TAMPA, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis signed the 'Focus on Florida’s Future' Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 today. The budget totals $116.5 billion, reflecting a reduction in overall state spending compared to the previous fiscal year. Significant investments are made in key areas such as education, law enforcement, disaster preparedness, economic development, and environmental conservation. The budget will also result in $17 billion remaining for budgetary reserves.
"This budget delivers historic support for education, infrastructure, and conservation, yet spends less than the year before and includes major tax relief," said Governor DeSantis. "We have paid down 36% of the state’s entire tax-supported debt over the course of my term."
Since taking office, Governor DeSantis has signed over $6 billion in total tax cuts for Florida’s families and businesses. The new budget provides an additional $1.5 billion in tax relief for Fiscal Year 2024-25, including permanent tax cuts and toll relief amounting to $450 million.
The Focus on Florida’s Future Budget also features a one-year exemption on taxes for Homeowners Insurance Policies saving taxpayers $502 million and a tax credit for businesses employing Floridians with unique abilities.
The budget introduces four sales tax holidays aimed at saving Florida families more than $289 million through various initiatives such as Freedom Month sales tax holiday, Back-to-School sales tax holiday, skilled workers sales tax holiday, and Disaster Preparedness Holidays.
In terms of property insurance market reforms, the budget invests over $237 million to support residential home mitigation programs and additional oversight of the property insurance market.
Education funding sees significant increases with $1.25 billion allocated to teacher salary increases and historic funding levels set at $28.4 billion for K-12 public schools. Specific enhancements include funding to improve safety measures at Jewish schools and Holocaust memorial centers.
Florida's higher education system remains robust with no tuition increases during Governor DeSantis’ term. The budget allocates substantial funds to state colleges and universities while supporting workforce education programs with a focus on high-demand jobs.
Health services receive increased support with allocations aimed at cancer research ($232 million), behavioral health services ($442 million), child welfare system ($93.2 million), Alzheimer’s care ($70 million), and services for individuals with unique abilities ($2.2 billion).
To bolster economic growth amidst rapid population expansion, the budget includes substantial investments in infrastructure projects totaling $15.5 billion through the Florida Department of Transportation along with funds aimed at job creation initiatives.
Law enforcement receives continued support through recruitment bonuses while military communities benefit from infrastructure grants designed to enhance military installations within the state.
Environmental conservation remains a priority with over $1.5 billion allocated towards Everglades restoration projects alongside targeted water quality improvements amounting to $535 million.
Disaster response capabilities are strengthened by providing over $1.2 billion in state and federal funding dedicated to recovery efforts while ensuring preparedness against future disasters or emergencies.