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Florida Gov. DeSantis’ Budget Would Put Millions Toward State IT

In his proposed budget last week, Gov. Ron DeSantis outlined millions of dollars for the state’s Department of Management Services. The money would fund modernization and cybersecurity efforts among other initiatives.

A person in a blue and red lit room holding a computer chip, overlayed with digital images like a lock, a key and a fingerprint.
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Last week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced budget recommendations for the state’s Department of Management Services (DMS).

As part of the recommendations, approximately $128 million has been earmarked for cybersecurity resilience, technical assistance grants for local governments, data interoperability efforts and 36 new full-time positions.

“Governor DeSantis understands the importance of having a state Information Technology infrastructure that is strong and able to protect the state’s most sensitive information,” state CIO James Grant said in a release. “With this historic investment, the Florida Digital Service will have the resources needed to protect the state from the growing threat of cyber-attacks and provide cybersecurity solutions across the state like never before.”

Another $75 million has been proposed for enterprise cybersecurity resiliency and $44 million for state and local public safety communication systems to enhance the state’s first responder network and provide grant assistance to local 911 systems.

Some $300,000 would provide enhanced support, functionality and security for the Florida Retirement System’s 1.1 million-plus members, followed by a $700,000 investment in the state’s People First procurement for its human resource information system.

Lastly, $1.3 million would be allocated for resources to support DMS’ enterprise-wide initiatives.

As for non-tech or cybersecurity-related recommendations, $45 million will be allocated for the maintenance, security, design and acquisition of state-owned and operated buildings, while $695 million would go towards retaining staff and continuing recruiting for vacancies across the state’s enterprise.

Last on the list is $650,000 to ensure agencies are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to recruit and retain a high-performing workforce.