SANFORD, Fla. — The Orlando Sanford International Airport is positioning itself as a major economic engine in Central Florida, with plans for future development expected to bring high-wage jobs, innovative aviation technologies and new revenue streams to the region.

What You Need To Know

  • The $300 million investment is expected to create over 1,000 high-wage jobs and attract innovative industries

  • The airport’s 800 acres of property and strategic location are drawing interest from over 15 development groups

  • Complementary projects, such as a $61 million indoor sports complex, will boost recreation, tourism and local business growth

Officials say future development at the airport will generate $300 million, leveraging its 800 acres of prime real estate.

“This airport is an amazing resource that still has much potential to be tapped. It is a vibrant economic engine for Seminole County,” said Seminole County Commissioner Lee Constantine.

With a variety of industries already on-site — including high-tech, advanced industrial, and a flight training school — the airport is primed to attract more high-value investors.

“We have a great tenant mix already. You know, we’ve got high tech, we’ve got industrial, we’ve got advanced industrial. We’ve got a lot of…we have a flight training school," said Robert Utsey, economic and real estate development consultant for the Sanford Airport Authority.

"So, there’s a lot of things in place in addition to the real estate that make it very attractive for, you know, these types of companies to locate here."

Officials estimate that future projects will create more than 1,000 high-wage jobs. Utsey shared updates on development activity.

“Over 15 development groups [have shown interest]. We’ve received almost 20 proposals, and we have a total of six letters of intent that have been submitted," Utsey said.

"And we have three that have been approved, and the three that have been approved are going through their due diligence. These are developments that could be anywhere from 10 to 50-acre sites.”

In addition to the airport’s development, Seminole County is working on several complementary projects, including a $61 million indoor sports and festival complex.

“Working with our hoteliers, we are working for an indoor sports and festival complex, which is worth $61 million. So, when you put all that together, there’s going to be a lot of development, a lot of opportunities for development, for jobs, and quite frankly, for recreation and tourism,” Constantine said.

Construction on one of the approved projects is expected to break ground by the end of the year, signaling a new chapter of economic growth for Central Florida.