TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor DeSantis announced the 2025-26 Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget, cementing his Administration’s record support of projects that reduce congestion and bolster Florida’s economic competitiveness. The historic investment includes $14.8 billion for FY 2025-26, a generational investment in major highways, rural roadways, and the state’s growing aerospace and maritime industrial sectors. Additionally, the recommendations advance $1.7 billion in the current fiscal year to expedite congestion relief along Interstate-4.
“Governor DeSantis’ commitment to Florida’s commuters and economic competitiveness is further cemented in his 2025-26 budget recommendations,” said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue. “By maintaining the momentum in back-to-back historic infrastructure investments, Governor DeSantis is prioritizing Florida’s posture as the standard-bearer in state-led infrastructure delivery—from land, air, space, and sea.”
Today’s announcement follows recent actions by the U.S. Department of Transportation that rescind the Biden Administration’s Federalization of the Nation’s Infrastructure, aligning with Florida’s Infrastructure Blueprint. To build on Florida’s blueprint, Governor DeSantis is directing FDOT to seek additional opportunities to let states lead by reducing federal duplication in project development, delivery, and permitting.
To that end, the Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget recommends $13.8 billion in infrastructure projects and institutes accountability measures to ensure state-funded transportation entities align with state energy policy and higher education institutions supporting Florida’s research efforts align with the Department’s prevailing principles.
Fortifying Florida’s Highways and Bridges
$5.7 billion for highway maintenance and construction to remain a national leader in maintaining existing roadways while expanding the system by 169 new lane miles, bringing the cumulative new lane miles since 2019 to 1,481 lane miles.
$1.6 billion to resurface 2,647 lane miles, bringing the cumulative resurfaced lane miles since 2019 to 16,301 lane miles.
$954.7 million to repair or replace 64 bridges, bringing the cumulative number repaired or replaced since 2019 to 739 bridges.
Supporting Florida’s Space Launch and Manufacturing Capabilities
$90 million to projects in Florida’s Spaceport Improvement Program, bringing the cumulative investment to $487 million since 2019.
FDOT also recommends policy changes to safeguard Florida’s strategic position as America’s Preferred Space Launch State by:
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Requiring Port Canaveral to receive state approval prior to utilizing any state funds intended for cargo and space activities for any other use.
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Expanding the eligible projects for FDOT funding to include ancillary infrastructure improvements supporting aerospace manufacturing.
Prioritizing Seaport Investments That Enhance Economic Competitiveness
$120 million for projects supporting Florida’s posture as a leader in cruise and cargo operations, bringing the cumulative investment to $1.3 billion since 2019.
FDOT also recommends policy changes to bolster the state’s posture as a leader in maritime trade by:
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Expanding the use of Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development (FSTED) Funds for shipbuilding and manufacturing improvements at Florida’s seaports. Allowing the award of spaceport-specific funding through FSTED.
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Seaport Supply Chain Reporting to ensure the continuity of operations for Florida’s break bulk, liquid storage, fuel, and container capacity.
Maintaining Florida’s Posture as a Leader in Aviation & Aerospace
$254 million to projects that support Florida’s commercial airports and general aviation facilities, bringing the cumulative investment to $2.1 billion since 2019.
FDOT also recommends policy changes for aviation-related industries, which:
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Bolster the development of Advanced Air Mobility and Vertiport infrastructure.
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Support training pilots, air traffic control personnel, or aircraft maintenance technical personnel.
Investing in Florida’s Freight Infrastructure
$157 million to projects that support Florida’s intermodal freight and rail infrastructure, bringing the cumulative investment to $1.5 billion since 2019.
Prioritizing Florida’s Rural Arterial Roadways
$169 million to support the state’s small county grant programs, bringing the cumulative investment to $1.1 billion since 2019.
FDOT also recommends increasing the statutory base allocation for its’ small county programs (SCOP & SCRAP), which, if approved, will raise the total to $219 million.
Ensuring Safety on Florida’s Highways
$252.1 million in safety programs, including continued efforts to reduce wrong way driving and reduce fatalities resulting from impaired driving and illegal drugs.
Investing in Transportation Technologies
$13.1 million to support operational technology on Florida’s roadways, including the continued investment in autonomous and connected vehicles.
$15 million to implement a Statewide Mapping and Geospatial Data Pilot Program to reduce duplication in state-maintained efforts.
Recruiting and Retaining Skilled Transportation Talent
$2 million to build on the Department’s professional certification programs including, Bridge Inspectors and Surveyors.
$26.7 million for improvements to Department facilities, including new building construction for the Northwest Florida District Office and necessary improvements to workspaces in the FDOT Tallahassee Headquarters.
