Gov. DeSantis prioritizes road projects, infrastructure improvements in budget plan

Gov. Ron DeSantis is looking to prioritize road construction projects and beef up infrastructure in his 2026-27 budget proposal.

DeSantis is calling for $15.4 billion for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in addition to $14.3 billion for the State Transportation Work Program, which handles construction and maintenance of Florida’s roads, bridges, rails, seaports and other public transportation systems.

Speaking at a budget press conference in Orlando, DeSantis said his proposal provides “major support for infrastructure and transportation.”

“Over $14 billion for our state work program — that more than funds everything we need to do,” DeSantis said as he unveiled a $117 billion proposed spending plan ahead of the upcoming Legislative Session.

The fully released budget plan gives more detail on how DeSantis wants to carry out his priorities.

The Governor wants to allocate $4.9 billion for highway construction and maintenance. That entails constructing 181 new lane miles, $1.4 billion for resurfacing 2,622 lane miles, about $873 million for repairing 38 bridges and replacing 21 others. In addition, DeSantis wants to allocate about $204 million for community trail projects.

DeSantis is also pushing for investments to be made at the state’s airports and seaports.

Under DeSantis’ plan, aviation improvements would get nearly $389 million and seaports could receive nearly $156 million for infrastructure upgrades.

“I don’t think you’re going to find another state that’s doing more meaningful things on transportation” and other issues while also maintaining a “stable budget,” DeSantis said at his budget press conference.

The state’s growing space industry would also benefit from DeSantis’ budget proposal which allocates $93 million through the FDOT Spaceport Improvement Program and $10 million for the Aerospace Investment Fund to help recruit companies to the state.

“As Florida’s space industry continues to reach new heights, infrastructure needs along the Space Coast will continue to be a priority, which is why the budget includes $5 million in startup funding to Space Florida to work alongside state agencies to establish additional wastewater capacity for Florida’s commercial launch providers,” DeSantis’ budget proposal added.

“These proposed investments are in addition to the nearly $700 million in funding through the FDOT Work Program to improve community infrastructure in Brevard, Indian River, and Volusia counties.”