Money, money, money: FY 26-27 budget special session is here
Florida’s state legislators returned to Tallahassee for a special session to finalize the FY 2026-27 budget, with a $52 billion allocation agreed upon but tax relief still unresolved, after failing to pass it during the regular session. Key disagreements persist over education funding, school infrastructure spending, and state employee benefits, including health insurance premiums and pay raises, amid Republican-led efforts to cut spending despite economic growth.
Florida’s state legislators reconvened in Tallahassee on Tuesday to address the FY 2026-27 budget, a $52 billion framework agreed upon by House and Senate leaders on April 23. The budget, which covers spending from July 1 to June 30, marks the second consecutive year the Legislature failed to pass it during the regular session, with Republicans pushing for deeper cuts than existing levels despite Florida’s economic growth. Governor Ron DeSantis criticized the delay, urging legislators to complete the budget promptly, while House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton emphasized balancing priorities with reduced spending. The budget’s general revenue allocation, funded by sales taxes, corporate income taxes, and other sources, remains the focus, though the total budget figure has not been finalized. No agreement has been reached on a tax relief package, leaving uncertainty over potential reductions. Legislators will spend the next two weeks refining spending details, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure, with education alone accounting for nearly $23 billion—99% of which the Senate targets toward charter schools. Discrepancies remain between the House and Senate on school infrastructure funding, with the House proposing $360 million for maintenance and repairs, while the Senate allocated $261 million, primarily for charter schools. The House budget also includes $50 million for the Florida College System and State University System, a difference not yet resolved. State employee benefits, such as health insurance premiums, are stable, though pay raises remain under discussion. This delay has cost taxpayers, with the 2025 special session alone costing over $259,000. The stakes are high, as the budget funds critical areas like education, healthcare, and public safety. House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell expressed skepticism about reaching a swift agreement, while Republican leaders insist on balancing spending cuts with funding priorities.
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