The bill amends several sections of Florida Statutes to enhance the operations of Space Florida and its coordination with seaports. It introduces the term "strategic spaceport hub," defining it as spaceport territory within 5 miles of certain seaports used for deepwater commercial navigation. The governing board of these seaports is required to coordinate with Space Florida before making changes to their strategic plans to ensure alignment with Space Florida's business plan. Additionally, the bill clarifies that Space Florida is not considered an agency under specific statutes, thus exempting it from certain bidding and contract procedures when using nonappropriated state funds.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that Space Florida employ a full-time business development director focused on fostering growth in spaceport activities, including horizontal launch capabilities and unmanned aerial vehicles. It also revises the membership of the Space Florida board of directors to include a representative from the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, while removing the previous requirement for a representative from the same authority to serve as a voting member. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1177 Filed: 196.012, 212.06, 212.08, 331.302
H 1177 c1: 196.012, 331.302, 330.41, 331.310, 692.201
H 1177 c2: 331.302, 330.41, 331.310, 692.201
H 1177 c3: 331.302, 331.3051