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Fla. Extends Broadband to 8 More Communities
Oct 24, 2023Broadband in Fla.'s semi-rural areas could jumpstart home sales, notably for work-from-home buyers seeking affordability. To date, 64 areas are slated to be connected.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis announced a second round of awards through the Broadband Opportunity Program to expand broadband internet access to more of Florida's underserved communities.
In the latest round, more than $22 million was awarded for eight projects across eight Florida counties, impacting more than 33,200 unserved residential, educational, business and community locations. In November, the state received $250 million from the federal government under President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan.
To date, at least 64 smaller communities will receive broadband access.
While fast internet speeds help current residents, they may also boost demand and raise housing prices in some of these communities. Remote workers seeking rural areas and less expensive homes will gain new options across Florida with the expansion of broadband.
It also gives developers more land options for new housing developments.
"Investing in reliable internet infrastructure strengthens local economies and opens up new opportunities for students, businesses and families," says DeSantis. "I am happy to award this $22 million to support Florida's small and rural communities and I look forward to making more awards in the future that expand internet access to all Floridians."
In February, DeSantis announced the first awards through Broadband Opportunity Program – more than $166 million so far across 47 counties. He says it will impact more than 193,000 homes and businesses across the state.
Administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), the Broadband Opportunity Program funds the installation of broadband internet infrastructure in unserved Florida communities, providing access to telehealth, economic, educational and workforce development opportunities.
© 2023 Florida Realtors®
City of Live Oak City of Madison and Town of Le Cities of Monticello and Perry, unincorporated Lamont and Wacissa Unincorporated Allentown and Wallace, Chumukla and Pace City of Plant City unincorporated Balm, Keysville, Lithia and Wimauma City of Laurel Hill, unincorporated Deerland and Svea, and unincorporated Okaloosa County City of San Antonio, Land O Lakes and Shady Hills, and unincorporated Pasco County City of Dade City, Crystal Springs, Dade City North, Lacoochee, Richland, Zephyrhills North, Zephyrhills South, and unincorporated Pasco County City of Bonifay Towns of Bell, Cross City and Horseshoe Beach City of Trenton Cities of Palm Bay, West Melbourne, and Titusville, Mims and unincorporated Brevard County City of Bonifay City of Keystone Heights, Clay Hill, Middleburg, McRae and Virginia Village Putnam County City of Archer, Town of Micanopy City of Gainesville City of Ocala Cities of Archer and Newberry Town of Cross City Town of Westville City of Live Oak, Towns of Mayo and Day Cities of Live Oak and Jasper, Towns of White Spring and Jennings City of Bokeelia City of Moore Haven, Lakeport and Ortona Town of Cross City City of Riverdale, Flagler Estates and Spuds City of LaBelle, Montura Lehigh Acres Cities of Botswick and Keystone Heights, Towns of Pomona Park, Interlocken, Melrose, and Welaka; Putnam Hall, George's Lake, and unincorporated Crescent City Lehigh Acres Cities of Hampton, Lawtey, and Starke Columbia County City of Fort Pierce Cities of Clewiston, Moore Haven, and Pioneer; Montura, Palmdale, Port LaBelle and Venus Town of Nocatee, unincorporated Brownsville Town of Ponce de Leon Towns of Alford, Cottondale, Grand Ridge, and Greenwood, Two Egg City of Homestead, Redlands and unincorporated Florida City Clarksville and unincorporated Northwest Calhoun County Town of Altha, Willis, Chipola, Eufala and unincorporated Northeast Calhoun County City of Bunnell, Andalusia and Bimini Cities of Chattahoochee, Gretna, and Quincy, Town of Greensboro, Wetumpka City of Pioneer, La Deca and Montura City of Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte North Brooksville, Spring Lake, Nobleton, South Brooksville, Hill ‘N Dale, Istachatta, North Weeki Wachee, and unincorporated Hernando County City of Graceville, unincorporated Northeast Holmes County City of Williston Town of Bronson, Morriston, Raleigh, Williston Highlands, Rosewood, and Sumner City of Bristol, Town of White Springs, Lake Mystic, Estiffanulga, and unincorporated NE Liberty County Deer Park and Bull Creek Yeehaw Junction and Kenansville Town of Jay, Fidelis, Berrydale, Cobbtown, and unincorporated Santa Rosa County Geneva and Black Hammock City of Lake Helen, DeLeon Springs, Balm, Farmton, Osteen, and Boden Cities of Fountain, Southport, and Youngstown Unincorporated Okeechobee County Unincorporated Okeechobee County Orangetree and Golden Gate Estates Cities of Sebring and Avon Park Chaires Unincorporated Indian River County City of Jasper, Town of Jennings Indiantown Escambia County Town of Bell Polk County