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
Stay updated on the latest business news in Pinellas County.
Review the Latest News
about Business in Pinellas
North Greenwood Container Mall gets $500,000 funding boost
PitchBook: Tampa Bay is the second most active ecosystem for VC activity in Q2
Defense Contractor Expansion Fuels Economic Growth in Pinellas County
Defense contractor McCormick Stevenson expanded its Pinellas County operations to add manufacturing, assembly, and test capabilities to its existing headquarters and engineering services. The expansion involved redeveloping a former 16,000-square-foot retail facility and was supported by Pinellas County’s Employment Sites Program. McCormick Stevenson has created 50 engineering and technology jobs since its founding over 27 years ago and expects to add dozens of new science and engineering positions over the next 10 years.
July 2026 Business news
Inside this month’s business news update: our feature story on McCormick Stevenson’s successful growth in Pinellas, our annual Hard Hats & Taps event, and more information to helps businesses grow in our Ideal Business Climate. Read it all!
