Florida lawmakers are directing tens of millions of dollars toward expanding the Space Coast’s aerospace infrastructure, bolstering state transportation networks and boosting teacher pay as part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed $117 billion “Floridians First” budget. Officials say this spending plan will keep Florida competitive in both education and the booming space economy.
With 109 successful space launches in 2025, state leaders are looking to build on Florida’s aerospace momentum with a $93.4 million allocation for infrastructure improvements designed to support spaceport operations, transportation networks and related economic development.
According to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), more than 60% of all global space flights originate from Florida pads — more than any other country or state. The new funding will support an increasing number of launches, along with public and private sector space activity. Officials say continued investment is needed to keep pace with industry innovation and to sustain local economic growth and job creation.
The funding is part of the broader Spaceport Improvement Program (SIP), which has funded 48 capital infrastructure projects and created more than 4,000 high-paying jobs across Florida since its inception. The latest round brings FDOT’s total investment in space-related infrastructure to $541 million since 2019, supplemented by funding from Space Florida’s International Aerospace Innovation Fund.
FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue highlighted the largest funding allotment: $4.9 billion for highway infrastructure projects, focused on easing traffic congestion. Major projects in the plan include a new Interstate 10 interchange near Beulah Road in Escambia County, corridor upgrades on Clyde Morris Boulevard in Volusia County and reconstruction of Alton Road in Miami-Dade County.
The budget also includes $1.4 billion for resurfacing more than 2,600 lane miles and $837 million to repair or replace 59 bridges, including work on the Trout River Bridge in Duval County, the Scott Road Bridge in Bay County and the Long Key Bridge in Monroe County.
Safety initiatives will receive $269.2 million, focusing on reducing fatalities and injuries from impaired driving and preventing incidents like wrong-way driving or lane departures.
Other transportation sectors will see notable investments: $295.5 million for airport and general aviation projects, $155.5 million to improve seaport operations and $233.2 million to support freight and rail infrastructure.
The budget prioritizes rural communities through several targeted programs:
- $81.9 million for the Small County Outreach Program (SCOP) to help small counties repair bridges, roads and drainage.
- $69.7 million for the County Incentive Grant Program (CIGP) to improve State Highway System facilities or to relieve traffic congestion.
- $30 million for the Rural Infrastructure Fund for local roads, stormwater and wastewater systems and telecommunications.
- $25.8 million for the Small County Resurfacing Assistance Program (SCRAP) to resurface or reconstruct county roads.
- $22 million to support the growth and development of rural airports.
The “Floridians First” budget is one of the largest in state history and includes several other key priorities, such as record teacher pay raises, enhanced security at public universities and increased funding for environmental programs, including the Everglades restoration. The plan now moves to lawmakers for review and approval in the upcoming legislative session.
Photo by Pixabay
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