Commissioner Kamoutsas praises Governor DeSantis for continuing to prioritize education and teacher pay in the Floridians First Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget
Tallahassee, Florida – Florida Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas and the Department of Education have applauded Governor Ron DeSantis for his continued focus on education in the proposed Floridians First Budget for Fiscal Year 2026–2027. The budget underscores Florida’s commitment to supporting teachers, safeguarding students, and expanding educational opportunities across the state, marking another year of historic investment in public education.
“When I became Commissioner, I set two main goals: student achievement and school safety. I am proud to say the Governor’s recommended budget prioritizes both of these goals,” said Commissioner Kamoutsas. “I thank Governor DeSantis for his sustained efforts to ensure Florida remains the nation’s top state for education.”
Historic Investments in Teacher Pay and Instructional Staff
A central feature of the Floridians First Budget is the proposed $200 million in additional funding for teacher and instructional personnel salaries or other personnel compensation costs. This marks the seventh consecutive year Governor DeSantis has prioritized educator pay. If approved, total funding for teacher salaries would reach a historic $1.56 billion, reflecting the state’s ongoing effort to recruit, retain, and reward Florida’s teaching workforce.
Alongside the increased compensation, the proposed budget also raises per-student funding to $9,406, an increase of $279 per student. This commitment demonstrates a clear strategy to provide schools with the resources needed to support student learning while maintaining Florida’s standing as a national leader in education.
Enhancing Safety and Mental Health Support
In addition to funding educators, the budget emphasizes school safety and student well-being. Governor DeSantis has recommended $300 million for the Safe Schools Allocation, an increase of $10 million from the previous year. This funding is intended to enhance security measures across K-12 campuses, helping students and teachers feel safe in their learning environment.
Mental health support also receives a boost in the Floridians First Budget. The plan includes $190 million for the Mental Health Allocation, an increase of $10 million, and $5.5 million for Mental Health Awareness and Assistance Training. These initiatives aim to provide schools with the tools and resources necessary to address the mental health needs of students and staff, reinforcing the connection between safety, well-being, and academic success.
Facility security is another priority, with more than $106 million allocated to strengthen K-12 school buildings and higher education facilities. In addition, the Guardian Program receives $12.5 million in total, with $6 million dedicated to expanding the program at state colleges and universities to ensure all students learn in safe, secure environments.
Early Education and Civics Initiatives
The Floridians First Budget continues to support early education with a $483.4 million investment in Florida’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) program. This funding ensures that more young learners have access to high-quality, free early education programs, laying a foundation for lifelong learning.
Civic education is also emphasized in the budget. An increase of $6.5 million brings total funding to $10 million for the Florida Civics Seal of Excellence Endorsement, allowing more than 2,700 educators to receive $3,000 stipends for completing the program. An additional $1.5 million is provided to expand the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative, giving students greater access to competitive civics and debate programs across the state.
Workforce and Career Preparation
Preparing students for the workforce remains a cornerstone of the Floridians First Budget. Governor DeSantis has proposed $800 million to support workforce education programs, ensuring students are prepared to fill high-demand, high-wage jobs. This includes $20 million for the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant, with $5 million earmarked for the Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program. Since 2019, the Governor has invested more than $12 billion in workforce education, reinforcing Florida’s goal of becoming the #1 state for workforce education by 2030.
Nursing education and workforce initiatives also receive significant support. The budget proposes $130 million in total, including $100 million for the Prepping Institutions, Programs, Employers and Learners through Incentive for Nursing Excellence (PIPELINE) program, which rewards excellence in nursing education programs. An additional $30 million will fund the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) initiative, incentivizing collaboration between nursing programs and healthcare partners to address the growing demand for qualified nurses across the state.
A Continued Commitment to Excellence
The Floridians First Budget reflects a comprehensive strategy to enhance education at all levels in Florida. By increasing teacher pay, boosting funding for student safety and mental health, supporting early education, and investing in workforce and nursing programs, the state demonstrates a clear commitment to maintaining its leadership in public education.
Commissioner Kamoutsas emphasized that the budget not only recognizes the progress Florida’s students have made but also reaffirms the state’s dedication to providing all learners with opportunities that align with their needs and future careers. “I am proud to say the Governor’s recommended budget prioritizes both of these goals,” Kamoutsas said, highlighting the alignment between fiscal planning and educational objectives.
As the budget moves through the legislative process, educators, parents, and policymakers will watch closely to see how these investments are implemented. If approved, the Floridians First Budget for Fiscal Year 2026–2027 promises to build upon Florida’s strong educational foundation while preparing students for success in both the classroom and the workforce.
