State plans to dish $70 million on grants to fight cancer, Ron DeSantis says

'Who knows. One of these projects could have worldwide significance someday.'

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The state is now accepting applications for the next round of cancer research grants for the 2026-27 fiscal year as Florida plans to fund $70 million to fight the disease, Gov. Ron DeSantis said.

DeSantis announced the state is also awarding $60 million for grant research for the 2025-26 fiscal year for the Florida Cancer Innovation Fund.

“I don’t think there’s a single person in this state that either hasn’t had cancer or knows somebody in their family or their circle of friends that has been impacted by cancer,” DeSantis said Wednesday at a news conference Wednesday at AdventHealth Orlando.

First Lady Casey DeSantis was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and was treated while the couple raised their young children, a story that the Governor brings up when he talks about Florida’s cancer research investment that’s inspired by his wife’s experience.

“We want to have a cure. We want to be able to make sure that cancer is no longer a significant factor in Florida mortality, and we wanted to be a leader in research and innovation,” DeSantis said Wednesday. “Since 2019, the state has invested more than $1.4 billion in cancer research and treatment. That’s an increase in funding for cancer programs by over 175% compared to prior to my administration.”

Many of the latest grant winners are universities doing research and cancer treatment centers conducting clinical trials. Recipients include University of Miami, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute and University of Florida.

The state created the Cancer Innovation Fund in 2023.

The $70 million for 2026-27 grants will go toward being spent on “innovative research in areas including preventive nutrition, emerging medical treatments, data infrastructure and patient-centered solutions designed to improve outcomes,” DeSantis’ office said in a press release.

“Who knows?” DeSantis said. “One of these projects could have worldwide significance someday. And that may have started with some of the money that we’ve provided just in these recent years.”