Jacksonville officials are pushing for changes to the city’s aviation authority, and House Speaker Pro Tempore Wyman Duggan is carrying the measure.
HB 4045 would alter the scope of the JAA in a number of ways, including making it “responsible for the economic development of Cecil Airport” and “activities and projects that support workforce development and training, infrastructure investments, job creation, and technology innovation.”
The goal: “establishing and growing Cecil Airport as a regional, state, and national aerospace and related-industry hub in partnership with the economic development agency or agencies of the City of Jacksonville.”
The bill further clarifies that “aerospace” and spacecraft would be an integral part of JAA operations.
City Council Vice President Nick Howland’s 2025-0693 initially proposed more sweeping changes, including a name change and reconstitution of the board, which proved to be controversial.
In exchange for pulling those potential changes, JAA has agreed to establish an economic development committee with both JAA board members and city council members, with the goal of bringing an international route to Jacksonville to drive Cecil Aerospace growth.
