Governor DeSantis' Health and Wellness Priorities for Florida: Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025–2026

Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025–2026, totaling $117.4 billion after $567 million in line-item vetoes. This budget continues the Governor’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.

Governor Ron DeSantis remains deeply committed to advancing the health and well-being of all Floridians. His priorities include comprehensive support for individuals battling mental illness and substance use, as well as victims of human trafficking. In addition, his initiatives strongly emphasize care for seniors, veterans, individuals with disabilities, mothers, and children. Recognizing the importance of innovation, the Governor also continues to champion leading-edge cancer research and treatment. We've outlined some key points to take into consideration. 

Strengthening Mental Health and Substance Use Support

The proposed state budget allocates key resources to expand mental health services and substance use recovery efforts:

• $123.9 million is designated for behavioral health services, enhancing forensic treatment capacity and operations within Florida’s mental health institutions.

• $194.8 million from the national opioid settlement will fund programs under the Office of Opioid Recovery, support graduate-level medical education in addiction treatment fields, and expand efforts in prevention and recovery services.

• $31.8 million is dedicated to broadening the reach of the Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) Network, which has already helped thousands overcome addiction across Florida.

  
  

Historic Investment in Cancer Research

The state budget makes a record-breaking investment in cancer research and care, including:

• $265.4 million in total cancer funding, with $30 million earmarked for the new Cancer Connect Collaborative Incubator, initially focused on pediatric cancer solutions.

• $127.5 million to continue the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, offering competitive research grants.

• $60 million is allocated to the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, further supporting treatment innovation and patient outcomes.

Supporting Florida’s Mothers, Children & Child Welfare System

Resources are also focused on protecting and supporting vulnerable families and children:

• $78.7 million will fund services for families within the child welfare system, including support for foster parents, community-based outreach, and family navigator roles.

• $23.8 million is devoted to maternal and child health, expanding access to prenatal care and strengthening coordination in behavioral and early childhood development services.

• $29.5 million continues funding for pregnancy and family support services, helping mothers before and after birth.

Enhancing Services for Florida’s Seniors

Seniors remain a priority, with expanded support for aging-related services:

• $3 million increase (totaling $73.8 million) for the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI), which helps those living with memory-related conditions and their caregivers.

• $10.5 million increase (now $126.5 million) for the Community Care for the Elderly and Home Care for the Elderly programs, offering services like meal delivery, adult day care, respite for caregivers, and minor home repairs to help seniors age in place.

Supporting Florida’s Veterans

To honor and uplift Florida’s veteran population, the budget includes:

• $20.8 million for capital improvements at State Veterans’ Nursing Homes, enhancing long-term care facilities.

• $1 million to continue the Veteran’s Dental Care Grant Program, ensuring veterans have access to free dental treatment.

• $2 million to maintain funding for programs that support veterans in accessing skills-based training, entrepreneurship opportunities, and meaningful employment pathways.

Conclusion

Governor Ron DeSantis’ Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget reflects a continued focus on strengthening Florida’s healthcare, education, and economic resilience. With strategic investments in mental health services, opioid recovery, cancer research, senior care, and veteran support, the budget prioritizes vulnerable populations while reinforcing Florida’s commitment to innovation and fiscal responsibility. Record funding in key areas demonstrates a proactive approach to public health and family well-being. By balancing economic growth with compassionate care, the DeSantis administration positions Florida to lead in both service delivery and long-term sustainability for communities across the state. The proposed budget marks a clear investment in Florida’s future.

Other articles to consider

Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Florida Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget

• This budget continues strong support for the governor’s key priorities, including teacher pay, law enforcement bonuses and pay raises, funding for civics in schools, a record amount of per-pupil K-12 funding, $1.4 billion for continued Everglades restoration and water quality initiatives, and over $15 billion to continue Florida’s decades-ahead-of-schedule transportation and infrastructure projects. Read more

What's in the Big Beautiful Bill: 15 Sections impacting Medicaid

• How does the One Big Beautiful Bill Act effect Medicaid recipients? In this article I'll outline sections directly from the Bill. The purpose of this article is to educate Medicaid recipients across the country on potential policy changes and state requirements.

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