Governor Ron DeSantis announced Thursday funding proposals for Florida’s National Guard as well as a proposal to establish the Florida State Guard, a volunteer force that would assist the National Guard in emergencies in the state and over $107 million dollars for the state's military budget.
According to a press release, the governor’s budget proposals includes:
- $87.5 million to expand the existing readiness center in Miramar and to establish three new armories in Homestead, Gainesville and Malabar;
- $8.9 million for existing armory maintenance;
- $2.2 million for a new headquarters for the National Guard Counter Drug Program;
- $5.1 million to support Florida National Guardsmen seeking higher-education degrees; and
- $3.5 million to establish the Florida State Guard.
"As a veteran, I really appreciate what everyone who wears the uniform does in our state and am excited about these proposals – they will go a long way and have a meaningful impact," DeSantis said. "In Florida, we are going to continue our momentum of supporting our military, supporting our veterans and being good stewards of our military installations.”
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The $3.5 million to establish the Florida State Guard will enable civilians to be trained in the best emergency response techniques in the event of a hurricane, natural disasters and other state emergencies.
According to the release, Florida will become the 23rd state with a state guard recognized by the federal government.
Florida's Agriculture Commissioner, Nikki Fried, lambasted the proposal, likening it to paramilitary forces in authoritarian governments.
