Florida Lawmakers Approve $114.5B Budget After Special Session to Get It Done
The plan includes $30 billion for K-12 schools, $201 million for teacher raises, and targeted 4% pay increases for some public safety workers.
- On Friday, Florida lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a $114.5 billion state budget, wrapping up a special session more than two months after failing to reach an agreement during the regular session. The spending plan now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis for review before the July 1 deadline.
- Legislators returned to Tallahassee for a special session this month after the 60-day Regular Session ended in March without a budget deal. The two chambers failed to reach agreement during the regular legislative period, necessitating the overtime work to complete the spending plan.
- The budget allocates a historic $30 billion for public schools and $196 million for the heritage citrus industry. Democrats criticized the appropriation of about $4.5 billion for private school vouchers, arguing those funds should support public education improvements instead.
- Lawmakers also approved a tax relief package estimated to cut revenue by $272.2 million, featuring sales tax holidays for outdoor supplies and back-to-school items. The budget additionally provides $75 million for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program and $4 million for the Groveland Four families.
- Next week, legislators will return to the capitol for a separate special session focused on property taxes. They have three days to consider a proposed constitutional amendment for the November ballot that would phase out property taxes for homesteaded property owners.
29 Articles
29 Articles
Florida Phoenix
FY 26-27 budget done, vetoes are coming, and property tax debate lies ahead
The Florida Senate chamber on May 29, 2026. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix)The Florida Legislature signed off on a $114.5 billion budget Friday afternoon, even as some legislators worried it falls short of doing enough for schools, healthcare, and the environment. A handful of Democrats also sharply criticized a nearly $300 million tax cut package that they said does more to help special interests than everyday Floridians. Republican …
Key West Citizen
Florida lawmakers approve budget, tax cuts
(The Center Square) – Lawmakers in Florida passed the state budget on Friday along with $272.2 million in state and local tax cuts.
Legislature passes $114.5B budget after delays
The Legislature has passed a $114.5 billion budget, marking the end of a drawn-out process that required overtime to finish. The Senate voted unanimously, while the House vote was a divided 99-6, with Democrats making up all six “no” votes. Republicans hailed the spending plan as a responsible, balanced budget that’s smaller than last year’s total while still supporting education, public safety and healthcare. Democrats pushed back and argued th…
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