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.
Learn More
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
Developer under contract to buy former Wagon Wheel Flea Market site
Two Pinellas chambers merge to form Greater Pinellas Chamber of Commerce
Canada Meets Florida
Last month, PCED’s Dean Maratea joined local partners and business leaders in Toronto to tell more than 50 Canadian companies why business feels better in Pinellas County, Florida’s Ideal Business Climate. The trip was spearheaded by the St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation (St. Pete EDC) and represented the organization’s first-ever business mission. Representatives from the City of St. Petersburg, SelectFlorida, and the Tampa Bay Partnership rounded out the economic development delegation, and the overarching goal was to help Canadian companies discover the resources, incentives, and opportunities available to help make the leap into the U.S. market.
Pinellas County Business News
The November 2026 issue of our monthly newsletter is out now, highlighting the most recent stories, events and opportunities impacting business in our Ideal Business Climate.
