Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the proposed 2026-27 Floridians First Budget, allocating $4.1 billion to strengthen health care access and services throughout Florida. The announcement highlights continued efforts to promote health innovation and expand options for public health care in the state.
State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo commented on the initiative, stating, “Throughout Governor DeSantis’ tenure, he has shown his unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of Floridians. The Floridians First Budget includes investments that ensure Florida will continue to lead in health innovation, allow for groundbreaking options in critical care and emergency situations, and offer comprehensive public health care options.”
The budget includes several targeted investments:
– $277.5 million is directed toward cancer research, with $80 million supporting the Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator focused on pediatric cancers. Additional funding consists of $127.5 million for National Cancer Institute sites in Florida, $60 million from the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, and $10 million for launching the Casey DeSantis Cancer Innovation, Care, and Research Program.
– $14.6 million is set aside to create what is described as the first statewide system in the U.S. to make prehospital blood products such as whole blood and frozen plasma available on ambulances and other emergency response vehicles.
– $6.6 million will be used to evaluate and implement a new Electronic Health Record Suite for county health departments to provide integrated patient records and practice management functions.
– $5 million is allocated for expanding food testing initiatives under Make America Healthy Again efforts, which aims to detect contaminants like heavy metals, bacteria, pesticides, and microplastics in food and household products.
According to the announcement, these investments are intended to support integrated efforts at state, county, and community levels within Florida’s accredited public health system.
The Florida Department of Health is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board. It works across various sectors in Florida to protect and improve public health.
For more information about programs or updates from the department, visit www.FloridaHealth.gov or follow their official social media accounts.
