Jacksonville FL — On Thursday, while talking about military budget proposals in Pensacola, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced plans to re-establish the Florida State Guard. He says in the upcoming state budget proposal will be $3.5 million for the force. He says the Florida State Guard will act as a civilian volunteer force to help assist the National Guard during state-specific emergencies like hurricanes.
“This is something that many other states have utilized, and I think that Florida is in the minority of states that has allowed this to go defunct, so we’re happy to be able to bring that back”. DeSantis says.
He says the money will support training and equipment and other support for up to 200 members who can aid during natural disasters and other state-specific emergencies. This proposal is part of the governor’s state budget proposals which will be brought up during the next legislative session which starts in January.
We’re told over 20 other states have state guards. Florida’s went inactive in 1947.