Florida Budget

Once floated as the heir to Donald Trump’s GOP, Gov. Ron DeSantis is used to getting his way in Tallahassee. But as the governor approaches the end of his second term, the Republican supermajority is testing his power.

Lawmakers will use the estimates to craft the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, which will take effect July 1.

Here is a list of some of the major pieces of legislation lawmakers are expected to tackle when the session begins March 4.

Four workgroups have looked at 2024 vetoes in different parts of the budget: water programs, health services, justice services, and libraries, cultural and historic preservation.

After the Legislature voted last month to override a couple of the Gov. Ron DeSantis' 2024 line item budget vetoes, House Speaker Daniel Perez formed workgroups to reconsider $950 million worth of projects.

Gov. Ron DeSantis included the transfer in his proposed budget for 2025-26. The art museum, located less than a mile from New College in Sarasota, is currently managed by FSU.

The proposal calls for allocating $590 million toward the My Safe Florida Home program and $30 million for the state's Condo Pilot Program.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has asked for a historic $29.7 billion for public education. Florida's largest teachers union, however, is concerned about the increase per pupil and added funds for the state's voucher program.

The proposal is an initial step as lawmakers prepare to negotiate a final budget during the legislative session. It includes pay increases for first responders and tax cuts, and a firearms sales tax holiday.

Legislative leaders are telling senators and representatives about a need to slow spending, at least in part, because federal money that flooded into the state during the COVID pandemic has dried up.

He said he will ask President-elect Donald Trump to give Florida authority over federal money. The proposed 2025-26 state budget includes $805 million for Everglades restoration and $330 million for targeted water quality projects.

Legislators are confident areas such as education and health care will not suffer in 2025.