Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday signed into law a pair of bills aimed at expanding Florida’s aerospace footprint and overhauling elements of the state’s transportation infrastructure.

The legislation was signed during a trade mission stop at the Paris Air Show, where Florida officials highlighted the state’s growing aerospace industry and infrastructure capabilities before an international audience.

Senate Bill 1516 establishes the International Aerospace Innovation Fund, a program administered by Space Florida to support joint research and development projects between Florida-based aerospace firms and international partners. The fund is intended to drive investment in advanced manufacturing, commercial space operations, and related technologies with a focus on commercialization and workforce development.

Under the new law, Space Florida is required to establish eligibility criteria, implement a competitive application process, and convene a panel of subject matter experts to evaluate proposals. Projects must involve a Florida company and at least one international partner, such as a university, space agency, or research institute. Funding may be provided through state appropriations, private capital, or foreign contributions, with Space Florida authorized to negotiate bilateral agreements to facilitate cooperation.

Senate Bill 1662 enacts a  series of reforms to transportation governance, agency structure, and infrastructure funding. The law authorizes the Department of Transportation to appoint a new tier of senior leadership, including an Executive Director of Transportation Technology and three assistant secretaries overseeing operations, finance, and strategic development. It also establishes the Florida Transportation Research Institute, a university-led consortium tasked with advancing applied research and workforce training across sectors including aviation, logistics, and public transit.

The bill expands the eligibility of the Seaport Transportation and Economic Development program to include infrastructure projects related to spaceport development and commercial shipbuilding. It imposes new reporting and maintenance standards on airports, formalizes state planning for advanced air mobility systems, and codifies additional oversight of transit entities that receive public block grant funds. It also prohibits camping on highway rights-of-way and phases out statutory provisions related to high-occupancy vehicle lanes.

“With the signing of SB’s 1516 and 1662, Governor DeSantis showed the continued commitment to supporting innovation—like advance air mobility—investment, and workforce for these industries. I want to thank the sponsors of these bills, Senators Wright and Collins, and Representatives Kendall, Abbott, and Bankson for their championing these thoughtful policies,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly.

Both laws take effect July 1.