More than 6 miles of added lanes on I-4 will be completed 8 months ahead of schedule 
KISSIMMEE, Fla.— Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced early completion of the congestion relief lanes through one of the busiest sections of Interstate 4 (I-4), delivering on a promise he made last June to open the lanes by the end of 2025. Not only has this commitment been met, but it has been exceeded with these lanes being ready for use eight months ahead of schedule. The new lanes, one additional lane in each direction of I-4 from U.S. 27 in Polk County to World Drive in Osceola County, will be open for use beginning the week of April 28.

“We launched the Moving Florida Forward initiative to accelerate major transportation projects that reduce congestion and improve connectivity,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “With nearly 700 projects underway and $75 billion in infrastructure investment since 2019, we’re delivering real results for Floridians and keeping Florida moving.”

Governor DeSantis directed FDOT to deliver immediate congestion relief along I-4. In response, FDOT used an innovative construction approach to open new lanes early—eight months ahead of schedule—improving travel times without waiting for full project completion. These lanes will remain open through all future construction. Continue reading →

1. MYERS, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis joined Florida Highway and Safety Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner to advocate for critical pay raises and funding for Florida State Troopers and other state law enforcement.

“In my Focus on Fiscal Responsibility proposed budget, I advocate for a 20% pay raise for state entry-level officers and 25% pay raise for veteran officers and all state firefighters,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “The Florida House is blocking these raises, and other critical resources for law enforcement. We must support and equip law enforcement to be successful in defending our communities.”

Earlier this year, Governor Ron DeSantis announced his recommendation for massive pay increases for state law enforcement officers and firefighters in his Fiscal Responsibility Budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025-26.

The Governor’s Fiscal Responsibility Budget recommends $118.3 million in pay increases for more than 4,700 state sworn law enforcement officers and more than 730 state firefighters:

• 20% pay increase for state entry level sworn law enforcement officers.
• 25% pay increase for veteran sworn law enforcement officers and all state firefighters.

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OCALA, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida has awarded more than 7,800 recruitment bonuses to new law enforcement officers through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program. The latest round of bonuses went to officers serving in Marion County, while an additional 660 bonuses have recently been distributed to recruits across the state.

Launched in 2022, this first-of-its-kind initiative underscores Florida’s nation-leading commitment to supporting law enforcement. The program provides a one-time $5,000 bonus—after taxes—to newly employed officers as a show of appreciation and incentive for choosing to serve in Florida.

“When other states were defunding their police, demonizing law enforcement, and kneecapping their criminal justice system, we rewarded our law enforcement for their service,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I was proud to be in Marion County to award recruitment bonus checks to Florida’s newest law enforcement officers and thank them for their commitment to protecting our communities.”

To date, more than 1,700 law enforcement officers from 49 other states and two territories have relocated to Florida, with more than 500 coming from anti-police states like California, Illinois, and New York. Each of the 7,800 newly recruited officers has received a $5,000 bonus after taxes, with the program distributing more than $53 million to date. Continue reading →