Florida · Southeastern US

Florida cybersecurity grants for defense contractors

Florida is home to U.S. Special Operations Command, major Navy submarine and surface operations, and Air Force bases that generate substantial DoD contracting. If you hold or pursue that work, a CMMC gap assessment shows exactly where you stand, and the Cyber Grants Alliance grant can cover it.

  • SOCOMUnified command HQ, Tampa
  • 4Major installations
  • 100Grants available

CMMC Phase 2 status: under DoD review. DoD suspended the CMMC Phase 2 third-party certification requirement in July 2026 pending a program review. Phase 1 self-assessment against NIST SP 800-171 remains mandatory now, and self-certified compliance carries more liability with third-party verification on hold.

Why it matters here

Where does Florida's defense work come from?

Florida's defense economy spans special operations, Navy surface fleets, and Air Force training and testing, creating significant contracting opportunities, and CMMC obligations, for local businesses.

  • Tampa

    U.S. Special Operations Command

    The unified command for all special operations forces, generating high-value contracts in advanced technology, cybersecurity, and specialized equipment.

  • Panama City

    Tyndall Air Force Base

    Primary training base for F-15 and F-22 fighter squadrons, with contracts in facilities management, logistics, and IT support.

  • Jacksonville

    Naval Station Mayport

    Home to Navy surface combatants including destroyers and littoral combat ships, driving maritime maintenance and logistics contracts.

  • Valparaiso

    Eglin Air Force Base

    The Air Force's largest base by area, home to weapons testing, the 96th Test Wing, and Air Force Special Operations Command units, driving contracts in research, testing, and systems support.

Your local partner

Who is Florida's CMMC and manufacturing partner?

FloridaMakes is Florida's Manufacturing Extension Partnership center. It provides direct consulting support, gap assessment assistance, and cybersecurity implementation help to manufacturers pursuing DoD contracts and CMMC compliance.

  • Cybersecurity consulting

    FloridaMakes connects manufacturers with certified assessors and remediation planning support relevant to CMMC Level 2 requirements.

  • DoD contracting support

    FloridaMakes helps small businesses navigate defense contracting requirements, including CMMC compliance, with offices throughout the state.

Visit floridamakes.com →

More resources

What other cybersecurity support can Florida businesses use?

Beyond the grant, Florida businesses can tap additional support through federal resources and state defense networks.

  • CISA Region 4

    CISA's regional office provides cybersecurity support to Florida organizations through no-cost vulnerability assessments and incident response planning.

  • Florida Defense Alliance

    Provides advocacy and networking for businesses seeking defense contracting opportunities across the state.

  • SOF Industry Coalition

    SOCOM engages industry partners through the Special Operations Forces Industry Coalition, with regular events and contracting opportunity briefings.

The grant

How much does a CMMC gap assessment cost in Florida?

Through the CMMC gap assessment grant, it is an in-kind award. You receive the assessment itself, delivered by a certified partner. 100 grants are available.

  1. Confirm you qualify

    Open to U.S. defense contractors and manufacturers in the supply chain that hold or pursue DoD contracts and have not yet completed a CMMC assessment.

  2. Get assessed against NIST 800-171

    A certified partner reviews your current controls and identifies the gaps that stand between you and CMMC Level 2.

  3. Leave knowing where you stand

    You receive a prioritized list of your compliance gaps by severity, so you know what to fix first.

Questions

Frequently asked questions: Florida CMMC grants

Who qualifies for the CMMC gap assessment grant in Florida?

The grant is open to U.S. defense contractors and manufacturers in the DoD supply chain that hold or are pursuing DoD contracts and have not yet completed a CMMC assessment. Florida businesses supporting U.S. Special Operations Command, Tyndall Air Force Base, Naval Station Mayport, or Eglin Air Force Base are typical candidates.

How much does a CMMC gap assessment cost in Florida?

Through the Cyber Grants Alliance program, the assessment is delivered as an in-kind grant. You receive the assessment itself from a certified partner. 100 grants are available.

What is Florida's MEP center?

FloridaMakes is Florida's Manufacturing Extension Partnership center. It provides direct consulting support, gap assessment assistance, and cybersecurity implementation help, connecting manufacturers with certified assessors and DoD contracting support statewide.

Is CMMC Level 2 enforcement still happening on November 10, 2026?

No. DoD suspended the CMMC Phase 2 third-party (C3PAO) certification requirement on July 13, 2026, pending a program review, so there is no confirmed enforcement date at this time. Phase 1 self-assessment against all 110 NIST SP 800-171 controls remains mandatory now, and self-certified SPRS scores carry more liability while third-party verification is paused. A gap assessment is still the essential first step.

Do subcontractors in Florida need CMMC?

If your contract or a prime's contract involves Controlled Unclassified Information, CMMC requirements generally flow down to subcontractors that handle that information. A gap assessment is the fastest way to confirm what applies to you.

Ready when you are

Apply for your CMMC gap assessment grant

100 in-kind awards. Confirm eligibility and submit in minutes.