Florida Gov. DeSantis signs $117.6B budget, vetoes $800M

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a $117.6 billion state budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year on Monday, June 29, while vetoing a separate bill that would have funded a prison hospital and pay raises for correctional officers. The governor's actions, taken just before the new fiscal year begins on July 1, emphasized his focus on reducing state debt and controlling spending.

DeSantis signed the budget at Hillsborough College in Tampa, announcing he had vetoed approximately $800 million in direct spending from the legislature's plan. He stated the trimmed budget represents the fourth consecutive year of reduced state spending and secures Florida's financial position, with state reserves at about $18 billion and the rainy day fund at its maximum allowed level of $5 billion.

The governor highlighted several budget allocations, including $30 billion for K-12 education, with $1.56 billion for teacher salary increases. The budget also provides $665 million for Everglades restoration, $16 billion to accelerate transportation projects, and funding for a 4% pay raise for state law enforcement officers. He separately approved a $4 million bill to compensate the families of the Groveland Four.