According to the 2014 Florida Statewide Aviation Economic Impact Study Update, general aviation airports in Florida contribute more than $7.7 billion to the state’s economy annually.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation, there are 109 public-use general aviation airports in Florida. The FAA reports that these airports serve 59,568 pilots and 14,543 active general aviation aircraft.
According to the 2014 Florida Statewide Aviation Economic Impact Study Update, general aviation airports support 64,512 jobs and an annual payroll of more than $2.4 billion.
According to the same study, general aviation airports in Florida contribute more than $7.7 billion to the state’s economy annually. According to the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida is home to 554 repair stations and 299 public- and private-use helicopters. According to FAA data, Florida has 93 FAA-approved pilot schools, 16,184 student pilots and 10,556 flight instructors. The state has 151 fix-base operators, according to the AC-U-KWIK database.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation and the University Aviation Association, flight departments in Florida include the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Broward College in Pembroke Pines, Everglades University in Boca Raton, Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens, Miami Dade College in Homestead, Polk State College in Winter Haven, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Lynn University in Boca Raton and Jackson University School of Aviation in Jacksonville.
Additionally, several leading general aviation companies have facilities in Florida including Piper, Piaggio, Embraer, Rockwell Collins, and Avidyne.