Governor Ron DeSantis allocated a sum of almost $223 million to enhance the availability of broadband internet to residents of Florida, particularly those residing in small and rural areas.
The funding comprises $135 million from the state through the Broadband Opportunity Program and $86 million from the federal government through the Multipurpose Community Facilities Program.
The Broadband Opportunity Program will allocate awards to fund 54 projects across 33 counties in Florida. These projects aim to expand broadband internet access to over 27,000 locations that currently lack service, including residential, educational, agricultural, business, and community areas.
The funding is being provided in response to the Federal Communications Commission’s recent implementation of regulations pertaining to the expansion of broadband services by private companies. These regulations are designed to prevent any form of discriminatory treatment in accessing broadband services based on factors such as income level, race, ethnicity, color, religion, or national origin.
The Biden administration’s implementation of such regulations directly discourages private companies from offering services such as broadband internet to rural communities due to their failure to meet specific diversity requirements. Florida will refuse to implement these prejudiced conditions tied to federal funding, which divert investment from small and rural communities that are already lacking adequate resources.
The current awards are an extension of Governor DeSantis’ previous announcement of over $226 million granted for projects in 53 counties in Florida. These projects aim to connect over 250,000 homes and businesses through the Broadband Opportunity Program. In addition, Governor DeSantis allocated over $247 million via the Broadband Infrastructure Program, facilitating the connection of over 59,000 businesses, homes, farms, hospitals, and libraries that previously lacked access to high-speed internet.
The Broadband Opportunity Program, managed by FloridaCommerce, finances the implementation and distribution of broadband internet infrastructure in underserved communities in Florida.
This initiative aims to grant Floridians access to telehealth, economic, educational, and workforce development opportunities, ultimately contributing to a more promising future for all residents of Florida.
Most recently, Governor DeSantis also allocated $25 million to enhance the security and safeguard the well-being of the state’s Jewish community.
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