MILTON, FLORIDA — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced awards to expand access to broadband internet in 41 Florida counties. More than $144 million was awarded for 58 projects in the first round of broadband opportunity grants. The projects are expected to help nearly 160,000 residential, business, and community locations.
“I am proud to be in Santa Rosa County to announce the first awards through Florida’s Broadband Opportunity Program,” said Governor DeSantis. “Broadband internet access creates jobs and enhances educational opportunities for Floridians. I look forward to continued investments through this program to ensure Florida families have access to important resources no matter where they live.”
$400 MILLION BUDGET
Administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), the Broadband Opportunity Program funds the installation and deployment of broadband internet infrastructure in rural or underserved communities. Florida lawmakers funded the program at $400 million to provide valuable access to telehealth, educational, and workforce development opportunities.
The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has developed Florida’s Broadband Availability Map to identify available broadband internet service throughout the state. DEO encourages residents in areas with low connectivity to take this internet speed test to assist in further developing Florida's Broadband Availability Map.
Participation will help the state of Florida identify gaps in high-speed internet service to further the state’s overall broadband infrastructure. The speed test can be completed using any device that has an internet or cellular connection and takes less than one minute to complete. Data collected from your internet’s speed test will be displayed on the Florida Broadband Availability Map in real-time.
