Congresswoman Wilson announces Florida to receive over $1.1 billion in funding for Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment from Department of Commerce

Today, on the three-year anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure law, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24) is proud to announce that Florida will receive $1,164,947,415.71 from the Biden-Harris administration to expand high-speed internet access through the National Telecommunications Information Administration's (NTIA) Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. The BEAD program was established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, often called the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This program marks the single most significant federal broadband investment ever. The funding will support Florida's "Prosperity through a Connected Florida" project, focusing on deploying broadband service to unserved and underserved locations. Within the BEAD program, the National Telecommunications Information Administration provides a strong preference to ensure the deployment of gigabit internet connections to community anchor institutions, such as libraries and community centers, in the areas where it is most needed.

"As one of the five cosponsors of the bipartisan infrastructure law, I am incredibly pleased to see Florida receive over $1.1 billion in funding to expand internet to the communities that need it most. It is imperative we ensure that all Floridians have access to high-speed internet, especially in this decade. That's why the BEAD program is critically important as it is the largest federal broadband investment in our nation's history," Congresswoman Frederica Wilson said. "I have spent my entire life dedicated to building up our future generations. One of the most critical pieces to ensuring the success of Florida's want-to-be-somebodies is providing access to the internet no matter what part of Florida they live in. The internet is becoming an increasingly large part of our world, and those without access will be left behind. I am committed to building a more equitable and fair nation where every child has the chance to get ahead, no matter what they look like or where they come from. An investment of this magnitude is an investment in our state's future and the future of Floridians of every stripe."

This funding was made available through the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58), which Congresswoman Wilson was one of the five cosponsors of.

The funding will go to Florida's Department of Commerce. The state can use up to 2% of these funds for grant administration expenses and other specific activities it proposes, and NTIA approves. The rest of the funds will be set aside but won't be available until the state submits its Final Proposal and NTIA approves it. The Final Proposal is due to NTIA one year after NTIA approves the state's Initial Proposal.

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