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Florida lawmakers just finalized a state budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, only two weeks shy of a potential government shutdown and the July 1, 2025 deadline for the new fiscal year.
The new budget is $3 billion short from this year and was approved late Monday evening after a 72-hour cool-off period. In the house, 103 representatives approved while 2 voted against it.
Roughly $1.3 billion in tax breaks will be allocated to businesses’ rent.
This package also includes permanent sales tax holidays, including back-to-school supplies exemptions for the month of august.
Disaster relief supplies like waterproof tarps, certain batteries, generators, and other essential items will be tax exempt as well.
READ: Florida lawmakers pass $115 billion budget after lengthy gridlock
Funds were also diverted to transportation projects across Central Florida, including:
- CraneRIDES Fleet and route expansion in Altamonte Springs
- Brevard County West Central Avenue Bridge replacement
- Volusia County North Beach flood mitigation
- West mitchell hammock road corridor safety improvements
- Winter Park Stirling Avenue Bridge Replacement
Lawmakers also appropriated over $248 million to school districts and charter schools for salary increases for full-time educators, this aligns with the state’s ongoing policy to incrementally increase the teacher wage without a one-time jump.
Most state employees can expect a 2 percent raise, as outlined in one of the packages.
The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and The Department of Corrections are authorized to give their officers up to a 10 percent raise, under certain working hour and certifications.
The budget now awaits Gov. DeSantis’ review, where he can line item veto whatever he chooses before a final sign off.
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