TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — State lawmakers passed the budget late Monday night and approved a $115 billion budget.
Approval takes place at least a month after the end of the first legislative session.
Lawmakers praised the celebration as a $115 billion budget was passed on the 105th day of the 60-day session.
“I don’t see this as a failure on Day 105. I think we’re digging deep and having a lot of conversations about government efficiency. That’s what the speaker and I wanted.”
The budget is $500 million less than the one originally proposed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. It’s also $3.5 billion less than last year’s total.
The budget includes a $1.3 billion cut in state revenue. The $750 million reserve is set aside for emergencies where voter approval is pending.
The duty-free package proved to be a point of competition among lawmakers. It eliminates sales tax on hurricane preparation equipment and adds a repeat tax exemption on supply each August.
“It’s no longer a holiday, it’s a recurring tax cut and it’s going to happen every year, whether Congress votes for it or not,” explained Republican leader Danny Perez. “Looking at this sales tax cut, it’s actually pretty much in Florida’s pockets, but that’s an astronomical effect on our state budget,” retorted Democrat Fentrice Driskell.
Desantis has the opportunity to reject individual items before signing the budget to the law. The new fiscal year begins on July 1st.
