Homestead leverages spaceport Florida designation

Two aerospace and aviation-related businesses have established or are establishing operations in Homestead as the city seeks to build on a state spaceport territory designation granted more than two years ago.

The companies are Texas-based AST SpaceMobile, which is developing a space-based cellular broadband network, and Miami-based Global Engine Stands, which signed a 10-year lease for 35,000 square feet at Homestead’s Commerce Park.

Mayor Steven Losner said the city receives inquiries almost weekly from aerospace and defense companies exploring industrial space in Homestead and surrounding areas.

“Thus far, we have two definite aerospace, you know, defense-related tenants in the Park of Commerce that’s in the city limits of Homestead,” Mr. Losner said.

AST SpaceMobile has expanded its satellite manufacturing operations into Homestead, while Global Engine Stands, which manufactures equipment used to transport and store aircraft engines, is establishing a presence in the city’s industrial park.

City Manager Zerry Ihekwaba said the arrival of the companies reflects growing business interest in Homestead.

“Homestead is quickly emerging as a destination for innovation, advanced technology, and aerospace-related industries. The arrival of companies like AST SpaceMobile and Global Engine Stands reinforces the growing confidence businesses have in our city and its economic potential. We are strategically positioning Homestead to attract cutting-edge industries, create new opportunities, and establish ourselves as a hub for innovation in South Florida. These investments are just the beginning. We anticipate even more companies recognizing the opportunities Homestead has to offer. Our message is clear: The Future Lives Here, and we are ready for what’s next,” Mr. Ihekwaba said in a statement provided by the city.

Mr. Losner said the city is still in the early stages of realizing the designation’s economic potential, but some prospective companies have discussed bringing hundreds of jobs to the area.

“We’re really early in the game right now, but in terms of some of the folks we’ve talked to, each one of them is talking in terms of bringing several 100 jobs to the community,” he said.

Some interested businesses have made multiple visits and begun discussions with Miami-Dade County officials and Homestead Air Reserve Base representatives about permitting and other requirements, he said.

The spaceport territory designation took effect July 1, 2024, under state legislation intended to support aerospace development. The designation did not create a new launch facility but is intended to attract aerospace-related businesses and investment.

Mr. Losner said Homestead’s Park of Commerce has about 500,000 square feet of available industrial space, with nearly another 500,000 square feet recently approved for development.

The city is also looking to workforce development to support the industry’s growth. Mr. Losner said the Miami-Dade County School Board has designated an underutilized middle school in Homestead for conversion into an aerospace technology magnet high school, with plans to accommodate 1,200 students.

The effort extends beyond Homestead. Mr. Losner said Florida City, Homestead, Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest have independently supported the concept of an aerospace and defense corridor largely following US 1.

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kionne McGhee has helped coordinate the regional initiative, which aims to attract aerospace and defense businesses across South Dade, he said.

“We’re acting regionally to become a hub in Deep South Dade, not just Homestead,” Mr. Losner said.

The mayor said he was not aware of any state or federal funding the city had received specifically in connection with the spaceport territory designation.