On December 11, 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a groundbreaking $117 billion state budget proposal for the 2026-27 fiscal year, under the banner of the “Floridians First” initiative. This ambitious budget prioritizes major investments in education, infrastructure, and public services, aiming to strengthen Florida’s economic future and improve the quality of life for its residents.
A key element of the proposal is a historic allocation for education, with $1.5 billion earmarked specifically for teacher pay raises. This funding is designed to enhance compensation for educators, addressing the growing need for competitive salaries in a tight labor market while also aiming to attract and retain high-quality teachers in the state’s classrooms. Alongside the pay raises, the budget also outlines increased resources for the expansion of transportation work programs, an area that has long been a focus of the DeSantis administration. The plan includes significant investments to improve and expand Florida’s transportation infrastructure, such as enhancing roadway systems and ensuring the state’s transportation networks remain efficient and capable of handling the demands of its growing population.
Infrastructure continues to be a central focus in the proposed budget, with more than $14 billion allocated to the Florida Department of Transportation. This investment is part of a broader plan to modernize and expand transportation networks, including roadways, bridges, and public transit systems. In addition to these transportation-related improvements, the budget includes substantial funding aimed at addressing Florida’s water quality and environmental challenges. Billions of dollars will be directed toward environmental programs, reinforcing the state’s commitment to maintaining its natural resources, combating pollution, and ensuring the sustainability of its water systems.
Governor DeSantis’ proposal also includes funding for ongoing priorities in public safety, such as law enforcement support and emergency response systems, as well as initiatives aimed at modernizing professional credentials to better align with the evolving job market. The budget seeks to streamline processes and make it easier for workers to obtain the credentials they need to succeed in Florida’s diverse economy.
While the proposed budget includes sweeping investments across various sectors, it is still subject to legislative approval. Lawmakers will need to review, negotiate, and pass the budget before it can be implemented, with some adjustments expected during the legislative process. However, the “Floridians First” budget demonstrates a clear commitment to improving education, infrastructure, and public services, while positioning the state for continued growth and prosperity in the years ahead. If approved, this budget could significantly shape the future of Florida’s development, addressing critical needs while preparing the state for a rapidly changing economic landscape.