Governor Ron DeSantis announced an $8 million allocation from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to improve infrastructure around Miami Freedom Park, a $1 billion development and future home of Inter Miami.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the allocation of $8 million from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to Miami-Dade County on Thursday, aimed at improving infrastructure around the upcoming Miami Freedom Park, which will serve as the future home of Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami.

The funds will be used to construct roadways designed to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance access to the $1 billion privately funded development, which includes a 25,000-seat stadium, a tech hub, a hotel, and a public park.

DeSantis, who has consistently opposed using state funds to build sports stadiums, noted that the grant is focused on public infrastructure and described the allocation as an investment in the region’s economic growth and job creation.

“This investment in infrastructure is essential for managing the increased traffic that will accompany the completion of Miami Freedom Park,” DeSantis said. “Our goal is to create an environment where everyone can be successful, and infrastructure plays a critical role in that.”

The project is expected to generate more than 13,000 jobs and $40 million in annual tax revenue. Jorge Mas, managing owner of Inter Miami, said the state’s investment in infrastructure is key to realizing the full potential of Miami Freedom Park, which he described as a significant economic driver for the region.

“This project is more than just a stadium,” Mas said. “It’s a comprehensive development that will bring long-term benefits to Miami, and the state’s investment in infrastructure is key to making that happen.”

The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund supports public infrastructure and workforce training projects that promote economic development. This $8 million grant is part of the $75 million available this fiscal year for such initiatives. The new stadium and its surrounding developments are expected to open in late 2025, with Inter Miami set to begin playing there in 2026. Until then, the team will continue to play at its current stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

Inter Miami currently sits at the top of MLS with 53 points in 25 matches. Orlando City, Florida’s other MLS club, is 15th on the league table with 34 points.