Governor Ron DeSantis announced $60 million in cancer innovation awards today through the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, while simultaneously opening a new $70 million application cycle for the following fiscal year, marking a $10 million increase over the previous cycle.
The awards come as Florida has dramatically expanded its cancer research infrastructure. Since 2019, the state has invested more than $1.4 billion in cancer research and treatment, with funding for cancer research programs increasing by more than 175 percent under DeSantis’s administration.
The Florida Cancer Innovation Fund, established in 2023 with an initial $20 million investment, has already supported nearly 150 funded projects across the state. “Governor DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis had a bold vision for what Florida could accomplish in the fight against cancer, and nearly 150 funded projects later, that vision is paying off for families in every part of our state,” said Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Shevaun L. Harris, according to the official announcement.
The newly awarded $60 million supports researchers and institutions across Florida pursuing diverse approaches to cancer prevention and treatment. The awards went through a competitive review process and now support a mix of established research institutions and emerging innovators pursuing new approaches in cancer care.
In fiscal year 2026-27 alone, Florida has committed nearly $228 million to cancer research and innovation. The new $70 million application cycle will prioritize one-year, high-impact initiatives with a focus on foundational discoveries, emerging medical treatments, preventive nutrition research, data infrastructure, and patient-centered solutions designed to improve outcomes.
Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in Florida, with nearly 40 percent of Floridians expected to face a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime. State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo noted that the investments “give researchers the freedom to ask important questions, explore new ideas, and follow the evidence wherever it leads.”
The broader Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program, which encompasses the Innovation Fund alongside the Cancer Connect Collaborative and other targeted investments, aims to break down barriers between researchers and institutions to accelerate the development of new treatments. Recent funded projects have included work on wearable technology for pediatric cancer care, nutrition’s role in cancer prevention, and patient-centered clinical trial platforms.
Sources
- Executive Office of the Governor — Official press release announcing $60 million in awards and $70 million application cycle opening
- Florida Department of Health — Information on Florida Cancer Innovation Fund structure and focus areas
- University of Florida Cancer Institute — Details on funded research projects and program impact
- USF Health — Background on cancer research initiatives funded through the program
