Governor Ron DeSantis has unveiled his proposed budget for Florida’s 2026–27 fiscal year, titled the “Floridians First Budget.” The plan totals $117.4 billion and includes $16.75 billion in reserves as well as $250 million dedicated to reducing state debt.
According to the governor’s office, this proposal continues a trend of fiscal discipline, with an additional $250 million aimed at accelerating the paydown of recurring debt. The state is projected to retire more than half of its tax-supported debt by the end of FY 2026-27. Governor DeSantis stated, “Since I became governor, we have run budget surpluses, reduced the state’s legacy debt by more than 50%, and enacted record tax relief. 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.”
The stabilization fund has increased from $1.5 billion to its constitutional maximum of $5 billion during DeSantis’ tenure and is fully funded again this year with an additional $118 million.
Tax relief remains a significant focus; since taking office, DeSantis says he has delivered nearly $9.7 billion in tax relief for families and businesses in Florida, including eliminating the commercial rent tax—expected to save small businesses approximately $2.7 billion annually.
The budget proposes both permanent and temporary sales tax holidays for items such as back-to-school supplies, disaster preparedness goods, baby products, sunscreen, insect repellent, admissions to state parks, recreation activities during Freedom Summer, skilled worker tools, impact-resistant home products, firearms-related items, camping equipment and fishing supplies. A Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday is recommended for September through December 2026; if approved by lawmakers it could save Floridians an estimated $35 million next year.
To address property taxes statewide across all counties while maintaining stability in public finances, the plan sets aside $300 million for ongoing policy considerations related to property tax relief frameworks.
The proposal also recommends new measures intended to prevent local governments from imposing environmental or social governance (ESG) investing mandates or diversity-equity-inclusion (DEI) financial policies using public funds.
Florida’s government workforce would continue shrinking under this budget: after reviewing agency operations and implementing efficiency measures through DOGE efforts (Delivering Operational Government Efficiency), 354 positions are slated for elimination this cycle—bringing total net reductions during DeSantis’ administration close to 1,000 despite population growth exceeding ten percent. These steps are reported to result in savings of about $850 million.
Education funding features prominently: K-12 public schools would receive a record investment totaling $30.6 billion—equivalent to a per-student allocation of $9,406 (an increase over last year). This sum covers nearly 476,000 students expected in school choice programs like Family Empowerment Scholarships.
For higher education institutions—including colleges and universities—the budget aims to maintain Florida’s top national ranking while keeping tuition affordable.
Workforce development receives continued attention with an allocation of $800 million targeted toward training programs designed for high-demand jobs—a continuation of more than $12 billion invested since 2019 as part of a goal for Florida to lead workforce education nationally by 2030.
On infrastructure and economic growth initiatives—which have contributed toward making Florida one of the fastest-growing states—the proposal supports transportation networks and job creation strategies aligned with population increases and business development needs statewide.
Rural communities are set for specific investments ensuring they benefit from economic expansion alongside urban areas; workforce housing is also addressed within these allocations so new workers can find homes near their employment centers.
Support is earmarked for law enforcement officers and military personnel who play key roles in public safety efforts—including combating illegal immigration into Florida—as well as continued backing for veterans’ services such as improvements at nursing homes operated by the state.
Environmental protection forms another major component: there is a recommendation for over $1.4 billion directed at Everglades restoration projects—with much going toward Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan initiatives developed jointly with federal partners—and other water quality improvement programs across springsheds and estuaries throughout Florida. Conservation efforts extend further via investments in state parks ($70 million), conservation lands ($150+ million), beach nourishment ($75 million), agricultural land protection ($200 million annually), citrus industry support (over $19 million), oyster reef restoration ($25 million), reforestation after natural disasters ($4 million), wildfire management ($114+ million), manatee care ($12+million) including seagrass habitat restoration efforts among others.
Public health priorities include expanding mental health services funding; supporting cancer research; improving testing capabilities related to food safety; increasing aid directed toward mothers/children/foster care systems (with new models intended to better serve families); enhancing services available through Home & Community Based Services Waivers for individuals with disabilities; plus added capital improvement dollars allocated specifically towards veterans’ nursing facilities.
Governor DeSantis claims these investments reflect ongoing commitments not only toward prudent financial stewardship but also advancing opportunities tied directly into education quality/accessibility,
workforce readiness,
environmental sustainability,
and community wellbeing throughout every region statewide.
