ORLANDO, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed Florida’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget into law, approving a $117.6 billion spending plan that he says continues the state’s trend of reducing overall spending.
Speaking during the budget signing ceremony, DeSantis said the finalized budget reflects the fourth straight year Florida has lowered state spending after line-item vetoes.
“The budget that I sign today after doing my line-item vetoes will represent the fourth straight year in Florida that we’ve actually reduced our state budget,” DeSantis said. “Who else is doing that?”
The budget includes more than $1.5 billion aimed at increasing teacher salaries across the state. DeSantis said the investment is designed to help Florida recruit and retain educators.
“Our minimum salary has increased by about $10,000 over the last five years,” DeSantis said. “That’s basically a way to recruit and retain folks.”
Transportation also received major funding in the spending package. More than $14 billion is allocated to construct and maintain Florida’s transportation network, with another $5 billion dedicated to highway construction and maintenance projects.
The governor pointed to ongoing improvements along Interstate 4 in Central Florida as an example of infrastructure investments making a difference for drivers.
“Just the temporary lane we did with Moving Florida Forward has made a big difference,” DeSantis said. “That’s a very tough stretch of road.”
Law enforcement funding was another focus in the budget. Nearly $20 million is designated for pay increases for officers, while an additional $20 million will continue Florida’s recruitment bonus program, which offers up to $5,000 for first-time officers.
“The new recruit bonus has been very good,” DeSantis said. “We’ve done over 10,000 officers that have gotten that.”
Despite the spending priorities, the governor also vetoed more than $800 million from the final budget, cutting several projects across Central Florida.
In Brevard County, vetoes included $2.5 million for the Brevard Zoo Indian River Lagoon Innovative Wastewater System and Education Hub, along with $400,000 for a replacement facility for the Melbourne Fire Department Training Center.
In Volusia County, DeSantis cut $1 million intended for the county’s agriculture center, $750,000 for a new Orange City Police incident command center and $450,000 for a new Orange City fire station.
Additional vetoes included $750,000 for an expansion of the Kissimmee Police Department evidence room and $350,000 for improvements to Eatonville’s public safety building.
“I did want to make sure the budget was reduced,” DeSantis said. “It had to be lower.”
DeSantis also said Florida’s rainy day fund has increased to $5 billion.
The new state budget takes effect Wednesday.