Governor DeSantis Champions Transportation Infrastructure Through the Framework for Freedom Budget with Momentous $14.8B Investment

~ Additional $4B Dedicated for Moving Florida Forward ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis signed his Florida Framework for Freedom Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 which prioritizes Florida’s transportation infrastructure with a historic investment of $14.8 billion for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to fund essential projects to bolster the state’s transportation network, address congestion, enhance safety, ensure resiliency, and facilitate trade. 

This Session, Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature also championed the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative by dedicating an additional $4 billion of General Revenue surplus to accelerate funding for major capacity projects, all aimed at reducing congestion throughout the state. 

“Florida continues to attract more residents and visitors every day, and this rapid population and tourism growth increases the demand on our transportation infrastructure,” said FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E. “Governor DeSantis’ Framework for Freedom Budget focuses on important investments needed to address congestion, enhance safety, and bolster the supply chain to ensure we can keep people and goods moving safely. As Florida continues to grow at unprecedented rates, the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative provides additional opportunity to focus on priority transportation needs to be better poised for the future, so Floridians have a better quality of life and spend less time in traffic. I am grateful to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for the opportunity to stay on pace with the unprecedented growth throughout the state.” 

The Framework for Freedom Budget includes $13.9 billion for projects in FDOT’s Five-Year Work Program, a collaborative statewide plan of strategic transportation projects. The Department will continue to leverage innovative planning, design, and technology to provide a diverse and robust transportation system and maintain Florida’s position as a leader in transportation. As a result of the state’s sound fiscal health, the Department will simultaneously deliver its current Five-Year Work Program commitments in addition to Moving Florida Forward initiatives. 

Governor DeSantis’ Framework for Freedom Budget includes significant transportation infrastructure investments, including highlights such as:

• $5.5 billion for highway construction to include 118 new lane miles
• $1.6 billion in resurfacing to include 2,632 lane miles
• $726.6 million for repairs of 65 bridges and replacement of 19 bridges
• $149.3 million in seaport investments
• $404.3 million in aviation investments
• $791.3 million in rail and transit investments
• $250.9 million for safety initiatives
• $156.3 million for community trail projects

Several priority investments that further strengthen Florida’s transportation infrastructure are included in this historic budget, with nearly 1,800 projects statewide actively in construction, or which will break ground in the next fiscal year. This includes continued investments in seaports and airports to facilitate a healthy supply chain, funding for rail corridors and transit projects in the most densely populated communities, and investments in technology and safety initiatives to enhance the well-being of all those who use Florida’s transportation network. Significant investments in roads, bridges, and facilities throughout the state are included in the Work Program to address congestion, ensure resiliency, and better connect communities. FDOT also remains dedicated to workforce development to enhance recruitment and retention efforts.

FDOT’s mission is to provide a safe and efficient transportation system that ensures the mobility of people and goods, enhances economic prosperity, and preserves the quality of the state’s environment and communities. Together with communities and partners, FDOT strives to ensure Floridians are proud that the Sunshine State is the best place to live, learn, work, and play, and that residents and visitors alike are offered the best transportation system and a variety of travel options. For more information, visit FDOT.gov.