Legislature approves budget with key funding that supports Polk State’s growth

The Florida Legislature approved the 2025-2026 state budget last week, securing critical support for Polk State College’s continued growth and development. The budget, pending the governor’s signature, maintains the College’s operational funding and includes significant capital investments: $10 million for the Polk State Haines City-Davenport Campus and $6.1 million for the completion of ongoing renovations to the Lakeland Academic Center.

These allocations bring Polk State College’s special appropriations to more than $100 million since 2017—investments that have enabled the College to expand academic programs, reduce the advisor-to-student ratio, and modernize aging infrastructure.

“This funding comes at a pivotal time for Polk State. I am grateful to the Polk County Legislative Delegation and our District Board of Trustees, who worked diligently to ensure Polk State remained at the forefront this legislative session,” said Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti, President of Polk State College. “With sustained legislative support and continued investment in infrastructure and academic programming, our College is poised to meet the educational and workforce needs of one of Florida’s fastest-growing regions.”

The new Haines City-Davenport Campus—an approximately $51 million project—will house a 75,000-square-foot facility with a strong emphasis on workforce education, featuring Central Florida’s first public higher education interdisciplinary simulation hospital. In addition to advanced health sciences training, the campus will offer programs in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Supply Chain and Logistics, Teacher Education, and the Associate in Arts degree.

Polk State hosted the groundbreaking of the Haines City-Davenport Campus in November, and construction is underway. Site mobilization began in February, precast panels were poured in May, and panel tilt-up is scheduled for this month.

The College’s eighth location will primarily support Polk State’s renowned Health Sciences programs, which continue to surpass state and national licensure pass rates. Programs such as Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Radiography, Respiratory Care, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Paramedic consistently boast 100% licensure pass rates, producing graduates who are in high demand among area employers.

In addition to its strong performance in existing programs, Polk State continues to innovate with the launch of new offerings in recent years, including in Crime Scene Investigations, Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Human Resource Management. The College is also preparing to introduce a Welding Program, made possible by a $2.8 million Florida Job Growth Grant awarded in June.