Governor Ron DeSantis’ 2021-2022 budget invests more than $68 million for the men and women of the Florida National Guard to remain ready and able to support their national, state and community missions. This funding includes providing ready military units and personnel to support national security and protect the state of Florida. Governor DeSantis’ budget also makes investments for maintenance and security enhancements at armories throughout the state, as well as updates to required training facilities at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center.
Governor Ron DeSantis said, “This year, nearly 3,000 members of our Florida National Guard stepped up to protect our families and communities during our fight against COVID-19, providing critical services to include testing, commodities distribution and vaccination support. Additionally, more than 1,000 were activated in support of local law enforcement during civil unrest across the state and nation, and nearly 1,100 deployed overseas in support of federal missions. These brave men and women continually support our state and nation, and these investments will not only recognize their selfless work, but will also help ensure Florida remains the most military friendly state in the nation.”
“Governor DeSantis has always been a tremendous advocate for the Florida National Guard, and this year’s budget proposal reflects that,” said Maj. Gen. James Eifert, the Adjutant General of Florida. “The state’s commitment to ensuring our Guardsmen have secure and well-maintained facilities in which to train will ensure that they are able to continue to take care of the citizens of this great state. We are grateful for his ongoing support and leadership.”
Governor DeSantis’ recommended Florida Leads budget includes $6.8 million to maintain and repair armories. This investment will ensure that the updated facilities continue to enable Florida Guardsmen to be trained and ready to react when the state or nation calls upon them.
In addition to armory maintenance and repair, Governor DeSantis’ 2021-2022 Florida Leads budget provides $2 million to improve armory security. This investment will provide security enhancements to Florida National Guard armories in order to protect the Soldiers and civilians that use them daily.
The Governor’s Florida Leads budget also includes more than $700,000 for maintenance and equipment at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center. This funding will ensure required ranges and facilities are kept up to standard to enable Florida Guardsmen to be adequately trained for a variety of disaster response and federal missions.
