FL S1786

Expresses Florida Senate support for basing up to 24 F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft at the Florida Air National Guard's 125th Fighter Wing at Jacksonville International Airport

Notes the U.S. Air Force selection process could create as many as 250 additional jobs at chosen base locations

Highlights Florida's existing F-35 infrastructure including Pratt & Whitney's West Palm Beach Engine Center and Lockheed Martin facilities in Pinellas Park and Orlando

Cites the 125th Fighter Wing's existing $100 million annual economic impact on Northeast Florida and Jacksonville's century-long support of Department of Defense activities

Identifies Jacksonville as one of five finalist locations for F-35A basing and emphasizes Florida's designation as the most military-friendly state