TAMPA, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the ‘Focus on Florida’s Future’ Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. The budget totals $116.5 billion, reflecting a reduction in overall state spending compared to the previous fiscal year. This budget will also result in $17 billion remaining for budgetary reserves and includes significant investments across various sectors.
Governor DeSantis stated, “This budget delivers historic support for education, infrastructure, and conservation, yet spends less than the year before and includes major tax relief. We have paid down 36% of the state’s entire tax-supported debt over the course of my term, and the state maintains a AAA credit rating.”
The budget provides $1.5 billion in tax relief for Florida families, including $450 million in toll relief for frequent commuters using SunPass with 35 or more monthly transactions. Additionally, it features a one-year exemption on taxes and fees related to Homeowners Insurance Policies.
In education, the budget allocates $1.25 billion to increase teacher salaries and $1.7 billion for early child education. It also earmarks $28.4 billion for K-12 public schools and funds various initiatives to enhance safety measures at Jewish educational institutions.
The higher education system receives substantial support with $1.7 billion allocated to the Florida College System and $4.1 billion to the State University System.
Health and human services see increased funding as well, including over $232 million dedicated to cancer research through programs like the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program.
Florida’s infrastructure benefits from a $15.5 billion allocation to the Department of Transportation, while rural communities receive funding aimed at expanding broadband access and supporting local infrastructure projects.
Law enforcement receives continued backing with a third-year investment in recruitment bonuses amounting to $17 million.
Environmental conservation remains a priority with over $3.2 billion allocated during Governor DeSantis’ second term towards Everglades restoration and water resource protection.
Lastly, disaster response is bolstered by a provision of $1.2 billion in state and federal funding dedicated to recovery, mitigation, and emergency management efforts.
