TALLAHASSEE — Governor Ron DeSantis announced the Floridians First Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27, reaffirming his steadfast commitment to the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) by funding essential public safety initiatives.

 “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.”

Governor DeSantis’ Floridians First Budget recommendations include:

$373.9 Million for Major Pay Raises for Uniformed and Support Staff Statewide

Recruiting and retaining Florida’s finest correctional professionals is a top priority. This recommendation proposes a comprehensive pay plan that increases the base rate of pay for correctional officers, probation officers, and inspectors to $28 per hour. It also raises the base pay for non-uniformed staff such as classification, maintenance, and other essential frontline correctional professionals who support Florida’s public safety mission.

$56.7 Million for Staffing to Support Florida’s Public Safety Mission

To ensure Florida’s correctional institutions have the staff needed to carry out the public safety mission of Florida in keeping prisons safe, secure, and focused on best correctional practices—and not allowing disorder as seen in other states. This recommendation provides for an additional 500 full-time security positions.

$56 Million to Invest in Correctional Infrastructure

In recognition of the potential security risks posed by Florida’s aging prison infrastructure, this recommended investment will fund the construction of new housing units—ensuring Florida’s correctional professionals’ ability to effectively manage prison populations for generations to come.

$48 Million for Continued Modernization of the Offender Based Information System

This appropriation supports the ongoing modernization of FDC’s data systems. The funding follows millions of dollars in investments made to support related information technology projects statewide.

$18.8 Million for Critical Security Equipment for Officer Safety

To equip correctional professionals with the best tools for ensuring officer safety, this recommendation includes funding for critical security equipment such as body scanners, and body-worn cameras.

$5.5 Million in Funding to Upgrade and Replace Fleet

In addition to recurring funds, this recommendation allows for the replacement of aging state vehicles next year. FDC transports inmates daily across Florida highways in vehicles that exceed lifecycle standards.

$3.5 Million for Expansion of Search and Analytic Technologies

This recommended investment will expand FDC’s intelligence capabilities using modern technologies that help officers and staff identify and eliminate contraband from the state prison system.

$3.3 Million to Enhance Critical Communication Channels

This recommendation will support the replacement of radios, radio towers, and associated systems at multiple institutions, ensuring that officers can communicate effectively—especially when every moment counts.