Funding proposed for 4,800-bed prison

A House budget proposal includes $127 million for a new prison facility, contingent on approval of another bill.

That seems to follow up on a state audit dating back to 2023 that spotlighted a lack of beds in Florida’s corrections system. That report by KPMG said Florida needed a new 4,800-bed prison, the same size facility identified in the House budget plan.

The proposal calls for money from the General Revenue Fund to go toward construction of that facility and a 600-bed hospital unit on the same site.

“Upon recommendations from the financing oversight committee relating to the most cost-beneficial and effective financing methods for construction of the new facilities, the department may submit a budget amendment,” the proposed budget states.

Any funds awarded would be available for cash payments, debt service, rebate obligations and amounts payable with respect to bonds issued to construct the facility.

The funding would be contingent upon approval of a separate bill from the House Justice Budget Subcommittee. That bill (PCB JUB 26-02) would ultimately authorize up to $250 million to develop and implement a capital improvement plan for new and existing correctional facilities.

“Upon the completion of construction of any new correctional institutions, the department shall submit a recommendation to the Legislature to provide options for the closure of existing facilities that are perpetually understaffed or continue to present excessive repair and renovation costs,” the committee bill reads.

Neither the budget nor the referenced committee bill stated a target location, but the KPMG report listed four different potential locations. Two of those were in the Homestead area, as noted by the Miami Herald in 2024, as well as possible venues in Polk and Bradford counties.

The facility was not included in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed budget to lawmakers.

The expense is the largest lump sum budgeted in the House’s proposed budget.