Broadband

Hardee County will get the largest chunk of the funds announced by Gov. DeSantis, at more than $7 million.

Polk and Hernando are among 41 counties that will receive a share of $144 million.

It comes as the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity plans to issue $400 million in grants to communities that need better internet infrastructure.

Last year, lawmakers created the Office of Broadband within the Department of Economic Opportunity. Since then, the office has begun mapping areas in the state where access to high-speed internet doesn’t exist.

The state House and Senate were working in sync to legislate $500 million in funding for broadband expansion efforts. The two chambers diverged after the Senate's plan was amended on Tuesday to remove any specified funding amounts for high-speed internet projects.

A Senate staff analysis of the bill said broadband access is available to 98% of the state’s urban areas and just 78.6% of rural areas.

Some nonprofit organizations say the FCC is not rolling out benefits for low-income families fast enough.

The federal infrastructure package includes at least $100 million for Florida to connect more people to high-speed internet. Though the state has an office to distribute the funds, getting that money to rural communities could prove challenging.

Eligible households will get up to $50 per month for internet service, and the program also offers a $100 discount on a laptop, desktop computer or tablet.

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