Focus on Florida’s Future Budget Boosts Motorist Services, Highway Patrol Resources

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and its Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) division obtained funding from the FY 2024-2025 Focus on Florida’s Future budget, which Industry Insider — Florida reported on last week, for tech upgrades and equipping law enforcement for safety.

Key highlights include:

• More than $5 million to update credentialing systems and equipment for drivers' licenses and identification cards
• Over $2 million for FHP equipment and resources including unmanned aerial vehicles ($375,000), optic gun sights ($1.3 million), armored vehicles ($350,000) and replacement AED pads ($350,000)
• At least $3 million for FHP to acquire patrol vehicles
• $1 million for FHP operations including fuel, repairs and maintenance on vehicles

In a press release issued Friday, Executive Director Dave Kerner said, "The investments outlined in the Focus on Florida's Future budget reflect our commitment, as well as that of Gov. Ron DeSantis, to improving efficiency, modernizing technology and providing our law enforcement with the necessary tools to safeguard the well-being of those traveling throughout our state."

More information about the FY 2024-2025 Focus on Florida’s Future budget can be found online.