WILDWOOD, FL (352today.com) — On June 30, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget into law, totaling $117.4 billion. The final budget reflects $567 million in line-item vetoes and is roughly $10 million above the Governor’s recommended budget from February.
“This year’s budget continues our commitment to repaying our debts ahead of schedule, saving money for Floridians, and delivering tax relief for Florida families,” said Governor DeSantis.
Strong Fiscal Foundation
- $15.7 billion in reserves, including a record-high $4.9 billion Rainy Day Fund
- $830 million set aside for debt repayment—nearly 50% of tax-supported debt paid off since 2019
- Requires $250 million annually in debt repayment moving forward
Tax Relief for Families and Businesses
The budget delivers $2 billion in tax relief, including:
- Permanent repeal of the business rent tax
- Back-to-school sales tax holiday every August
- Tax exemptions on outdoor recreation items, disaster supplies, and more
- A “Second Amendment” sales tax holiday from Sept. 8 to Dec. 31
- Extended exemptions for data center operations
Historic Education Investment
- $15.9 billion for K-12 public schools, with a record $9,130 per student
- $1.36 billion for teacher salary increases
- $1.6 billion for early childhood education
- $7.4 million for civics programs
- $637.7 million to fully fund Bright Futures scholarships
- $726.9 million for workforce education, including nursing, law enforcement training, and CTE programs
Infrastructure, Housing, and Economic Growth
- $15.1 billion for transportation, including $13.7 billion for state road work
- $50 million for the Job Growth Grant Fund
- $163.8 million for affordable housing through the SHIP program
- $50 million for the Hometown Heroes housing program
Everglades and Environmental Commitment
- $1.4 billion for Everglades and water quality projects
- $460 million for nutrient reduction and wastewater upgrades
- $50 million for springs restoration
- $260 million for storm resilience and beach nourishment
- $127 million for citrus industry research and operations
Law Enforcement and Military Support
- $49 million for state law enforcement pay increases
- $20 million for recruitment bonuses
- Funding for ICE-supporting jails, missing persons databases, FHP equipment, and bulletproof shields
- $3.3 million for FHP vehicle replacements
Health, Recovery, and Human Services
- $123.9 million for behavioral health
- $265.4 million for cancer research, including pediatric focus
- $78.7 million to support foster care and child welfare
- $126.5 million for elderly care services and Alzheimer’s programs
- $20.8 million for veteran nursing home improvements
Disaster Recovery and Mitigation
- $203.8 million in state match for federal disaster recovery
- $150 million in federal CDBG funding for recovery and hardening projects