Public health initiatives also cover child welfare, elderly and disability services, and targeted funding to support mothers, children, seniors, and veterans.

Healthcare and public health receive notable funding, including capital improvements for state veterans’ nursing homes, hundreds of millions for cancer research, behavioral health services, and opioid recovery initiatives.

The budget proposal includes a historic $30.6 billion for K-12 and substantial funding for higher education, including $1.7 billion for early childhood, nearly $2 billion for state colleges, $4 billion for universities, and a fully funded Bright Futures program, alongside a $1.56 billion teacher-pay increase.

Overall education package targets stronger pay for teachers, with a $1.56 billion allocation for teacher raises and dedicated funding for civics, Safe Schools, and Family Empowerment School choice.

Higher education and workforce investments total over $12 billion since 2019, including $4 billion for the State University System and $1.9 billion for the Florida College System, plus faculty retention and HBCU support.

Rural and housing initiatives expand funding through programs like Rural Infrastructure Fund, SHIP, SAIL, and Hometown Heroes Housing to aid workers and communities left behind.

The plan targets fiscally constrained rural counties identified as 32 in number, prioritizing support for communities lacking large tax bases.

Rainy-day fund is strengthened to $5 billion; total reserves reach $16.75 billion, with ongoing property tax relief discussions and efforts to offset reductions for homestead-property taxes in constrained counties.

Legislature begins January 13 with 60 days to consider the proposal, which serves as guidance in a process where line-item vetoes and negotiations shape the final budget.

Florida Governor announces the Floridians First Budget for FY 2026-27 totaling about $117.4 billion, with $16.75 billion in reserves and $250 million set aside for debt reduction, and emphasizes education, infrastructure, and environmental priorities.

Transportation and infrastructure are major drivers, with nearly $30 billion for the Florida Department of Transportation and $14.3 billion for the transportation work program, aiming for faster construction in congested areas like Central Florida and I-4 corridors.

Key infrastructure and economic growth investments also include $14.3 billion in transportation projects, $50 million for the Job Growth Grant Fund, and $80 million for Visit Florida marketing to spur tourism and development.