Governor Ron DeSantis proposed a $15.6 billion budget for Florida on Feb. 1 — almost $1 billion less than the current budget — with $14.6 billion being left in reserves in preparation for any unforeseen economic challenges.
Fiscal budgets are typically generated through taxes and government-initiated fees, which allows the government to provide essential public services. This year, DeSantis plans to shift the focus toward fiscal responsibility, ensuring that all finances are being managed wisely by making informed decisions on both the spending and saving of money.
Not only will the budget place a focus on the advancement of public services, infrastructure and taxpayers, but also on public safety and first responders. The budget allocates $118.3 million towards salary increases for nearly 5,000 state law enforcement officers and 730 state firefighters. This would mean a 20% pay increase for state entry-level sworn law enforcement officers and a 25% pay increase for veteran sworn law enforcement officers and state firefighters.
In a press release announcing the budget, DeSantis shared his stance on the allocated funding.
“We support the men and women who keep our streets and communities safe,” DeSantis said. “Throughout my time in office, I have delivered on my promise to support law enforcement and first responders. Therefore, in the coming fiscal year, I am recommending a well-earned pay raise,”
With the salary increase, Florida law enforcement agencies will now have the ability to limit crime more effectively. More officers will expand the reach of security, allowing for more areas to be monitored at once.
Additionally, this funding will allow for technology and resources to be integrated or upgraded. This could mean improved officer training procedures, revamped protective gear and upgraded defense equipment — all of which is designed to enhance law enforcement efficiency and community safety.
According to the National Institute of Justice, in a study titled “The Effectiveness of Police in Reducing Crime,” expanding law enforcement offices can increase their ability to offer residents security.
“Increasing the size of police departments can lead to reductions in certain types of crime, particularly property crimes such as burglary and motor vehicle theft. Studies have shown that more police officers can improve deterrence and response times,” the NIJ reported.
As for firefighters across the state, this increase could mean advanced protective suits to reduce the exposure to heat and hazardous materials, updated breathing equipment to enhance the air supply in smoke-filled environments, and increased durability of equipment to raise their efficiency when fighting fires.
The governor’s proposed budget allocated slightly less funding than in the previous year. In 2024, the fiscal year budget was $116.5 billion. The loss of nearly $0.9 billion can be due to the focus on fiscal responsibility, which guarantees that the annual budget is sustainable in the long term without having to rely on debt or tax increases.
Governor DeSantis believes this approach will continue to maintain Florida’s financial growth.
“Florida has experienced historic success by keeping government spending low while balancing significant investments in meaningful initiatives,” DeSantis said.
The Legislature is expected to produce an independent budget to present to DeSantis when it’s 60-day session begins March 4.