Florida Budget Proposals in Brief (FY 2025-26): Criminal Justice and Corrections

This post is part of the “Florida Budget Proposals in Brief” blog series, where FPI highlights some of the key components of the House and Senate budget proposals — where they align, how they differ, and what it means for Floridians, communities, and the state economy. The difference between the House and Senate proposals is $4.4 billion, the largest difference between the chambers over the past 10 fiscal years. Consequently, policymakers will have to negotiate significant differences as they continue to agree upon a final budget. The proposals also differ from the governor’s $115.6 billion recommended budget for FY 2025-2026, with the Florida House advancing a $113 billion plan and the Senate proceeding with a $117.4 billion proposal.

The blog post below focuses on the proposed criminal justice and corrections budgets.

Workforce and Education

Programs that promote rehabilitation such as general education and vocational training are uniquely important for those who are in prison. Not only do these services assist in rehabilitation — they also help enhance public safety. Studies have found that over 90 percent of incarcerated people will return to their communities. As a result, ensuring that released individuals have the life skills and educational background that would help them to successfully reenter their communities and strive socially and economically is crucial. The Legislature passed two bills in 2024 that would have reduced barriers to workforce development and made it easier for formerly incarcerated people to attend post-secondary education. Unfortunately, these bills were vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Both chambers’ budget proposals provide an overall increase for the Department of Corrections (DOC) over FY 2024-25 funding levels. The Senate, however, recommends $84 million more than the House in total allocations. For basic education skills, the Senate includes $93.9 million for basic education, whereas the House proposes $90.8 million.

Both the House and the Senate are taking much-needed strides in helping DOC to combat high illiteracy rates and idleness among the prison population. In 2022, DOC reported that nearly 73 percent of the state’s incarcerated population younger than age 22 did not have a high school diploma or a GED. Further, the department has also maintained that the lack of educational activities has led many incarcerated individuals to become idle, which has contributed to an increase in violence and ongoing illegal activities. These additional dollars will help reduce idleness, which will ultimately have a positive impact on the lives of the incarcerated.

Infrastructure & Maintenance

Many of Florida’s prison facilities were built decades ago; they are outdated and lack a central cooling system. Out of the 623 prison housing units, roughly 150 of them have air conditioning, which means that most of Florida’s incarcerated population do not have access to air conditioning when temperatures rise. The facilities that are air conditioned are reserved for special populations, such as older adults and pregnant women. In recent years, DOC has had to face the consequences of its facilities’ aging infrastructure, from flooding that has led to prison closures to lawsuits that have accused the department of not complying with Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

In 2024, a study commissioned by the Florida Legislature revealed that a $2.2 billion investment is urgently needed for critical repairs at the DOC. Lawmakers have yet to allocate the recommended funds. This legislative session, lawmakers filed bills (SB 358/HB 185) that would require each state correctional institution to provide air cooling systems. Unfortunately, the bills have not been scheduled for committee hearings in either chamber.

The lack of air conditioning has contributed to unbearable living conditions for those who are incarcerated, especially during the blazing heat of Florida’s summers. It is becoming more pressing for the Legislature to find a solution because of the potential legal consequences. Notably, a federal class action lawsuit has been filed against Florida for the lack of air conditioning in prisons. A similar lawsuit had been filed against Texas, and a federal judge ruled that it was “plainly unconstitutional.”

This legislative session, lawmakers filed bills (SB 358/HB 185) that would require each state correctional institution to provide air cooling systems. Unfortunately, the bills have not been scheduled for committee hearings in either chamber.

Both budget proposals include increased funding for maintenance and repairs, with the Senate recommending $304 million — $84 million more than the House, which proposes $220 million. Notably, no dollars in either budget are earmarked for air conditioning projects. The significant difference between the Senate and the House proposed funding levels is partly due to the Senate’s $5.8 million allocation in nonrecurring funds from the Federal Grants Trust Fund, which seeks to address improvements and repairs to wastewater treatment systems at Wakulla Correctional Institution.

While these increases are notable, they still fail to address the magnitude of the issue. Florida’s prisons are in dire need of repairs, and failure to properly invest in air conditioning accommodations not only threatens the living conditions of incarcerated people; it also jeopardizes the working conditions of staff. DOC has had one of the highest turnover rates and unfilled positions. Florida's prison population has been on the rise after years of decline. It is estimated that Florida’s prison population of 88,499 people will grow to 94,034 by FY 2028-29. The Legislature will need to make substantial investments to ensure that DOC’s facilities can safely house people.