadership in aerospace innovation and ensure the United States maintains its global edge in space.”

A bipartisan group from Florida's House of Representatives also supports this effort.

State Rep. Kim Kendall (HD-18) commented: “It was an honor to lead 15 of our freshman House legislators to Washington D.C., to advocate for expanding Florida’s aerospace footprint. As a former FAA air traffic controller who worked rocket launch packages and military missions, this is truly my passion. We were grateful for the strong interest and support from our federal delegation. At the state level, we’re moving full steam ahead—focused on growing our aerospace sector across the board from space and military operations to commercial flight drones urban air mobility workforce housing and education This is not only vital to our state’s economy but also to our national defense.”