What Florida's New Budget Means for DeSoto County

With Governor Ron DeSantis signing Florida's Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget into law, DeSoto County will benefit from approximately $97.575 million in state funding to support education, infrastructure, workforce development, public safety, and economic growth.

The budget includes $47.175 million in local appropriations and an additional $50.4 million in state investments through ongoing programs that will strengthen transportation, water infrastructure, early learning, workforce education, and other critical community priorities. Many of these investments reflect the collaboration of local governments, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and the advocacy of Senate President Ben Albritton and Representative Vanessa Oliver, whose efforts helped secure funding for projects that will serve DeSoto County for years to come.

Education | $37 Million
Education remains the largest investment in this year's budget, including:

• $36.3 million for the new DeSoto County High School.
• $700,000 for Links to Success, including $100,000 to expand an Early Learning initiative in partnership with the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading.

Water, Wastewater, and Resiliency | $7.75 Million
State funding will support several critical infrastructure projects:

• DeSoto County Wastewater Project: $5.0 million
• Arcadia Wastewater Treatment Plant: $1.5 million
• Mills Avenue Drainage Improvements: $750,000
• Downtown Arcadia Stormwater Improvements: $500,000

Public Safety | $1.4 Million
Funding includes:

• DeSoto County Fire Tower Truck: $1 million
• DeSoto County Jail Improvements: $400,000

Agriculture, Tourism, and Economic Development | $1 Million

Additional State Investments | $50.4 Million
Beyond local appropriations, DeSoto County will also benefit from statewide investments, including:

• Transportation Work Program: $42.1 million
• Regional Water Infrastructure: $5 million
• Early Learning Programs: $2 million
• Workforce Education Programs: $1.3 million

Additional funding will also support bridge improvements, highway construction, the School Readiness Program, the Small County Outreach Program, the Small County Road Assistance Program, and initiatives benefiting the Peace River region.