Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Significant Investments to Enhance Health in Florida by Committing $4.1B in the Floridians First Budget

Tallahassee, Fla. — Yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced his 2026-27 Floridians First Budget, which includes significant investments to introduce and enhance health care access and services for Florida’s communities. The $4.1B investment for FY 2026-27 solidifies Governor DeSantis’ continued dedication to ensure Florida leads in innovative health care options.  

“Throughout Governor DeSantis’ tenure, he has shown his unwavering c ommitment to the health and wellbeing of Floridians,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo. “The Floridians First Budget includes investments that ensure Florida will continue to lead in health innovation, allow for groundbreaking options in critical care and emergency situations, and offer comprehensive public health care options.” 

The Floridians First Budget dedicates $4.1B to bolster public health and health care innovation, including these noteworthy investments: 

• $277.5 million to support cancer research, including $80 million for the Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator focused on pediatric cancers. It also combines $127.5 million in funding to National Cancer Institute sites in Florida and $60 million from the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, plus $10 million to launch the Casey DeSantis Cancer Innovation, Care, and Research Program. 
• $14.6 million to establish the nation’s first statewide system to make prehospital blood products, such as whole blood and frozen plasma, readily available on ambulances and other emergency response vehicles. 
• $6.6 million to evaluate and implement a new Electronic Health Record Suite, required to enable an integrated, comprehensive system for county health departments that provides the functions of a patient electronic health record and practice management capabilities. 
• $5 million to support Make America Healthy Again efforts by expanding food testing for contaminants like heavy metals, bacteria, pesticides and microplastics, ensuring food and household products are safe and trustworthy. This investment protects families’ health, promotes transparency, and strengthens consumer confidence across Florida. 

These noteworthy investments will allow the Department to enhance health care in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts under its nationally accredited integrated public health system.