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.
Nearly every major defense and homeland security contractor from the U.S. and abroad has significant operations in Florida. Innovative technology solutions, industry giant partnerships, advanced manufacturing, and a strong workforce pipeline keep Pinellas County among the top destinations for the nation’s leading contractors to thrive.
Defense and homeland security takes center stage in Pinellas County with four military installations – U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, US Army Reserve MEDEVAC, Florida National Guard 48th WMD CST, Army National Guard 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Pinellas is uniquely positioned only miles from Tampa’s MacDill Air Force Base (6th Air Mobility Wing for airlift and refueling) which hosts two, four-star Combatant Commands: U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) and U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).
Contractors in Pinellas can tap into the power of the 3rd largest veteran population in the in Florida, and the next generation of local talent from institutions such as St. Petersburg College, University of South Florida, Florida Polytechnic University, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, and Veterans Florida to support the growing need for a secured digital environment and to support critical, high-value projects. Projects from Pinellas companies in the areas of aviation, aerospace, electronics, advanced radar, radio frequency systems, space defense systems, satellites, ordnance, optics, photonics, tactical intelligence, cyber defense, military forensics and much more are transforming the defense and homeland security industry.
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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about Business in Pinellas
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Industry 4.0
With a focus on collaboration in workforce development and talent attraction, Pinellas County, FL is helping manufacturers take Industry 4.0 to the next generation through strategic partnerships, education and development of the talent pipeline.
Networking Forum Creates Opportunities for Pinellas Defense Industry
Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED) hosted a Defense Networking Forum in partnership with The Maritime and Defense Technology Hub (The Hub), the Global Forensic Justice Center at Florida International University, and sponsors Alakai Defense and the Florida Defense Contractors Association.
