Governor Rick Scott today announced that the Florida Department of State (DOS) has now approved Election Security Grant applications for all 67 Florida counties, totaling more than $14.5 million. Since Governor Scott announced the approval of grants for the first 49 counties last month, DOS has received and approved the remaining 18 Election Security Grant applications and submitted the applications to Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis’ office. At the Governor’s direction, DOS drew down $19 million in federal funding for securing Florida’s elections and worked quickly to make the funding available to Supervisors of Elections. Please find a list of approved applications and funding amounts HERE.
Governor Scott said, “As we approach the 2018 election season, there is nothing more important than ensuring the security and integrity of Florida’s elections. In Florida, we are focused on 100 percent participation and zero fraud and this additional funding will help Supervisors of Elections build on their existing infrastructure and enhance security measures so that we can ensure Florida has another successful election in 2018. I greatly appreciate the hard work of Secretary Detzner and the team at the Department of State, the Florida Legislature and CFO Jimmy Patronis for their roles in expediting this funding.”
Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said, “Cybersecurity must stay a top priority, especially in our elections process. My office will continue to speed up the payment process for our local officials so that they are equipped with the resources they need to protect our elections process.”
Secretary of State Ken Detzner said, “The Department of State and county Supervisors of Elections have been working diligently to strengthen protections for our elections and ensure the safety of voter information. I applaud all Supervisors of Elections for working quickly to submit their grant applications in a timely manner so that we can get the funding approved and distributed to them before the 2018 elections.”
