DeSantis throws $50 million towards semiconductor industry training

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that $50 million will go towards workforce development for the state’s semiconductor industry.

The funding gives money to projects and workforce education supporting the manufacturing of semiconductors, packaging, along with research and development for military, defense and space.

Semiconductors are materials that can conduct electricity, integral components to circuits and devices.

The funds are awarded via FloridaCommerce and the Florida Department of Education.

“Florida is quickly becoming the global hub for semiconductor manufacturing in the space and defense industries,” DeSantis said. 

“By dedicating $50 million to expand our manufacturing capabilities, we are strengthening Florida’s supply chain and ensuring Florida maintains a strong economy that supports Florida families,” he said.

Of the allocated funding, $25 million comes through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, and the other $25 million via the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program.

Workforce development has been a priority of the DeSantis administration.

“Advancing Florida’s workforce continues to be a top priority for my administration,” DeSantis said in 2022.