DeSantis’ signature comes after the state’s Legislature submitted a $117.5 billion budget to the governor at the end of this year’s legislative session on March 8.
Here are some highlights of technology spending in the budget:
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
- $9.2 million for its Technology Restoration Plan to expand and enhance network infrastructure
- $17 million for the Offender-Based Information System (OBIS) modernization
DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
$17 million for crime databases, including:
- $11.8 million for the third and final phase of the Biometric Identification Solution (BIS) database modernization
- $3 million to enhance breath test instrumentation and associated software for the Alcohol Testing Program
- $1.9 million to enhance Missing and Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse applications
- $600,000 for implementing the Statewide Sexual Assault Tracking System
STATE COURT SYSTEM
- $2 million for critical cybersecurity
EMERGENCY 911 CALL SERVICES
$40 million for enhancements, including:
- $13 million for distributions and grant awards to local governments for E911 system maintenance, next-generation 911 integration and text-to-911
- $12 million for distributions to local governments to begin upgrading all 911 public safety answering points to allow the transfer of calls between local, multi-jurisdictional and regional E911 systems
- $15 million for the Statewide Law Enforcement Radio System (SLERS)
SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES E-RATE MATCH PROGRAM
- $3 million in grant funds for design, engineering, project management and construction costs to build or upgrade telecommunications and Internet access
CYBERSECURITY
- $80 million for various state agencies for security intelligence, modernization, training and resiliency
- $40 million for the Local Government Cybersecurity Grant Program
BROADBAND EQUITY, ACCESS AND DEPLOYMENT
- $100 million to support broadband initiatives to expand high-speed Internet deployment and access
OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION
- $1.1 million to improve data curation related to the property insurance market
ELECTIONS
- $17.5 million to ensure elections are “safe from cyber threats, fraud and any other election irregularities”
CONSERVATION
- $10 million for innovative technologies to aid in the prevention of, cleanup and mitigation of harmful algal blooms
EDUCATION
- $20 million to enhance safety measures; hire school safety officers; upgrade safety equipment, facilities and technology; and increase security services at Florida Jewish Day Schools and Jewish preschools
- $6.5 million for safe school technology systems
- $6.4 million to continue providing school districts access to a mobile panic alert system capable of connecting multiple first responder agencies
- $3 million to continue providing centralized integrated data repository and data analytics resources
- $1 million for the Mobile Museums of Tolerance mobile education center to use innovative technology to create interactive lessons
More information about the state’s budget can be found online.
Editor's note: Cristina Carter and Ben Miller contributed to this story.
