FAMU secures key funding priorities in 2021 state budget

By Andrew Skerritt
FAMU Office of Communications

When Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law the largest budget in Florida history last week, FAMU was assured or more than $100 million.

The General Appropriations Act (GAA), SB 2500, includes more than $160 million for the university’s operating budget. It is also markedly different from the initial budget proposals that included sweeping reductions across the State University System.  

The total non-recurring Legislative Budget Request of $1.6 million is included in the GAA for the Brooksville Agricultural and Environmental Research Station along with the total recurring request of $1.5 million for the Peaden Education Center in Crestview. 

The Brooksville request was sponsored by Sen. Loranne Ausley and House Minority Ramon Alexander. The Performance Based Funding allocation is level funded at $560 million for the SUS, from which FAMU will likely receive more than $10 million, according to Danielle McBeth, director of Government Relations for FAMU.  

 Notably, the House and Senate agreed to release a six percent holdback of the current fiscal year, which amounts to $184 million systemwide and more than $7 million for FAMU. 

“We appreciate the support of the Governor, House and Senate leaders, our Leon County Legislative Delegation, our Rattler Legislative Caucus, and Florida Conference of Black State Legislators for investing in the sustainability of our institutions,” said President Larry Robinson. “We are also grateful to leadership in the U.S. Congress, including the HBCU Congressional Caucus and our Rattlers serving in Congress for their tremendous support during these unprecedented times over the past year.”   

2021 FAMU Legislative Highlights  

Six percent Holdback Released: $7.3 million  

Education & General Allocation of $162,650,514  

FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Allocation of $14,636,475  

$1.6 million for Brooksville Research Station  

$1.5 million for Crestview Education Center  

 Rattlers in Leadership: 

Sen. Bobby Powell – Senate Minority Leader Pro Tempore and Chair of Florida Conference of Black State Legislators 

Representative Kamia Brown – House Minority Leader Pro Tempore Kamia Brown 

Rep. Ramon Alexander – House Minority Whip and Incoming Democratic Caucus Chair.