Florida Construction News staff writer
A Florida House committee has approved a measure that would earmark $250 million for the Florida Department of Corrections to develop new and existing prisons through 2067, as part of a long-term plan to expand the state’s correctional capacity.
The proposal (PCB JUB 26-02), advanced by a House panel, would appropriate the funding for planning, design and development efforts tied to future prison construction and upgrades.
In its proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget released last week, the Florida House of Representatives included $127 million for the planning and design of a new 4,800-bed correctional facility and an adjoining 600-bed hospital unit that would provide mental health services.
The Florida Senate does not include a similar appropriation in its proposed 2026-27 spending plan, setting up potential negotiations as lawmakers work toward a final budget agreement.
The funding aligns with recommendations in a 2023 master plan for the corrections department prepared by consulting firm KPMG. The report called for construction of a 4,800-bed prison and a 600-bed hospital by 2030 to address capacity needs and modernize facilities.
Under the House measure, the department would be required to seek available land for the new prison and hospital in areas where labor market conditions — including the size of the potential workforce, commute distances and cost of living — would support staffing the facilities.
The proposal now moves forward as part of the House’s broader budget process, with differences between the chambers expected to be resolved later in the legislative session.
