TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s Legislature passed a $114.5 billion state budget Friday — but the drama is far from over. Gov. Ron DeSantis made clear almost immediately that he intends to use his line-item veto authority to slash the plan further before it becomes law, setting up yet another showdown in what has been one of Tallahassee’s most chaotic budget cycles in years.
The Florida budget 2026 was approved after weeks of negotiations and a special legislative session that exposed deep divisions among Republican leaders over spending priorities and tax policy.
Key Numbers
- $114.5 Billion — Final budget approved by lawmakers
- 99-6 — House vote, with all six “no” votes coming from Democrats
- 2 Months — Delay beyond the regular session deadline
- $4.5 Billion — Private school voucher funding
- $514 Million — Everglades restoration funding
- $425 Million — Rural and Family Lands program funding
The Senate voted unanimously for the spending plan and the House followed 99-6, with all six “no” votes coming from Democrats. But the lopsided totals masked weeks of bitter internal Republican fighting that forced lawmakers into a special session just to complete their most basic constitutional responsibility — passing a state budget.
The budget standoff began when the regular legislative session ended without an agreement. House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, pushed for a leaner $113.6 billion spending plan, while Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, favored a budget closer to $115 billion.
The $1.4 billion gap between the two chambers proved impossible to bridge before adjournment. Lawmakers eventually reached a compromise over Memorial Day weekend, clearing the way for a special session vote.
DeSantis Signals More Cuts Ahead
Despite relief among legislative leaders that a budget deal was finally reached, DeSantis wasted little time signaling that the battle over spending is not finished.
The governor said he is likely to use his line-item veto authority to trim portions of the budget before signing it into law. DeSantis has repeatedly used the power throughout his administration and in 2022 vetoed more than $3 billion in spending approved by lawmakers.
DeSantis has consistently emphasized fiscal restraint throughout his tenure and has signaled that he intends to closely review spending items he believes fall outside the state’s core priorities. His final veto decisions are expected in the coming weeks.
“Floridians expect their government to spend responsibly and prioritize the issues that matter most to families across our state.”
— House Speaker Daniel Perez
Democrats Criticize Spending Priorities
Democrats argued the final spending plan continues to prioritize private education at the expense of public schools.
The budget includes approximately $4.5 billion for private and religious school voucher programs, an increase from roughly $3.8 billion the previous year.
Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman said lawmakers should focus additional resources on strengthening Florida’s public education system rather than subsidizing private school tuition.
“I think if we have a problem with public schools, we should fix them,” Berman said. “And that’s where that $4 billion should go.”
What’s Inside the Budget
The approved spending plan reduces overall spending by approximately $365 million compared to the current fiscal year.
Key investments include:
- Teacher pay increases
- Partial raises for state employees
- $514 million for Everglades restoration
- $425 million for the Rural and Family Lands program
The budget is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.
One notable provision left out of the final agreement was taxpayer-funded security protection for DeSantis after leaving office. Senate leaders supported the proposal, but House lawmakers ultimately rejected it during negotiations.
What Floridians Should Watch
While lawmakers have approved the Florida budget 2026, the final spending plan remains subject to gubernatorial review and potential vetoes. Funding for local projects, education initiatives, transportation improvements, and other appropriations could still be reduced before the budget takes effect on July 1.
The outcome of DeSantis’ review process will help determine the final shape of state spending and could influence future debates over taxes, education funding, and government priorities.
Property Tax Fight Still Looms
Even with the budget approved, lawmakers may soon find themselves back in Tallahassee.
DeSantis continues to advocate for sweeping property tax reforms, including proposals that could significantly reduce or eliminate property taxes for many homesteaded Florida homeowners.
The governor has suggested calling a separate special session later this summer to address the issue.
House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell warned Friday that DeSantis could use his budget veto authority as leverage in upcoming negotiations over property tax legislation.
The governor has not ruled out that possibility.
Florida’s Budget Battle Isn’t Over Yet
With the Florida budget 2026 now headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk, lawmakers are already shifting their attention to what could become another contentious battle over property tax reform.
While the Legislature has completed its constitutional duty by approving a spending plan before the new fiscal year begins, the governor’s anticipated vetoes mean Florida’s budget debate is far from settled.
As hurricane season gets underway and state agencies prepare for the July 1 fiscal year, Floridians may soon learn whether DeSantis intends to leave the Legislature’s compromise largely intact — or once again reshape Florida’s spending priorities with the stroke of a pen.
