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 governor emphasized that under his administration, Florida has experienced growth in education rankings, net migration, entrepreneurship, and business creation.
“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 proposal features an additional $250 million for recurring accelerated debt repayment. This would bring Florida closer to retiring over half of its tax-supported debt by the end of fiscal year 2026-27. The Budget Stabilization Fund is also set to remain at its constitutional maximum of $5 billion with a new investment of $118 million.
Since taking office, Governor DeSantis reports delivering nearly $9.7 billion in tax relief to families and businesses in Florida. This includes eliminating the commercial rent tax, which is expected to save small businesses $2.7 billion annually.
The budget maintains several permanent sales tax holidays for items such as back-to-school supplies and disaster preparedness products. New permanent exemptions include baby products, diapers, sunscreen, insect repellent, and admissions to state parks. Temporary sales tax holidays are also part of the plan for recreational activities and skilled worker tools.
A Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday is recommended from September 7 through December 31, 2026. Following its initial launch in 2025, this holiday will expand to cover more items and increase price limits for fishing bait and tackle. If approved by lawmakers, it could save Floridians an estimated $35 million next year.
To support property tax relief efforts statewide across all counties, the budget sets aside $300 million.
DeSantis’ proposal continues policies aimed at preventing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing mandates as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) financial requirements at local levels. The budget recommends new measures against locally imposed ESG-related taxes and further protections to prevent public funds from being used for DEI mandates.
Florida’s government workforce remains lean compared to other large states; after recent reviews across agencies and efficiency initiatives under DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), the proposal calls for eliminating 354 positions—bringing total reductions during DeSantis’ tenure close to 1,000 despite population growth exceeding ten percent.
Education funding remains a central focus with a historic allocation of $30.6 billion for K-12 public schools—providing a record per-student investment of $9,406 (an increase of $279 over last year). Nearly 476,000 students are projected to participate in school choice programs funded through this budget.
For higher education institutions such as colleges and universities—which have maintained affordable tuition rates—the proposal aims to build on nearly a decade-long ranking as #1 nationally while supporting workforce development goals set for achievement by 2030.
The governor’s plan invests $800 million into workforce education programs designed to help Floridians access training leading to high-demand jobs—a continuation of more than $12 billion invested since 2019.
With continued population growth making Florida one of the fastest-growing states nationally—and its economy now ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report—the proposed budget supports infrastructure needs including transportation networks while aiming to foster job creation throughout urban and rural communities alike.
Support for law enforcement officers and military personnel is included along with investments in natural resource protection—most notably Everglades restoration efforts totaling nearly $9.5 billion during DeSantis’ time in office so far.
Of this amount for Everglades restoration projects:
– The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) receives significant funding ($681 million out of an overall allocation).
– Specific project components are funded with an eye toward reducing harmful discharges into key estuaries.
– Additional resources target springs restoration ($50 million), water quality improvements ($408 million), combating algal blooms ($65 million), alternative water supply grants ($60 million), conservation lands ($150+ million), beach nourishment ($75 million), agricultural land protection ($200 million annually), citrus industry support ($19+ million), oyster reef restoration ($25 million), wildfire prevention efforts ($114+ million), manatee care/management ($12+ million).
Public health priorities include expanding mental health services; increasing cancer research funding; enhancing food safety testing; supporting foster care systems with increased funding; aiding seniors; providing greater support services for individuals with disabilities; improving veterans’ nursing homes with capital investments.
Governor DeSantis stated that these measures aim “to ensure government is delivering the actual goods and services that its citizens need and want,” reaffirming his administration’s commitment to putting “Floridians first.”
