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Florida Defense Support Commission seeks larger budget, highlights grants and military economic impact
Summary
Tim MacGregor, executive director of the Florida Defense Support Commission, told the Senate committee the commission has awarded $9.1 million in grants since 2019, highlighted work protecting installations and supporting military families, and is seeking an increase in its annual budget from $2 million to $5 million.
Tim MacGregor, executive director of the Florida Defense Support Commission and director in the Office of Military and Defense, briefed the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security on the commission's role protecting military installations, supporting military families and coordinating defense-related economic development.
MacGregor said defense and military activity are a major economic driver for Florida. He cited an estimate of "$102,600,000,000" in defense-related economic activity and "866,000 direct and indirect jobs," as presented in his overview. He described the commission's work to prevent encroachment (noise, light and development near bases), coordinate research and planning, and to provide grants for installation protection and infrastructure.
He reviewed the commission's membership and statutory role, noting the body was reconstituted in July 2024 and referenced Senate Bill 1420 in that context. MacGregor said the commission and related programs have administered grants (the Florida Defense Support Commission Grant, Defense Infrastructure Grant and Defense Reinvestment Grant) and that, "from 2019 until 2024, the commission itself awarded $9,100,000 to help execute those missions." He highlighted a military benefits guide and an online spouse licensing reciprocity matrix at floridajobs.org intended to ease transitions for military families.
In response to committee questions about industry partnerships, MacGregor described a Lockheed Martin Center for Innovation in Orlando and visits to Leonardo Helicopters and other installations. He said the commission operates on a $2,000,000 annual budget and is advocating for an increase to $5,000,000 to expand its outreach and grant-making capacity.
At the meeting's close Senator Sharif moved to adjourn; with no objections the motion was adopted and the committee adjourned. The commission said it will continue public meetings around the state (including a planned meeting on the Space Coast in November and in Key West in March).
