Defense & Homeland Security
Pinellas County has been at the forefront for decades in defense and homeland security to help usher in the next wave of mission-critical technology by offering the tools, resources, and the environment to provide businesses the leading edge in all major military and government markets.
Securing the future.
Pinellas County is a strategic center for defense and homeland security, hosting four military installations—including the nation’s busiest Coast Guard Air Station in Clearwater—and located just across the bay from MacDill Air Force Base, home to USCENTCOM and USSOCOM. This proximity, combined with a robust talent pipeline and advanced manufacturing capabilities, makes Pinellas a magnet for top-tier defense contractors.
With the third-largest veteran population in Florida and access to leading universities and training programs, Pinellas offers a workforce ready to meet the demands of high-tech, mission-critical projects. From aerospace and cyber defense to advanced radar and satellite systems, local companies are shaping the future of national security.
CONTACT US.
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Industry Leaders
Quick Facts
40,000+
Direct and indirect jobs are related to Pinellas defense sector employment.
84,100+
Veterans call Pinellas County home.
4th
Best Tax Climate in the nation is Florida.
3rd
Largest manufacturing base in the state of Florida is in Pinellas County.
Connect with us.
For more information about Pinellas’ Defense & Homeland Security industry, contact:
Scott Talcott, Economic Development Manager.
News & Success Stories
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Manufacturing Month Spotlight: Made in Pinellas
Pinellas County boasts the largest manufacturing industry employee base in the Tampa Bay region at over 34,000 strong and ranks #5 in Florida for total manufacturing establishments. Our manufacturing legacy is rooted in industries like aerospace, electronics, and medical devices, and is home to manufacturing powerhouses like General Electric and Jabil. But the depth of Pinellas County’s manufacturing industry doesn’t stop at the big names: hundreds of companies are thriving in our Ideal Business Climate, supporting a wide array of innovative products, in-demand jobs, and local capital investment.
From Manufacturing Capability to Government Opportunity in Pinellas County
A manufacturer may have the equipment and expertise to make a needed part, yet still face a difficult question: How does that capability become a dependable source of supply for a government customer? During Manufacturing Month, it is a question worth asking in Pinellas County, where manufacturers already serve demanding commercial, aerospace, maritime and defense markets.
