Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the proposed 2026-27 Floridians First Budget, which includes $4.1 billion in funding aimed at improving health care access and services throughout Florida. The budget proposal outlines several investments intended to support public health initiatives and foster innovation in the state’s health care system.
“Throughout Governor DeSantis’ tenure, he has shown his unwavering commitment 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.”
Key allocations from the proposed budget include $277.5 million for cancer research efforts. This amount features $80 million directed toward the Cancer Connect Collaborative Research Incubator with a focus on pediatric cancers, as well as combined funding of $127.5 million for National Cancer Institute sites within Florida, $60 million from the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, and $10 million to initiate the Casey DeSantis Cancer Innovation, Care, and Research Program.
The budget also proposes $14.6 million to create what is described as the first statewide system in the country for making prehospital blood products—such as whole blood and frozen plasma—available on ambulances and other emergency response vehicles.
An additional $6.6 million is allocated for evaluating and implementing a new Electronic Health Record Suite designed to integrate patient records and practice management functions across county health departments.
To support food safety measures under Make America Healthy Again efforts, $5 million is set aside to expand testing of food products for contaminants including heavy metals, bacteria, pesticides, and microplastics.
According to officials, these investments are expected to enhance healthcare delivery through coordinated state, county, and community programs within Florida’s accredited public health system.
The Florida Department of Health remains accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and continues its mission to protect and improve public health through integrated efforts at various government levels.
