Governor DeSantis’ Focus on Florida’s Future Budget Reduces Congestion, Supports Economic Competitiveness, and Preserves Floridians’ Quality of Life
While many states heavily depend on federal funding to improve their transportation systems, only 24% of Florida’s transportation budget is funded through federal sources.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — This week, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Focus on Florida’s Future Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, investing a record $15.5 billion in Florida’s transportation infrastructure. This record investment is in addition to the Department’s recent announcement receiving all remaining financial authority to deliver on the Governor’s Moving Florida Forward Initiative, an effort to advance key congestion relief projects across the state.
“Governor DeSantis’ unwavering commitment to Florida families is reflected in his historic investments in Florida’s transportation infrastructure—prioritizing projects that reduce congestion and travel times for Florida commuters,” said Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “The Focus on Florida’s Future Budget equips the Department with funds to significantly increase our economic competitiveness and preserve Floridians’ quality of life. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for their unwavering support.”
As signed by the Governor, the Focus on Florida’s Future Budget provides $14.5 billion for the State Transportation Work Program, Florida’s ongoing five-year transportation infrastructure plan. This year’s investment supports 946 current and upcoming construction projects, and other infrastructure priorities including:
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$5.2 billion for highway maintenance and construction, adding 140 new lane miles
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$1.8 billion for resurfacing, improving 3,128 lane miles
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$960.6 million for freight, rail, and community transportation systems
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$382.5 million for the repair of 72 bridges and replacement of 15 bridges
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$334.2 million for aviation investments
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$215.3 million for Florida Trails, including $50 million for the SUN Trail Network
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$210.1 million for safety enhancements
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$109.6 million for seaport improvements
Instead of aligning with the continued politicization of transportation funding advocated by the Biden Administration, Florida’s budget prioritizes projects aimed at reducing congestion and expediting the movement of the state’s supply chain. To safeguard against further politicization of transportation infrastructure, during the 2024 Session the Legislature passed bills that:
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Institutes public meeting and voting requirements on all local and regional planning and transit agencies seeking to reduce travel lanes and force people’s behavior out of car usage or ownership;
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Withhold funding from public transportation entities that breach Florida’s laws protecting travelers from COVID-19 mandates;
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Withholds state funding from public transit providers misappropriating state funds to advocate social, political, or ideological agendas on taxpayer-supported transportation infrastructure; and
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Ensures state transportation planning concentrates on financial considerations, rather than social, political, or ideological concerns.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) works to reduce congestion, enhance safety, promote economic competitiveness, prioritize Florida’s environment, and preserve Floridians’ quality of life.
