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When Governor Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s $117.4 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2025–2026, it came with $567 million in line-item vetoes. While the Governor emphasized debt repayment, tax relief, and investments in education and transportation, Brevard County saw a mixed outcome: over $14.1 million in local projects were vetoed, but many others made it through.
Below is a breakdown of what Brevard gained and what it lost in this year’s budget, along with a look at several statewide vetoes that could also affect the region.
Total Vetoed: $14,142,618
| Project | Amount Vetoed |
|---|---|
| Aviation Assembly and Fabrication Hangar (Space Coast Regional Airport) | $1,008,618 |
| West Shore Jr./Sr. High School Expansion | $5,000,000 |
| Cocoa Village Playhouse Renovations | $350,000 |
| Sykes Creek Phase 2 Environmental Dredging | $4,324,000 |
| Sykes Creek Septic-to-Sewer Conversion | $900,000 |
| Banana River Living Shoreline Restoration | $500,000 |
| Indialantic Riverside Park Pier & Kayak Launch | $350,000 |
| Melbourne Village Stormwater Study | $180,000 |
| West Melbourne Flood Risk Reduction Project | $350,000 |
| Rockledge Traffic Light Revitalization | $600,000 |
| Palm Bay Police Communications Center Upgrades | $80,000 |
| Palm Bay Fiber Optic Expansion | $500,000 |
These vetoes affect local infrastructure, environmental cleanup, public safety technology, and school facilities. The loss of over $4.3 million for Sykes Creek dredging and $900,000 for septic-to-sewer conversion, in particular, may stall efforts to improve lagoon water quality.
Despite the cuts, several Brevard initiatives secured funding:
While not Brevard-specific, several vetoes could indirectly affect the county:
In his press release, Governor DeSantis touted the state’s “fiscal responsibility,” noting a $4.9 billion Rainy Day Fund and nearly $830 million toward accelerated debt repayment. The Governor’s office emphasized that the budget continues tax relief efforts, including permanent sales tax exemptions and a $2 billion tax cut package.
However, questions remain as to whether political tensions played a role in specific vetoes. While not directly addressed, recent fractures between the Governor and some Brevard-area legislators—particularly around education, book bans, and local control—may have influenced decisions.
Still, Brevard benefited from many key investments, particularly in higher education, emergency preparedness, and mental health infrastructure.
This year’s budget reflects a mixed picture: meaningful wins in education and health services, alongside significant setbacks in environmental and infrastructure funding. Projects like the EFSC expansion and manatee rehab facility will bring real benefits, while the loss of dredging and stormwater dollars could have longer-term environmental consequences.
As always, The Space Coast Rocket will continue tracking how these funds—or lack thereof—impact your community.
Stay tuned for updates and reactions from your local leaders.
2025-Final-Veto-List Budget-Transmittal-Letter_6.30.35 loaddoc
