DeSantis Shapes State Spending: Bill and Budget Vetoes Mark Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Adjustments
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed Florida’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 budget, totaling $117.4 billion after $590 million in line-item vetoes and the rejection of nine legislative bills.
This budget reflects a continued reduction in state spending year-over-year, positioning it approximately $10 million above the Governor’s initial recommendation. Overriding any of these vetoes would require a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers.
The significant line-item vetoes, totaling $590 million, include:
- $35.1 million for local government energy programs.
- $14 million for a new hangar for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
- $11 million for the Conner lab facility.
- $7.5 million for water and wastewater improvements in Orange County.
- Nearly $6.3 million for the Ocklawaha river restoration, including a bridge.
- $5 million for Brevard County School District’s West Shore junior and senior high school expansion.
- $4.4 million for public television stations and $1.3 million for public radio stations.
- $4.3 million for environmental dredging in Sykes Creek, Brevard County.
- $3 million for the second phase of the Westchester Free Standing Emergency Department.
- $3 million for critical utility infrastructure generators.
- $2.9 million for the Florida Strawberry Festival building and generators.
- $2.8 million for Florida International University’s Transportation Efficiency program.
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Florida TaxWatch reported that 65 of the 238 appropriations identified in its “Budget Turkeys” report, along with $126.1 million in member project appropriations, were among the Governor’s vetoes.
Regarding the legislative bills, Governor DeSantis provided specific reasons for his vetoes:
HB1445, which would have imposed new residency or alumni requirements for members of the Board of Governors and the university Board of Trustees, was vetoed due to concerns about its constitutionality based on past state Supreme Court rulings.
HB1095, proposing a new pilot program in Hillsborough County for certain probation offenders, was vetoed because the legislature did not allocate funding for its implementation.
HB1133, intending to amend the operations of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to prevent officers from entering hunting property without probable cause, was vetoed with a recommendation for lawmakers to consider a similar approach to the “Boater Freedom Act.”
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HB5015, aimed at reducing cost increases for the state’s health insurance program for employees, was vetoed over concerns about its potential negative impact on state employee families’ costs and access to prescription drugs. The Governor also expressed that such recommendations should be evaluated by all lawmakers, not solely a budget panel.
Despite the vetoes, the FY 2025-2026 budget maintains significant reserves and investments in key state priorities. Florida’s “Rainy Day Funds” are set to reach a record-high $4.9 billion, with an additional $429 million contribution this year maximizing the Budget Stabilization Fund. The budget also allocates $830 million for accelerated debt repayment, targeting nearly 50% of Florida’s historic tax-supported debt, and includes a perpetual requirement for a minimum of $250 million in annual debt repayment.
Key investment areas in the finalized budget include:
Tax Relief: $2 billion in tax relief, including a permanent repeal of the business rent tax, expanded sales tax holidays for back-to-school items, outdoor recreation, and disaster preparedness, and a “Second Amendment” sales tax holiday.
Education: A historic $15.9 billion for K-12 public schools, with the highest-ever per-student investment of $9,130. This also includes $1.36 billion for teacher salary increases and $1.6 billion for early childhood education. Higher education sees $637.7 million for Bright Futures Scholarships, along with substantial funding for the Florida College System, State University System, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. $726.9 million is directed towards workforce education programs, including nursing and law enforcement training.
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Economic Development & Infrastructure: $15.1 billion for the Florida Department of Transportation, $50 million for the Job Growth Grant Fund, and $80 million for VISIT FLORIDA. Support for rural communities includes $22 million for the Rural Infrastructure Fund. $163.8 million is allocated for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program and $50 million for the Hometown Heroes Housing program.
Law Enforcement & Military: $49 million for pay increases for state law enforcement officers, raising the minimum annual base rate to $60,000. Investments include funds for local jails supporting immigration enforcement, enhancements to the Missing and Endangered Person Information Clearinghouse, and $20 million for the Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program.
Environmental Protection: Over $1.4 billion for Everglades restoration and water quality initiatives, including $830 million for Everglades restoration projects such as the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and EAA Reservoir. Additionally, $460 million is designated for targeted water quality improvements, $34 million for State Parks, and $260 million for the Resilient Florida Grant Program.
Disaster Response: $203.8 million for the state match for federal disaster response and recovery funding, and $150 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funds for local hurricane recovery.
Health Initiatives: Over $123.9 million for behavioral health services, $194.8 million from the Opioid Settlement Agreement, and $31.8 million for the Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) Network. Cancer research receives over $265.4 million, including funds for the Casey DeSantis Cancer Research Program. The budget also supports mothers and children with over $78.7 million for child welfare and $23.8 million for maternal and child care, and includes increased funding for Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative and Community Care for the Elderly. Support for veterans includes $20.8 million for nursing home capital improvements and $1 million for a Veteran’s Dental Care Grant Program.
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