Tampa Bay EDC

Defense & Security

For more personalized information, please contact:

Mitchel Allen

Mitchel Allen

Senior Vice President, Economic Development

Top Market for Defense Contractors

As the home of MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa Bay boasts a large veteran workforce of more than 80,000. The region’s economic impact of $20 million in the Defense and Security industry features sectors such as aviation, cybersecurity, IT, intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and training/simulation. (Source: U.S. Census 2022 and 2022 Florida Defense EIS Summary Book.)

MacDill AFB is the only military installation that hosts two, four-star Combatant Commands, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) and U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Thirty-eight additional mission partners operating from MacDill AFB, as well as specialized security and intelligence firms, help to make Tampa and Hillsborough County a top market for defense contractors.

FlyMotion Boston Dynamics Spot mobile robot demonstration.

Business Climate

Talent

Industry Data

Market Intelligence

Relocate to Tampa

Quality of Life

Tampa Bay is home to a veteran workforce of 80k+

Ranked #4 best place for veterans to live

15% employment growth over the last five years

"

Operating out of Tampa will afford us access to an impressive talent pool, and one that is ideal as Ridgeline continues our targeted growth into the SOCOM market. Further, Tampa has a thriving economy, professional associations, and a rich community that we are looking forward to integrating with further.” 

– Erik Wittreich, CEO, Ridgeline International

Major Employers

Cost of Living in Tampa Bay

Compare Tampa Bay with where you correctly live and see how far your salary will go.

[cost_of_living]