State budget delivers more than $180 million in priorities for Florida State University

Florida State University secured more than $180 million for nearly all of its top legislative priorities in Florida’s 2026-27 state budget, including major investments in engineering, research, FSU Health, student success and campus infrastructure.

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed the state’s $117.6 billion budget, approving dozens of Florida State initiatives that will support teaching, research and service across the university while advancing major capital projects.

Among the largest investments is $92 million for Building C at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, a long-awaited expansion that will increase research capacity, support enrollment growth and help meet Florida’s workforce needs.

“This year’s budget positions Florida State University to move strategic priorities forward and build on our momentum as one of the top public universities in the nation,” President Richard McCullough said. “It will expand opportunities for students, strengthen our ability to attract and support exceptional faculty and staff, and deepen our impact across Florida and beyond. We appreciate the continued confidence of the Florida Legislature, including Speaker Daniel Perez, and Gov. Ron DeSantis in FSU’s ability to deliver meaningful results for the people of Florida.”

Other approved projects include investment in the Veterans Legacy Complex, the Middleton Center, Moore Auditorium, Rovetta Hall, the Basketball Training Facility, deferred maintenance for FSU Health facilities, life safety improvements and planning for FSU’s future dental school.

Collectively, these investments strengthen FSU’s academic, research, student life, health and athletic missions while positioning Florida State to meet continued enrollment growth and expand its national prominence.

FSU also secured about $26 million in operational support, including $17.4 million in recurring funding. The Legislature maintained funding for numerous recurring and nonrecurring university programs, reflecting continued confidence in Florida State University’s mission and priorities.

While several individual projects were vetoed, the overwhelming majority of the university’s priorities were approved. Most notably, the historic investment in capital infrastructure will shape FSU’s physical campus, research enterprise, student experience and academic mission for decades to come and stands as one of the defining accomplishments of this legislative session.