WATCH: U.S. Senator Ashley Moody Visits Space Coast to Highlight New Approval Tax-Exempt Status for Spaceport Bonds
By Space Coast Daily // July 11, 2025
change allows for increased private investment by reducing borrowing costs
ABOVE VIDEO: Sen. Ashley Moody to hold news conference in Merritt Island
BREVARD COUNTY • MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA – U.S. Senator Ashley Moody announced a significant legislative win for Florida’s Space Coast on Friday, highlighting the approval of new federal provisions that will give a major boost to the state’s space industry.
Under the recently passed Secure U.S. Leadership in Space Act, spaceport bonds are now eligible for tax-exempt private activity bonds (PABs).
This change allows for increased private investment by reducing borrowing costs, which is expected to accelerate innovation and infrastructure growth across Florida’s booming aerospace sector.
Moody unveiled the news during a press conference in Merritt Island, joined by key industry leaders including Space Florida CEO Rob Long, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President Barry Butler, and University of Central Florida Provost Dr. Greg Autry.
The legislation was signed into law as part of the broader One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Moody emphasized the importance of the Space Coast to the national and global aerospace landscape, noting that the region accounts for 36% of all global launches—more than any other spaceport in the United States combined. The sector currently supports over 100,000 jobs and delivers billions of dollars in economic activity annually.
Tourism also plays a vital role in the region’s economy, with tourist development tax revenues reaching $25.26 million during the 2023–2024 fiscal year.
Last year was a record-setting one for the Space Coast, with 93 rocket launches in 2024—up from 72 in 2023. U.S. Space Force officials project that number could climb to 107 launches by the end of 2025.
