Florida Legislature Approves $20M Arts Funding Amid DeSantis Veto Threat
After closed-door discussions wrapped up on Sunday, Florida's House and Senate have reached an agreement to set aside $20 million for cultural and museum grants in the 2026 budget. This decision comes in the wake of Governor Ron DeSantis's veto of the entire arts budget in 2024, which resulted in a $32 million reduction. Of the allocated funds, $12.45 million will be directed to arts organizations recommended by Secretary of State Cord Byrd, while the remaining amount will be distributed based on a ranked list from the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. Nearly 600 groups are vying for grants ranging from $4,000 to $150,000, including the Orlando Ballet and Miami Children's Museum. Critics like State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith label this approach as "cherry picking," expressing hope for a change with a new governor in November 2026.
Key facts
- Florida Legislature approved $20 million for cultural and museum grants in 2026 budget.
- DeSantis vetoed the entire arts line item in 2024, cutting $32 million.
- First $12.45 million goes to groups recommended by Secretary of State Cord Byrd.
- Nearly 600 organizations are seeking grants from $4,000 to $150,000.
- Orlando Fringe Festival did not apply for funding this year.
- DeSantis called the Fringe a 'sexual festival' in 2024.
- Democrats argue arts funding yields $9 return per $1 invested.
- Smith hopes for arts funding reset with new governor in 2026.
Entities
Institutions
- Florida Legislature
- Florida House of Representatives
- Florida Senate
- Orlando Fringe Festival
- Florida Council on Arts and Culture
- Orlando Ballet
- Miami Children's Museum
- Florida Aquarium
- Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
- Naples Players
- Bonnet Springs Park
- Kids Fringe
Locations
- Florida
- Orlando
- Miami
- Naples
- Lakeland
- Loch Haven Park
- Princeton Street