Tallahassee, FL - Today, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez announced the launch of Florida's $40 Million Local Government Cybersecurity Grant Program to continue enhancing cybersecurity capabilities of local governments throughout the state. The Florida Digital Service (FLDS) will administer the grant, pending enactment of Florida's FY 2024-2025 budget.

"As threat actors become more advanced, Florida continues to lead the way with pro-active initiatives that strengthen our cybersecurity posture," said Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. "I'm proud to champion this program that provides local governments of all sizes the opportunity to safeguard their networks and residents' data with industry-leading solutions."

Started in 2023, the program equips local governments with cybersecurity solutions, software, and licenses and contains no matching requirement. Partners have the option to integrate with the state Cybersecurity Operations Center, an opportunity that includes ongoing monitoring and rapid response when requested.

The application window for existing grant awardees to continue their services runs through Friday, April 30, and new partners have until Friday, May 31 to apply. The application, timelines, FAQs, and services offered are available at cybergrants.fl.gov.

"Each year, Florida's cybersecurity defenses grow stronger thanks to bold leadership and support from Governor DeSantis and Lieutenant Governor Nuñez," said Department of Management Services Secretary Pedro Allende. "We've leaned into complex problems with common sense solutions, and this is an unprecedented investment in a united cybersecurity front."

In the first year of the Local Government Cybersecurity Grant Program, 193 entities from 57 Florida counties received awards. Over 700 software solutions were implemented, and 96% of awardees agreed to share telemetry data with the State Cybersecurity Operations Center.

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About FL[DS]

Following Governor Ron DeSantis' call to modernize state government, the Florida Legislature created the Florida Digital Service (FL[DS]) in 2020 to develop and implement the state's enterprise-wide cybersecurity, data interoperability, and cloud-first initiatives to support Florida's government and the constituents who access its critical services.

FLDS manages Florida's first State Cybersecurity Operations Center, leads data sharing between state agencies, and leverages the state's purchasing power to deliver taxpayer savings in technology procurement. FLDS is administering the Local Government Cybersecurity Grant Program, a program to provide funding for cybersecurity solutions and services to local Florida governments to improve their cybersecurity posture and resiliency.

About DMS

The Department of Management Services (DMS) is the primary business, workforce, and technology services provider to Florida Government. DMS is proud to serve those that serve Florida, working every day to create efficiencies, value, and sustainable cost savings for Florida taxpayers. DMS staff takes pride in providing excellent customer service and supporting agency priorities through innovation and technology. For more information about the Florida Department of Management Services, visit https://www.dms.myflorida.com.