Tampa International Airport will privatize most security operations under the new TSA Gold+ program starting in May 2027.
Tampa International Airport will transition its security operations to a private contractor under the TSA Gold+ program beginning May 31, 2027. While the Transportation Security Administration will maintain regulatory oversight and rules, a private company will hire the employees and manage the screening equipment. The administration announced this move as part of a broader effort to modernize aviation security and reduce disruptions caused by federal government shutdowns. By moving to a public-private partnership, the airport aims to gain greater flexibility in adopting new technologies to improve the passenger experience. The transition has created uncertainty for the nearly 800 TSA workers currently stationed in Tampa. While these federal employees will have the first right of refusal for new jobs, many are currently deciding whether to apply for positions with the future private contractor, seek other government roles, or retire early. This shift follows a 2027 budget proposal by President Trump that called for handing more airport security over to private companies to save costs and improve efficiency.