Florida TaxWatch: Aircraft Manufacturing Well-Positioned to Grow

Florida TaxWatch showcased airplane manufacturing in the Sunshine State in a report released on Thursday.

"Florida is a great place to do business, and the state's commitment to investing in aircraft manufacturing is ensuring that Florida's economy continues to benefit from this important industry sector," said Dominic Calabro, the president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch, on Thursday.

The reports shows the industry is set to boom as aviation continues to grow, leading to high paying jobs. The report finds airplane manufacturers currently located in the state are in good position to grow and shows companies can be lured from other states due to a host of factors, including the elimination of the manufacturing sales tax, one of Gov. Rick Scotts chief priorities last year.

But Jennifer Linares, a research analyst for Florida TaxWatch, warned this opportunity could be threatened if education does not focus more on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

"Expanding the aircraft manufacturing industry helps the state retain STEM talent," said Linares. "However, the shortage of qualified technical employees could be an impediment to the industry's future growth in Florida."

The report can be read here.