Governor Rick Scott Announces the Florida First Budget

Taxes cut over 55 times since 2010, saving Floridians $5.5 billion

Governor Rick Scott officially signed into law the 2016-2017 Florida First budget.

Governor Rick Scott said, “We had a great legislative session this year. I’m proud that we can say, by working with the Florida Legislature, we have cut taxes by more than $1 billion in just two years. That means we have achieved two major victories: we have added more than one million new jobs and have cut taxes by more than $1 billion. My goal every day and for every legislative session is to improve the opportunities for families like mine when I was growing up who struggled to find a good paying job.

“Before I came into office, Florida was raising taxes and fees and there is no doubt that I will always want more tax cuts and more jobs. I look forward to continuing to work with the Legislature to find more ways next year to return money back to families all across Florida. When we cut taxes and make government more efficient, Florida families and companies prosper, jobs are created, state tax revenues increase and we have the opportunity to invest in areas that are important to Florida families – like our education system, our environment, and keeping our communities safe and healthy.

“I am proud that our Florida First budget invests record amounts of funding all across our state, including in our K-12 and higher education systems to ensure our students have the knowledge and skills to achieve their dreams; record investments to protect our springs so Florida remains the most pristine state in the nation; and record funding at the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to allow people with unique abilities to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

“I look forward to another great year in the Sunshine State as we continue our mission to make Florida first in the world for jobs, education, and safe communities.”

FLORIDA FIRST BUDGET SUMMARY

Keeps Promise of $1 Billion in Tax Cuts in Two Years

Governor Scott cut $427 million in taxes last year, with $252 million recurring. The Florida First budget cuts an additional $557 million this year – bringing the total tax cuts over the last two years to $1.2 billion.
Since taking office, Governor Scott has cut taxes over 55 times, which has saved Floridians $5.5 billion.

Invests in Education

Historic total of $20.2 billion in funding for K-12 public school education, including $11.3 billionin state funding for the highest amount ever. The per-student amount is $7,178 - an increase of $71 per student over last year.
Includes no higher education tuition increases and historic total funding of $4.7 billion for state universities, and $1.2 billion for state colleges. The budget also includes an historic level of higher education performance funding - $500 million for state universities and $60 millionfor state colleges.

Grows the Economy

Florida companies have created more than 1 million jobs in five years. The Florida First budget permanently eliminates the tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment that will further diversify Florida’s economy.
Invests $10.8 billion in transportation projects to allow Florida’s private-sector to continue its growth.
Florida welcomed a record 105 million visitors in 2015. The Florida First budget invests $76 million for VISIT FLORIDA to attract more tourists to the Sunshine State.

Protects the Environment

The Florida First budget invests more than $3 billionto protect Florida’s agricultural and natural resources.
Investments include $210 million for land management and acquisition, a record $50 million for springs restoration and $188 million to protect the Florida Everglades.

Keeps Families Healthy

Record investments totaling $1.3 billion for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, including over $39 million to remove more than 1,400 individuals from the waiting list.
Total investments of $1 billion in the Department of Children and Families to provide mental health and substance abuse treatment services in Florida communities, including $10.2 million for additional staff at mental health treatment facilities and $20.4 million for community based services.

Builds Strong Communities

To keep Florida’s crime rate at a 44 and a half year low, the Florida First budget invests $4.9 billion for public safety.
Invests $10.7 million in Florida’s crime laboratories which will eliminate Florida’s backlog of rape testing kits.
Includes $12.2 million to hire 215 additional correctional officer positions, $17 million for prison maintenance to ensure safe prisons and an additional $15 million for health care and mental health treatment services at Florida prisons.
Provides $1.9 million to increase staff-to-youth ratios at the Department of Juvenile Justice to continue Florida’s 32-year low in juvenile arrests.

Click here for the Florida First Budget action.

Click here for the 2016 veto list.