Governor Ron DeSantis recently concluded a week-long business mission to the United Kingdom, where he and a delegation of Florida officials pursued new partnerships in key industries. The mission, which took place from July 20 to July 24, 2026, included stops in London, Edinburgh, St. Andrews, and Belfast, and built upon a 2026 memorandum of understanding between Florida and the UK.
The delegation focused on strengthening ties in aerospace and aviationmilitary and defensetransportation and logisticsfinancial services and higher education. The mission aimed to advance Florida’s economic priorities and establish new academic partnerships, reinforcing the state’s position as an international leader in these sectors.
Key Outcomes of the Florida-UK Business Mission
The mission yielded several significant outcomes, including new agreements and investments that will benefit both Florida and the UK. At the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow, Governor DeSantis officially opened the Florida Pavilion and announced that Relativity Space will expand its operations on the Space Coast, creating thousands of high-skill, high-wage jobs. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Space Florida and the UK Space Agency to advance international space collaboration.
In the aviation sector, British Airways announced it will add 18 flights between Orlando and London Heathrow, increasing its Orlando-London service from 14 to 17 weekly flights during the peak travel season. This expansion will accommodate the high demand during the UK school holiday travel season.
Financial Services and Higher Education Collaborations
The delegation also made strides in the financial services sector. Governor DeSantis and Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky met with leadership from Lloyd’s of London to discuss insurance and reinsurance market collaboration. They explored a potential research partnership through the Lloyd’s Lab incubator and the State of Florida. Additionally, discussions were held with London government leaders and insurance market representatives about Florida’s mitigation and resiliency work, including Florida International University’s Wall of Wind.
In higher education, Governor DeSantis commemorated the 250th anniversary of Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations by presiding over the signing of a Letter of Friendship between Florida International University and Heriot-Watt University. He also oversaw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the University of Florida and the University of St. Andrews, focused on science, research, and higher education.
Transportation and Maritime Innovations
The mission also supported transportation and trade priorities. Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue visited Belfast Harbour and held meetings on maritime innovation, transportation technology, vessel development, and infrastructure. These discussions followed seaport visits in Scotland and an earlier announcement of the Florida Department of Transportation’s partnership with Eve Air Mobility to launch Advanced Air Mobility in Florida.
The delegation included key figures such as Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly, Secretary of State Cord Byrd, Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long, and representatives from various Florida universities and economic development organizations. The mission’s success reflects Governor DeSantis’ strategic efforts to position Florida as a confident market for capital investment and an economic leader on the world stage.
