ORLANDO, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $60 million in cancer research and innovation awards Wednesday while opening a new application cycle that will make another $70 million available to Florida researchers and institutions.
The $60 million was awarded through the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Florida Cancer Innovation Fund. The upcoming Fiscal Year 2026-27 cycle represents a $10 million increase from the previous round.
“This promising initiative now has $70 million in funding for groundbreaking cancer research projects, $10 million more than the previous cycle,” DeSantis said. “Congratulations to the awardees, and thank you for all you do to make Florida a beacon of hope in cancer research and treatment.”
According to the governor’s office, Florida has invested more than $1.4 billion in cancer research and treatment since 2019. State funding for cancer research programs has increased by more than 175 percent during that period, with nearly $228 million committed to cancer research and innovation for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
The Florida Cancer Innovation Fund was created in 2023 with an initial $20 million investment. The program provides funding to Florida-based researchers, universities, medical institutions, startups and other organizations pursuing new approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo said the funding is intended to give researchers greater flexibility to investigate emerging ideas and treatments.
“These investments give researchers the freedom to ask important questions, explore new ideas, and follow the evidence wherever it leads,” Ladapo said.
The latest $60 million in awards was distributed following a competitive review process. State officials said recipients include both established research institutions and newer organizations working on cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Shevaun Harris said nearly 150 projects have now received funding through Florida’s cancer research initiatives.
“From rural communities to major cancer centers, Florida patients are getting access to groundbreaking research and life-changing care close to home,” Harris said.
The new $70 million funding cycle will support projects in areas including preventive nutrition, emerging medical treatments, data infrastructure and patient-centered programs intended to improve cancer outcomes.
The Cancer Innovation Fund is one part of Florida’s broader cancer research strategy, which also includes the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program and the Cancer Connect Collaborative. State officials say the programs are designed to encourage greater cooperation among researchers and medical institutions while accelerating the development of new treatments.
Cancer remains the second-leading cause of death in Florida. State officials also estimate that nearly 40 percent of Floridians will receive a cancer diagnosis at some point during their lives.
