Gov. Ron DeSantis Announces the ‘Floridians First 2026-2027 Budget’

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Governor Ron DeSantis announced the 2026–2027 state budget — dubbed the ‘Floridians First 2026‑2027 Budget’ — presenting a plan that seeks to reinforce fiscal discipline while advancing investments across education, infrastructure, public safety, and environmental protection.

Big Numbers: Budget Totals, Reserves, Debt Paydown

* The proposed total budget is **$117.4 billion**.
* It includes **$16.75 billion in reserves** — a safeguard for future economic downturns or emergencies.
* The plan dedicates **$250 million toward accelerated debt reduction**, continuing the state’s efforts to reduce its tax-supported debt.
* Under DeSantis’s tenure, the state’s “Rainy Day” or stabilization fund has more than tripled, reaching $5 billion — now fully funded.

Governor DeSantis described the budget as a continuation of “surpluses, reduced legacy debt … and record tax relief.”

Investing in Education: From Classrooms to Campuses

Education remains at the forefront of the “Floridians First” budget:

* Public K–12 schools will see historic funding, with **$30.6 billion** allotted.
* That translates to roughly **$9,406 per student** — a notable increase of $279 over the previous year.
* Teacher salaries and instructional personnel will benefit from **$1.56 billion in pay increases**.
* Early childhood education, including Pre-K, receives substantial support — and classroom safety is bolstered by a **$300 million Safe Schools allocation**.
* For higher education, the budget proposes **$4 billion for state universities, $1.9 billion for the state college system, and $100 million for faculty recruitment/retention**, along with dedicated support for historically Black colleges and universities.
* Workforce education — including vocational and nursing training — sees nearly **$800 million in funding**.

These goals align with the Governor’s vision of making Florida “the education state,” giving students broader access to quality, affordable education.

Infrastructure, Economy & Growth — Building Florida’s Future

The budget allocates massive investments to infrastructure and economic development:

* **$14.3 billion** for the state transportation work program.
* Funding for **new lane miles, maintenance, aviation improvements, and port upgrades**, reflecting a commitment to keeping Florida moving and trade-ready.
* Programs aimed at boosting job growth and workforce training — including support for rural infrastructure and small counties — are funded through dedicated grants.
* Housing initiatives for “workforce housing,” including aid for first-time buyers and support for state housing programs, get meaningful backing.

The plan frames Florida as a growing, dynamic economy — positioning infrastructure and housing as key enablers for future growth.

Public Safety, Government Efficiency & Tax Relief

Public safety — and efficient government — receive explicit attention:

* State employees get a **2% cost-of-living raise**, while law enforcement officers, park rangers, judges, and IT staff get a **5% raise**.
* The budget proposes **eliminating 354 state positions**, part of a larger reduction of nearly 1,000 state jobs during DeSantis’s time in office — a move advertised as lowering per-capita state employment among the largest U.S. states.
* On taxes, the budget continues to deliver relief: permanent repeals, exemptions, and sales tax holidays for families and businesses — part of nearly **$9.7 billion in tax relief delivered since 2019**.

These elements reinforce the administration’s recurring emphasis on lean government, fiscal conservatism, and prioritizing taxpayer relief.

Environment, Water & Conservation — Protecting Florida’s Natural Heritage

The “Floridians First” budget also makes substantial commitments to Florida’s environment and natural resources:

* The plan dedicates **$1.4 billion for environmental restoration and water-quality initiatives**, including continued funding for the landmark Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).
* Investments cover estuary protection, springshed conservation, stormwater upgrades, and efforts to reduce nutrient pollution — critical steps for safeguarding Florida’s waterways.
* State parks, beaches, conservation lands, and wildlife ecosystems also receive backing through funding for land acquisitions, reef restoration, coastal resilience efforts, and wildfire prevention programs.

With rising climate and environmental pressures, these commitments signal a recognition of Florida’s unique natural vulnerabilities — and a push to preserve them for future generations.

Health, Social Services & Vulnerable Populations

Finally, the budget provides for health, social services, and support for vulnerable populations:

* Behavioral health services, opioid recovery programs, and expansion of the CORE network receive more than **$159 million**.
* Cancer research funding is expanded, including support for a new research incubator focused on pediatric cancer.
* Child welfare, foster care, adoption subsidies, and digital recruitment for foster parents are funded at increased levels.
* Services for seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans — including state-run veterans’ nursing homes — are bolstered through targeted appropriations.

The budget frames these investments as part of a broader commitment to public health, social stability, and support for Florida’s most vulnerable citizens.

What It Means — A Snapshot of Priorities

The “Floridians First” budget aims to balance **fiscal conservatism** with **broad investments**: from education and infrastructure to environment and social services. By maintaining large reserves and debt-reduction mechanisms, the state seeks long-term financial stability. Meanwhile, substantial funding across key sectors suggests ambitions to grow Florida’s economy, support its population growth, and position the state for future challenges — from environmental threats to workforce demands.

For residents and stakeholders, the budget promises tangible impacts: more support for students and teachers, improved infrastructure, expanded environmental protections, enhanced public safety and health services, and continued tax relief — all under the banner of “putting Floridians first.”

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