Gov. Ron DeSantis’ budget proposal includes millions of dollars for the Florida Keys’ delicate environment, as well as substantial funds for a local college and a housing program.
On Feb. 1, the Republican governor unveiled a $114.8-billion spending plan for the 2023-24 fiscal year, which begins July 1. DeSantis’ budget proposal for the coming year is $4.9 billion more than his spending plan for the 2022-23 fiscal year. The Florida Legislature, which has the final say over the state’s budget, approved a $112.1-billion spending plan in March 2022.
DeSantis’ budget proposal includes one of Monroe County’s top priorities for the legislative session — $20 million for the Florida Keys Stewardship Act. The program enables the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to distribute funds to Keys municipalities and utility agencies for projects that protect valuable water resources and acquire environmentally-sensitive land. Funds support canal restoration and stormwater projects.
With critical Keys programs and projects included in the governor’s budget, legislators say there’s still a long way to go before approval of the funding request.
Monroe County officials are hoping this could be the year that state legislators approve annual funding for the Stewardship Act. Each year, Keys officials and lobbyists fight to get funds included in the budget for the Stewardship Act. Some years have been successful, while others have been lackluster. A bill filed by state Rep. Jim Mooney and state Sen. Ana Maria Rodriguez for the upcoming session would put the Keys program on a pedestal and provide recurring funds, like critical Everglades projects get each year through the state’s Land Acquisition Trust Fund. DeSantis’ budget proposes $478.5 million from the trust fund for Everglades restoration.
In addition to funds for the Stewardship Act, the governor’s budget proposes $20 million in nonrecurring funds to construct housing primarily to serve moderate-income residents in Monroe County. Funds would come from the State Housing Trust Fund for the State Apartment Incentive Loan program, or SAIL, which provides low-interest loans on a competitive basis to affordable housing developers each year. Developments in the Florida Keys Area can use 100 percent of the units for residents with annual household incomes below 120 percent of the state or local median income, whichever is higher.
DeSantis’ budget also includes $7.5 million for the College of the Florida Keys’ operating expenses.
Statewide, the governor proposes a $200-million increase in teacher salaries and $30 million to fund a second round of recruitment bonus payments for law enforcement officers who are new to the profession or relocating from other states. DeSantis is also requesting a base rate hike for correctional officers to $23 per hour.
Permanent sales tax exemptions are also proposed within the governor’s budget for baby and toddler necessities, cribs and strollers and over-the-counter pet medications.
“Florida will fight against federal headwinds by putting forth sound fiscal policies that keep more money in the pockets of Floridians,” DeSantis said.
