Governor Ron DeSantis’ Floridians First Budget reaffirms Florida’s commitment to public safety while investing in correctional staff and infrastructure

Tallahassee, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis has unveiled the Floridians First Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, highlighting a strong commitment to public safety and law-and-order across the state. Central to this budget is a significant focus on the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC), with funding allocated to bolster staff pay, modernize infrastructure, enhance technology, and improve safety measures for correctional professionals.

“I am immensely grateful to Governor DeSantis for his unwavering support of Florida’s correctional professionals. The work they perform is crucial to maintaining a law-and-order state by keeping dangerous criminals off our streets and ensuring that Florida remains safe and secure,” said Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon. “These strategic proposals will equip us with the essential resources needed to advance our public safety mission, while addressing critical priorities such as staff pay, infrastructure and technology enhancements.”

Major Pay Increases for Florida’s Correctional Workforce

One of the cornerstone proposals of the Floridians First Budget is a $373.9 million investment in major pay raises for both uniformed and support staff statewide. This comprehensive plan aims to increase the base pay for correctional officers, probation officers, and inspectors to $28 per hour. Non-uniformed staff—including classification personnel, maintenance teams, and other frontline correctional professionals—will also see base pay increases. The goal is clear: to attract, retain, and reward the most skilled professionals tasked with maintaining safety and security within Florida’s correctional facilities.

Recruiting and retaining experienced staff is particularly vital as correctional institutions nationwide face staffing shortages and operational challenges. By boosting salaries, the state hopes to strengthen morale and ensure that Florida’s prisons remain safe and well-managed.

Strengthening Staffing Levels

The budget also recommends $56.7 million to add 500 full-time security positions across the state. These roles are critical to sustaining order within Florida’s correctional institutions and preventing incidents of disorder that have affected prisons in other states. Adequate staffing not only enhances officer safety but also ensures that correctional operations adhere to best practices in managing inmate populations.

Investing in Infrastructure and Technology

Another major allocation in the Floridians First Budget is $56 million for the construction of new housing units and other infrastructure improvements. Florida’s aging prison facilities present potential security risks, and these investments are designed to ensure correctional staff can effectively manage prison populations for years to come.

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In addition, $48 million is dedicated to continuing the modernization of the Offender Based Information System. This funding builds on previous investments in statewide information technology projects, enabling FDC staff to manage inmate data more efficiently and support decision-making processes with accurate, up-to-date information.

Enhancing Officer Safety and Security

Ensuring the safety of correctional professionals is a top priority. The proposed budget allocates $18.8 million for critical security equipment, including body scanners and body-worn cameras. These tools enhance safety protocols and help officers respond effectively to incidents within correctional facilities.

An additional $3.3 million is earmarked to improve communication channels, including the replacement of radios, towers, and associated systems at multiple institutions. Effective communication is essential in emergencies, and these upgrades ensure that staff can maintain coordination when every second counts.

Upgrading Vehicles and Expanding Analytics

The Floridians First Budget also provides $5.5 million to replace aging state vehicles used to transport inmates across Florida. Maintaining a reliable fleet is essential for daily operations and safety on public roads.

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Furthermore, $3.5 million will be invested in expanding search and analytic technologies. These tools enhance intelligence capabilities, helping correctional staff identify and remove contraband and maintain security within the prison system.

A Comprehensive Commitment to Public Safety

Governor DeSantis’ Floridians First Budget reflects a broad strategy to ensure that Florida remains a law-and-order state while supporting the professionals tasked with maintaining security. From significant pay raises and increased staffing to infrastructure modernization, technology upgrades, and officer safety enhancements, the budget underscores a commitment to public safety as a cornerstone of governance.

For residents and stakeholders seeking additional details on the Floridians First Budget and its impact on the Florida Department of Corrections, the FDC encourages inquiries to [email protected].

With these investments, Florida aims to strengthen its corrections system, protect communities, and provide correctional professionals with the tools and resources they need to maintain a secure and well-managed state prison network.