© 2024 All Rights reserved WUSF
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Florida Debt Rises Slightly After 4 Years Of Decline

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott said Sunday that he was never told by Homeland Security officials in 2016 when he was Florida's governor that Russian hackers had gained access to voter databases in two Florida counties ahead of the presidential election.
MyFloridaHouse.gov
Florida Gov. Rick Scott before the Florida House.

Florida's amount of debt is rising after dropping four straight years.

That's according to an annual report presented Tuesday to Gov. Rick Scott and members of the Cabinet.

The new report shows that Florida's overall debt stood at $25.7 billion at the end of June. That's an increase of $1.5 billion over the previous fiscal year.

The increase was due primarily to money borrowed to cover the expansion of Interstate 4 in central Florida.

Scott pointed out during the presentation that tolls will cover the cost of the bonds.

Despite the slight increase this year overall state debt has declined $2.5 billion since 2010.

During his time as governor Scott has also made it a priority to limit borrowing including issuing bonds to pay for school and college construction projects.

You Count on Us, We Count on You: Donate to WUSF to support free, accessible journalism for yourself and the community.