Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than $8 million in funding through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to support workforce development and critical infrastructure projects tied to high-demand industries across the state. The awards include nearly $5 million for Palm Beach State College, $2.5 million for Melbourne Orlando International Airport, and more than $900,000 for Broward College.
State officials said the investments are aimed at strengthening talent pipelines and infrastructure in sectors such as aerospace and aviation, military and defense, cybersecurity, and financial services. DeSantis said communities in Brevard and Palm Beach counties play a key role in leading these industry clusters, while the Broward College funding is intended to expand accelerated pathways for aviation workforce training.
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly described the grants as targeted investments that support national security priorities and workforce readiness, including training related to aviation, cybersecurity, cryptography, secure communications, and data protection.
Palm Beach State College will receive $4.95 million to create a new workforce program focused on computing and emerging quantum technologies tied to national defense, cybersecurity, and financial services. The modular program will offer rapid eight-week training terms and is expected to enroll 970 students and produce 570 program completions over the next decade.
Melbourne Orlando International Airport will receive $2.5 million to expand its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul apron, a project officials say will support both commercial and military aviation activity while creating approximately 500 jobs with average annual salaries ranging from $75,000 to $85,000.
Broward College will receive $908,000 to expand its Aviation and Maintenance Accelerated Express Program, an intensive hands-on training track designed to prepare students for aviation maintenance certification and rapid job placement. Students in the program earn three technical college credit certifications and can continue toward an Associate of Science degree. The current cohort has achieved a 100% retention rate from fall to spring.
Since 2019, the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund has awarded more than $305 million statewide, supporting the creation of more than 41,000 jobs and over 32,000 workforce education opportunities. The program promotes public infrastructure and workforce training projects selected by the governor after review by FloridaCommerce to meet regional economic needs.
