East Volusia News

TAMPA, Fla.—Governor Ron DeSantis has 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. Significant investments are made in various sectors while maintaining $17 billion in 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, and the state maintains a AAA credit rating, one of the lowest tax burdens in America, and more than $17 billion in reserve.”

The budget includes $1.5 billion in additional tax relief for families and businesses and features permanent tax cuts. It also provides $450 million in toll relief for frequent commuters using SunPass with 35 or more monthly transactions.

Education remains a priority with $1.25 billion allocated for teacher salary increases and $28.4 billion for K-12 public schools. Additionally, significant funds are dedicated to early childhood education and school safety measures.

In higher education, Florida continues its commitment with no tuition increases at state colleges and universities during DeSantis’ term. The budget allocates substantial funding to support faculty recruitment, nursing programs, workforce education programs, and research initiatives.

Health services receive increased funding with over $232 million allocated for cancer research including contributions to the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program. Additional funds are directed towards prenatal care, behavioral health services, child welfare systems, senior care programs, and veterans’ services.

Economic development is supported through investments totaling $15.5 billion for transportation infrastructure projects including traffic congestion relief efforts under the Moving Florida Forward Initiative.

Law enforcement receives continued backing with investments such as $17 million for recruitment bonuses for new officers. Military communities benefit from grants aimed at improving infrastructure around installations.

Environmental conservation efforts include over $1.5 billion towards Everglades restoration projects along with targeted water quality improvements totaling $535 million.

Disaster preparedness is reinforced through allocations exceeding $1.2 billion for recovery and mitigation efforts following natural disasters like hurricanes Ian, Nicole, and Idalia.

Governor DeSantis emphasized that these comprehensive investments aim to ensure sustained growth while addressing critical needs across various sectors within Florida.