Space Florida officials say the aerospace development organization soared to new heights in 2025 with a record number of space launches and other hallmarks that marked a year of progress.
Florida saw a record of 109 space launches from Sunshine State installations last year, which is more than any other year, according to a Space Florida news release issued Monday. Those record launches transported some 2,100 payloads into space, and the missions carried more than 3 million pounds of material and equipment into orbit.
The release of the record figures comes as Gov. Ron DeSantis has proposed the inclusion of $17.5 million for Space Florida in his proposed budget for fiscal year 2026, which heads to the Florida Legislature for consideration as state lawmakers begin their Session Jan. 13. That initial figure is for the operating budget for Space Florida. There’s another $21 million in proposed support for strategic aerospace project investments in Florida.
“What’s happening in Florida is the power of partnership at scale,” said Retired U.S. Space Force Col. Rob Long, President and CEO of Space Florida. “We’ve built an ecosystem where industry can move faster, invest with confidence, and grow for the long term. That coordinated approach is why Florida’s aerospace strategy is working and why companies continue to choose (Florida). Florida’s aerospace future is accelerating faster than ever with leadership from Gov. Ron DeSantis and Chair Jeanette Nunez.”
Nunez, a former Lt. Governor of Florida and Chair of Space Florida, said the Sunshine State continues to position itself as a leader in the aerospace field.
“Florida continues to lead because we match ambition with action. Space Florida’s achievements this year demonstrate the strength of our strategy and our valuable partnerships driving this industry forward,” Nunez said.
Many of those record launches from Cape Canaveral were products of SpaceX, the technology company owned by entrepreneur Elon Musk. Vice President of SpaceX Launch Kiko Dontchev said the company anticipates an even more productive 2026.
“After a record-breaking year of 100+ launched from our two launch pads in Florida, 2026 promises to be equally – if not more – exciting. In addition to our new Gigabay, SpaceX will bring Starship to Florida, helping to evolve the Florida Spaceport into airport-like operations as we continue to provide greater access for humanity to go to the Moon, Mars, and beyond,” said Dontchev.