When Governor Jeb Bush signed into law the SPACE ACT of 2006, he assured that this legislation will reform and re-focus the space and aeronautics industry in Florida.  The Governor’s Commission on the Future of Space and Aeronautics, chaired by Lt. Governor Toni Jennings, concluded that with bold and integrated private and public partnerships, Florida has the opportunity to strengthen its existing leadership in civil and military aeronautics pursuits.

Representative Leslie Waters, Speaker Pro Tempore, a member of the 2005 Governor’s Commission on the Future of Space and Aeronautics in Florida, and sponsor of HB 1489, was pleased to be a part of Florida’s spotlight on increasing the emphasis on math and science in our schools, encouraging students to pursue engineering careers, on assembly of space vehicles, on leading-edge research, on a high tech work force, on high paying jobs, and on launch activities.

This SPACE FLORIDA legislation will help to assure Florida’s countrywide and worldwide competitiveness in aeronautics,” said Representative Waters.  “Our investment of dollars and resources will ensure that Florida remains the premier launch site for the remaining flights of the Space Shuttle and for the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV), the next generation of space transport.

One of the key elements of the bill is to transition three separate space related organizations into one, SPACE FLORIDA, in order to have a more aggressive, streamlined and global approach to the booming space and aeronautics industry.