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Governor Ron DeSantis’ Focus on Florida’s Future Budget Invests in Florida’s Future By Prioritizing Public Safety and Strengthening Services for Youth and Families

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With a continued commitment to public safety and Florida’s youth and families, Governor Ron DeSantis’ announced his Focus on Florida’s Future budget, which makes significant investments in evidence-based programs and initiatives that will bolster Florida’s juvenile justice system. The Focus on Florida’s Future budget includes an additional $70 million over base-level funding in keeping with the collective mission of ensuring safer communities across Florida.

“Florida is a leader in public safety and the wellbeing of our communities thanks to Governor DeSantis and his unwavering dedication to supporting youth and families when they need it the most,” said Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Secretary Eric Hall. “Thanks to Governor DeSantis and the investments made in the Focus on Florida’s Future budget, Florida’s youth will receive enhanced educational opportunities and evidence-based services that will ensure a better and brighter future for them and their families.”

Highlights from Governor DeSantis’ Focus on Florida’s Future budget include:

  • $12.8 million in funding to support the continuation of the Florida Scholars Academy, a unified education system within DJJ’s residential commitment programs. This funding will allow the Florida Scholars Academy to be fully operational for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
  • $15 million in funding for juvenile residential commitment programs, juvenile detention centers, and juvenile probation facilities around the state. This funding will provide for necessary repairs, maintenance, and improvements to ensure the health and safety of the youth in the department’s care as well as the staff who serve them.
  • $27.2 million in funding construction and design costs for a new juvenile detention center in Hillsborough County. This funding will allow for the new detention center to replace the existing building which is approximately 40 years old.
  • $6.3 million in funding to increase the Children in Need of Services/Families in Need of Services (CINS/FINS) contract. This funding will cover the increased costs of CINS/FINS services allowing CINS/FINS providers to maintain their current operations and service capacities.