Governor DeSantis' Florida Freedom First Budget Invests a Historic $10.4B in Transportation Infrastructure

Press Release

December 14, 2021

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled his Freedom First budget for Fiscal Year 2022-23. The proposed budget invests a historic $10.4 billion in funding for Florida's transportation infrastructure. This budget builds upon the state's investments in critical improvements and enhancements over the last three years and will allow the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to stay focused on maintaining a safe and efficient transportation system to ensure that Florida continues to serve as a model for infrastructure across the nation.

"Florida's significant investment in transportation infrastructure is not new; rather, it is what makes Florida a nationwide leader in transportation. Governor DeSantis' continuous investment in transportation has had very real and tangible positive impacts on Floridians' everyday lives," said FDOT Secretary Kevin J. Thibault, P.E. "Each day, millions of Floridians rely on our state's quality multi-modal transportation system to live their life and receive the critical goods they need for their families. This budget represents additional critical investments in Florida's communities, economy, and future of our state."

Governor DeSantis' Freedom First budget includes $9.27 billion for the FDOT's Work Program, a five-year plan of transportation projects defined in Section 339.135, Florida Statutes. The department identifies needs-based projects, which must be consistent with laws, policies, program objectives, and priorities.  This includes the following transportation investments:

• $3.6 billion for highway construction to include 138 new lane miles

• $1.2 billion in resurfacing to include 2,637 lane miles

• $117.3 million in seaport infrastructure enhancements

• $297.2 million for aviation improvements

• $185.5 million for scheduled repairs of 52 bridges and replacement of 17

     bridges

• $597.7 million for rail/transit program advancements

• $154.9 million for safety initiatives