On February 20, 2025, the Florida Legislature's Information Technology Budget & Policy Subcommittee convened to discuss significant advancements in the state's IT infrastructure, focusing on modernization efforts across various departments. The meeting highlighted the importance of cloud technology in enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency.

A key discussion point was the Florida Department of Health's allocation of $18.85 million for cloud modernization projects. Deputy Secretary of Operations, Mr. Antonio Dawkins, detailed ongoing initiatives aimed at upgrading critical systems, including the health management system and the child protection team information system. The health management system, which serves all 67 county health departments, is undergoing a transformation to unify patient records and improve care continuity. This project, initiated in January 2024, is on track for completion by February 2026, with phases progressing as scheduled.

Additionally, the child protection team information system, which supports case management for child abuse investigations, is being re-engineered into a modern, secure cloud-based solution. Dawkins reported that the project is currently in the design phase and is expected to be completed by the end of February 2025. The department is also preparing to assess other applications hosted at the state data center for future modernization.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) also presented its cloud modernization strategy. Executive Director of Transportation Technology, Mr. Trey Tillander, emphasized the agency's commitment to transitioning legacy systems to the cloud, which is crucial for maintaining a safe and efficient transportation network. With over 25 million lines of code and 229 enterprise applications, FDOT has prioritized modernization efforts since 2019, successfully updating 27 systems to date. Tillander highlighted the importance of prompt payments facilitated by the electronic estimate disbursement application, which processes significant financial transactions annually.

Both departments underscored the necessity of modernizing IT systems to enhance service delivery and security, particularly in light of increasing cyber threats. The discussions reflected a broader commitment to leveraging technology for improved public service and operational resilience.

As the meeting concluded, committee members engaged in a Q&A session, seeking clarity on funding allocations and project completion percentages. The ongoing modernization efforts across Florida's departments signify a strategic move towards a more integrated and secure technological framework, poised to benefit residents statewide.