Governor Ron DeSantis has released his proposed budget for Florida’s 2026–27 fiscal year, totaling $117.4 billion. The plan includes $16.75 billion in reserves and allocates $250 million toward reducing state debt. The proposal aims to maintain Florida’s strong fiscal position while investing in education, infrastructure, environmental conservation, and public health.
“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 Governor Ron 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.”
The budget continues efforts to pay down recurring debt with an additional $250 million allocated for accelerated repayment. According to DeSantis’ office, this puts Florida on track to retire over half of its tax-supported debt by fiscal year 2026-27. Since he took office, the Budget Stabilization Fund has grown from $1.5 billion to a fully funded constitutional maximum of $5 billion.
The governor’s administration highlights nearly $9.7 billion in tax relief since 2019, including repealing the commercial rent tax—an annual savings of $2.7 billion for small businesses—and a series of permanent and temporary sales tax holidays for families and businesses.
A second consecutive Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday is recommended for September through December 2026; if approved, it is expected to save Floridians about $35 million next year.
The proposal also sets aside $300 million for ongoing policy considerations related to property tax relief across all counties.
DeSantis’ budget includes new measures aimed at preventing local governments from imposing ESG-related taxes or using public funds for diversity mandates.
The plan calls for eliminating 354 state positions following agency reviews focused on efficiency; overall reductions under DeSantis now total nearly 1,000 positions despite population growth exceeding ten percent during his tenure. These changes are projected to save approximately $850 million.
Education remains a central focus: The budget proposes a record $30.6 billion investment in K-12 public schools with per-student funding reaching an all-time high of $9,406—$279 more than last year—and support for nearly 476,000 students enrolled in school choice programs such as the Family Empowerment Scholarship.
Florida’s higher education system is set to receive continued funding intended to keep tuition affordable while maintaining top national rankings.
Workforce education receives an allocation of $800 million as part of an ongoing effort to make Florida the leading state for workforce training by 2030; over $12 billion has been invested since 2019 toward these programs.
In terms of economic development and infrastructure, investments are planned to meet demands created by population growth and business expansion throughout the state.
Environmental initiatives feature prominently in the proposal. The budget recommends $1.4 billion for Everglades restoration and water quality projects—bringing total investment during DeSantis’ tenure close to $9.5 billion—and includes substantial allocations for springs restoration, combating harmful algal blooms, alternative water supply grants, beach nourishment ($75 million), conservation lands ($150 million), citrus industry support (over $19 million), oyster reef restoration ($25 million), wildfire prevention (over $114 million), manatee care (more than $12 million), and replanting hurricane-damaged forests ($4 million).
Other provisions include expanded mental health services and substance abuse support; increased funding for cancer research; improved testing for contaminants in food and household products; enhanced foster care resources; support for seniors; increased services through disability waivers; and capital improvements at veterans’ nursing homes.
DeSantis emphasized that these measures are designed “to ensure government is delivering the actual goods and services that its citizens need and want” while keeping “Floridians first.”
