What most of us were hoping for was homeowner's insurance relief and property tax relief (which is what DeSantis wanted); this does neither. They are going to 'study' property tax cuts??? Gee ... that's helpful.
Everglades restoration? Is that supposed to be a standing joke? That's been an ongoing issues since we moved down here 30 years ago.
Florida Legislature passes $115 billion budget, largest recurring tax cut in state history Florida lawmakers passed a $115 billion budget plan for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, ending an extended stalemate between both chambers over tax relief.
Florida’s budget for this year totals $115.1 billion, marking a $3.8 billion reduction – a 3.2% decrease – from the previous year’s spending.
The main budget bill, SB 2500, was approved unanimously by the Senate Monday night. The House vote was 103-2 with Reps. Dotie Joseph and Angie Nixon being the only members to vote against the bill.
The session to broker the deal was extended more than 100 days and was delayed by 45 days due to a feud between some of the legislators and DeSantis.
“The benefit was that we were able to have highs and lows,” House Speaker Danny Perez said. “We were able to have civil discourse. We were able to have a difference of opinion. We were able to reach a conclusion that maybe either the Senate or the governor didn’t agree with. That was our goal.”
This budget also cuts nearly 2,000 state government positions while ensuring vital services remain intact and top state priorities receive investment.
The state maintains strong financial health with $12.4 billion in total reserves, including $7 billion in unallocated general revenue, a fully funded $4.9 billion in the Budget Stabilization Fund, and $500 million in the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund.
Alongside the budget, lawmakers approved nearly a $1.3 billion package of tax cuts, primarily benefiting families and businesses across the state after the legislature’s Joint Budget Conference reached an agreement.
“We remain committed to making Florida more affordable, putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Floridians and supporting our small businesses,” said Rep. Wyman Duggan, Chair of the Ways & Means Committee.
“In this year’s tax package, we emphasized making tax holidays permanent and expanded existing exemptions so Floridians can take greater advantage of real, lasting savings,” he said. “Our goal is simple, return as much money as possible back to the people of Florida.”......................
https://flvoicenews.com/florida-legislature-passes-115-billion-budget-largest-recurring-tax-cut-in-state-history/
