Florida lawmakers pass $114.5 billion budget; special session needed two months after recess

Florida lawmakers finalized an $114.5 billion budget Friday after a special session, two months past the original deadline, with the Senate voting unanimously and the House approving it 99-6. The budget reflects a compromise between House Speaker Daniel Perez, who pushed for spending cuts from the prior $115 billion plan, and Senate President Ben Albritton, who prioritized maintaining funding levels. Perez emphasized responsible spending while investing in public safety, education, environmental protection, healthcare, and infrastructure. Albritton highlighted $196 million for Florida’s citrus industry, which has struggled with freezes, disease, and development pressures, calling it vital to the state’s economy and heritage. Education funding totals $30 billion for K-12 schools, with $201 million earmarked for veteran teacher pay raises—capped at $3,000 annually for those with 10 years of experience. Republicans framed the measure as a retention tool for experienced educators, but Democrats argued it fell short of addressing inflation and enrollment declines. Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith noted Orange County schools would still face a $13 million shortfall, while Rep. Bruce Antone criticized the budget for excluding broader state worker raises beyond corrections officers, law enforcement, and firefighters. Higher education faced cuts, including the elimination of preeminence funding for the University of Central Florida, which had recently qualified for the program. The $40 million previously allocated now supports only the University of Florida, Florida State University, Florida International University, and the University of South Florida. Sen. Jennifer Bradley acknowledged the framework remains in state law but suggested revisiting it next year. Democrats also pressed for stronger relief against rising costs, with Antone warning that state employees struggle with bills, childcare, and insurance despite economic challenges. The budget’s passage underscored divisions over fiscal priorities, with Republicans defending targeted investments and Democrats calling for broader support. Only six House Democrats opposed the measure, though most expressed dissatisfaction with its response to cost-of-living pressures. The final plan now moves to Gov. Ron DeSantis for approval, concluding a contentious legislative process marked by partisan tensions and competing state needs.