Yesterday, Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas and the Florida Department of Education recognized Governor Ron DeSantis for his continued focus on education in the proposed Floridians First Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget. The recommendations include increasing teacher pay for the seventh year in a row. The budget proposes an additional $200 million for salaries of teachers and instructional personnel or other compensation costs, raising total funding to $1.56 billion for the upcoming fiscal year.
The recommended budget also raises per-student funding to $9,406, which is an increase of $279 per student. Additionally, it includes $300 million—an increase of $10 million—for the Safe Schools Allocation to enhance safety and security at schools across Florida.
“When I became Commissioner, I set two main goals: student achievement and school safety. I am proud to say the Governor’s recommended budget prioritizes both of these goals,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “I thank Governor DeSantis for his sustained efforts to ensure Florida remains the nation’s top state for education.”
The proposed budget highlights recent progress by Florida students and reinforces a commitment to providing every student with access to educational pathways that fit their needs.
The Florida Department of Education operates as part of Florida’s state government structure and serves about 2.8 million students in more than 4,400 public schools and 28 colleges statewide. The department supports community development through educational initiatives aimed at economic self-sufficiency, offers workforce training programs, apprenticeships, and services for individuals with disabilities, and strives to improve student proficiency through an integrated system valued by students, parents, and communities.
