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.
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 submarine and surface fleets, and Air Force training, 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.
Kings Bay
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay
East coast home for Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, a high-security environment creating specialized contracting requirements.
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.
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 a $5,000 in-kind award, no cash changes hands. You receive the assessment itself, delivered by a certified partner. 100 grants are available.
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.
Get assessed against NIST 800-171
A certified partner reviews your current controls and produces a scored gap report showing what stands between you and CMMC Level 2.
Leave with a remediation plan
You receive a prioritized action list and the resources that can fund the fixes, so compliance becomes a budget line, not a guess.
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 Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay are typical candidates.
How much does a CMMC gap assessment cost in Florida?
Through the Cyber Grants Alliance program, the assessment is delivered as a $5,000 in-kind grant, no cash award. 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, $5,000 each. Confirm eligibility and submit in minutes.