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Florida Governor's Budget Invests $14.8B in Highways, Rural Roadways, Aerospace and Maritime Sectors

TALLAHASSEE, FL — Governor Ron DeSantis announces the 2025-26 Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget, supporting projects that reduce congestion and bolster Florida’s economic competitiveness. The historic investment includes $14.8 billion for fiscal year 2025-26, a generational investment in major highways, rural roadways, and the state’s growing aerospace and maritime industrial sectors. Additionally, the recommendations advance $1.7 billion in the current fiscal year to expedite congestion relief along Interstate 4.

“Governor DeSantis’ commitment to Florida’s commuters and economic competitiveness is further cemented in his 2025-26 budget recommendations,” Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jared W. Perdue said. “By maintaining the momentum in back-to-back historic infrastructure investments, Governor DeSantis is prioritizing Florida’s posture as the standard-bearer in state-led infrastructure delivery — from land, air, space, and sea.”

Fortifying Highways and Bridges

$5.7 billion will go to highway maintenance and construction to maintain existing roadways while expanding the system by 169 new lane miles, bringing the cumulative new lane miles since 2019 to 1,481 lane miles.

$1.6 billion will resurface 2,647 lane miles, bringing the cumulative resurfaced lane miles since 2019 to 16,301 lane miles.

$954.7 million will repair or replace 64 bridges, bringing the cumulative number repaired or replaced since 2019 to 739 bridges.

Supporting Space Launch and Manufacturing Capabilities

$90 million will go to projects in Florida’s Spaceport Improvement Program, bringing the cumulative investment to $487 million since 2019.

FDOT also recommends policy changes to safeguard Florida’s strategic position as America’s Preferred Space Launch State by:

  • Requiring Port Canaveral to receive state approval prior to utilizing any state funds intended for cargo and space activities for any other use
  • Expanding the eligible projects for FDOT funding to include ancillary infrastructure improvements supporting aerospace manufacturing
  • Prioritizing Seaport Investments

    $120 million will go to projects supporting cruise and cargo operations, bringing the cumulative investment to $1.3 billion since 2019.

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    FDOT also recommends policy changes to bolster maritime trade by:

    • Expanding the use of Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development (FSTED) Funds for shipbuilding and manufacturing improvements at Florida’s seaports. Allowing the award of spaceport-specific funding through FSTED.
    • Seaport Supply Chain Reporting to ensure the continuity of operations for Florida’s break bulk, liquid storage, fuel, and container capacity.
    • Supporting Aviation and Aerospace

      $254 million will go to projects that support Florida’s commercial airports and general aviation facilities, bringing the cumulative investment to $2.1 billion since 2019.

      FDOT also recommends policy changes for aviation-related industries, which:

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      • Bolster the development of Advanced Air Mobility and Vertiport infrastructure
      • Support training pilots, air traffic control personnel, or aircraft maintenance technical personnel
      • Investing in Freight Infrastructure

        $157 million will go to projects that support Florida’s intermodal freight and rail infrastructure, bringing the cumulative investment to $1.5 billion since 2019.

        Prioritizing Rural Arterial Roadways

        $169 million will go to support the state’s small county grant programs, bringing the cumulative investment to $1.1 billion since 2019.

        FDOT also recommends increasing the statutory base allocation for its small county programs (SCOP and SCRAP), which — if approved — will raise the total to $219 million.

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        Ensuring Safety on Highways

        $252.1 million will go to safety programs, including continued efforts to reduce wrong way driving and reduce fatalities resulting from impaired driving and illegal drugs.

        Investing in Transportation Technologies

        $13.1 million will support operational technology on Florida’s roadways, including the continued investment in autonomous and connected vehicles.

        $15 million will implement a Statewide Mapping and Geospatial Data Pilot Program to reduce duplication in state-maintained efforts.

        Recruiting and Retaining Skilled Transportation Talent

        $2 million will build on the department’s professional certification programs including, Bridge Inspectors and Surveyors.

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        $26.7 million will go to improvements for department facilities, including new building construction for the Northwest Florida District Office and necessary improvements to workspaces in the FDOT Tallahassee Headquarters.

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Vogele
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Takeuchi Mfg Ltd
Your local Takeuchi Mfg Ltd dealer
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