Legislature passes $114.5B budget after delays

Florida’s Legislature finalized an $114.5 billion budget following a prolonged session, with the Senate voting unanimously and the House approving it 99-6. Republicans celebrated the plan as a balanced budget supporting education, public safety, and healthcare, while Democrats argued it fails to address issues like universal school voucher abuse and affordability crises. The budget includes $30 billion for public schools and $4.5 billion for K-12 taxpayer-funded vouchers, an increase from last year’s $3.8 billion. Senate President Ben Albritton highlighted a $196 million allocation for Florida’s citrus industry, calling it a ‘comeback’ driven by research and technology. Meanwhile, Democrats like Senate Leader Lori Berman criticized the voucher spending, arguing funds should instead improve public schools. Concerns over transparency in voucher spending persisted, with Republican Sen. Don Gaetz noting 30,000 students unaccounted for weekly. A failed bill this session sought to add oversight, but lawmakers deferred action until next year. The budget also funds affordable housing with $70.8 million for State Apartment Incentive Loans and $165.7 million for State Housing Initiatives Partnership dollars, benefiting areas like Miami. Education funding cuts included preeminent status for top universities like the University of Florida, Florida State, and the University of Central Florida. State employees were excluded from across-the-board raises, though law enforcement and some state workers received pay increases. The budget’s passage marks the end of a contentious process, with partisan divides over priorities like school choice and economic support.