Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday unveiled his proposed $117.4 billion state budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year, framing the plan as a fiscally conservative blueprint that prioritizes education funding, tax relief, public safety and environmental restoration as he enters his final year in office.
The proposal, branded the “Floridians First” budget, sets aside $16.75 billion in reserves, including a fully funded $5 billion Budget Stabilization Fund, while calling for continued accelerated debt reduction and the elimination of hundreds of state government positions. The administration says the plan reflects Florida’s ability to expand spending while maintaining low debt and high reserves following years of rapid population growth.
“Since I became governor, we have run budget surpluses, reduced the state’s legacy debt by more than 50%, and enacted record tax relief,” said Gov. DeSantis. “Today I announced the ‘Floridians First’ Budget, which will keep Florida on the course of fiscal responsibility and delivers on the priorities that have made Florida the greatest state in America.”
As to education, the plan recommends $30.6 billion for K-12 public schools, including a per-student allocation of $9,406. Teacher salaries would be supported with a $1.56 billion investment in instructional compensation, while early childhood education would receive $1.71 billion, including nearly $483 million for the state’s Voluntary Pre-K program.
Higher education funding totals about $5.9 billion across the State University System and Florida College System, with additional funding targeted at workforce education, faculty recruitment and nursing programs.
DeSantis’ proposal additionally includes another extended “Second Amendment sales tax holiday” on firearms, ammunition and outdoor gear, as well as $300 million reserved to support potential statewide property tax relief.
The budget proposes 5 percent total pay raises for sworn state law enforcement officers, judges and select public employees, alongside higher starting wages for correctional officers and funding for additional prison staffing. Law enforcement recruitment bonuses and fentanyl interdiction efforts are continued.
On the infrastructure side, the plan allocates $14.3 billion for transportation projects, including major investments in highway construction, resurfacing, seaports and aviation. Housing programs such as SHIP, SAIL and the Hometown Heroes initiative would receive more than $290 million combined.
Environmental spending remains a centerpiece, with $1.4 billion set aside for Everglades restoration and water quality projects, along with funding for state parks, beach nourishment, conservation lands and wildlife protection.
Health and social services funding includes expanded behavioral health spending, opioid recovery programs, cancer research, child welfare services and support for seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The governor’s proposal now moves to the Legislature, which will assemble the final budget during the 2026 session.
