NEW SMRYNA BEACH, Fla. —  Florida's new $101 billion budget will create new opportunities for Floridians moving forward, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday as he signed  the 2021-2022 budget for the state.

What You Need To Know

  • Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs 2021-22 budget in New Smyrna Beach

  • It provides bonuses for first responders, teachers for COVID work

  • The budget also includes funding for beach restoration, mental health issues

  • State reserves will be boosted, and tax rate will stay low, DeSantis says 

“We’re going to probably have $10 billion in reserve after we get the June numbers in, but clearly, we’re going to have $9.5 billion  in reserve, meeting the needs of Floridians all with having the lowest per-capita tax burden in the country," DeSantis said

The budget — bolstered by $7 billion in federal stimulus money — includes funds supporting law enforcement with $1,000 bonuses for first responders and provides $1,000 bonuses for teachers and principals for their hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic, DeSantis said.

It also includes $100 million in beach restoration funding to help our eroded coasts, he said.

The governor also touched on mental health initiatives in the budget, pushed by First Lady Casey DeSantis. He said he will prioritize $2.5 billion in mental-health assistance, including in schools.

The governor also said Florida is on the path to get more people back to work following pandemic shutdowns and restrictions.

In the Bay area, $100 million will go toward fixing Piney Point for good.

“We’re going to be able to complete reservoirs and storm water treatment areas, just within the next couple of years. It’s going to have such a impact on the natural plumbing of the state of Florida,” DeSantis said.

There's also a project to build a new National Guard Armory in Zephyrhills was funded to the tune of $50 million (that money will also pay for an armory in Immokalee).

“It’s a boom for us,” said public information officer Stephanie Vazquez. “I see hotels getting a boom. Restaurants and shops getting more business, too. We’re continuing to experience growth in the area so it makes a lot of sense to bring it, and will lead to more growth.”