Governor Ron DeSantis Allocates $80 Million for Florida Maritime Interdiction Vessels and Radar

KEY WEST, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Monday the allocation of $80 million in state public safety funding to modernize the maritime interdiction fleet and coastal surveillance radar networks of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

The investment purchases twenty-four custom-built 42-foot high-speed ocean patrol interceptor vessels equipped with night-vision forward-looking infrared (FLIR) cameras, maritime satellite communications, and high-powered quad-outboard engines capable of speeds exceeding 65 knots.

Securing Florida's 8,400 Miles of Coastline and Maritime Channels Florida law enforcement officers intercept dozens of illicit maritime smuggling vessels, human trafficking operations, and narcotics shipments annually in the Straits of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico.

"Florida has thousands of miles of open coastline, and we will not allow foreign drug cartels or human smuggling networks to exploit our maritime borders," Governor DeSantis said at the Coast Guard Sector Key West station. "By investing $80 million in state-of-the-art interceptor vessels, thermal night-vision tracking, and integrated coastal radar, we are giving our brave FWC and FDLE officers the tactical tools they need to interdict illegal contraband on the water and keep Florida communities safe."

Procurement and Tactical Upgrades The $80 million equipment package includes:

• 24 Custom Ocean Interceptor Boats: Built in Florida shipyards with reinforced composite hulls and automated radar tracking.
• Coastal Radar Surveillance Towers: Installing automated high-definition marine radar arrays along the Florida Keys and Southwest Gulf Coast.
• Officer Recruitment and Marine Tactical Training: Expanding specialized maritime tactical boarding certification programs for 150 state officers.

Local sheriffs, marine safety officers, and coastal county commissioners commended the state investment, highlighting that modernized patrol vessels protect recreational boaters and commercial fishermen while stopping illicit offshore trafficking.