Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has unveiled his proposed $115.6 billion state budget for the upcoming fiscal year, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, tax relief, public safety, and education investments while cutting government spending by $3 billion compared to the current year.
Titled the “Focus on Fiscal Responsibility” budget, the proposal highlights Florida’s economic strength, record-low unemployment, and rapid population growth as key factors necessitating efficient government spending.
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Key Highlights of DeSantis’ Budget Proposal
- $3 Billion in Spending Cuts: The budget is $3 billion lower than the current fiscal year’s spending.
- Reduction in Government Workforce: The proposal calls for a net reduction of 741 full-time government positions while boosting staffing where necessary.
- $14.6 Billion in Reserves: Florida would maintain at least $4.2 billion in unallocated General Revenue and a $4.9 billion rainy-day fund, tripling the stabilization fund since 2019.
- Aggressive Debt Reduction: The state’s accelerated debt repayment program aims to eliminate 49% of Florida’s historical state debt by the end of the fiscal year, helping maintain the lowest per capita state debt in the nation.
Governor DeSantis is doubling down on tax relief, proposing a series of new and expanded tax holidays, including:
- Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday (14 days)
- Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday (two separate periods)
- Tool Time Tax Holiday (7 days)
- Freedom Month Tax Holiday (July)
- New Marine Fuel Tax Holiday for boaters and anglers
- Second Amendment Summer Tax Holiday (Memorial Day to July 4th) for firearms and outdoor gear
Additionally, DeSantis proposes eliminating the Business Rent Tax within two years—one of Florida’s most criticized taxes on businesses—making the state even more competitive for new entrepreneurs and job creators.
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To aid homebuyers, the budget also includes $170 million in tax relief, pausing the intangible tax on residential mortgages up to $500,000, which DeSantis hopes will provide relief from high interest rates and encourage homeownership.
Public safety is a top priority, with DeSantis proposing:
- 20% pay increases for all entry-level state law enforcement officers
- 25% pay increases for veteran law enforcement officers
- 25% pay increases for all state firefighters
- $23 million for recruitment bonuses, continuing a highly successful law enforcement hiring initiative that has attracted officers from across the nation
Florida’s K-12 education system will receive $29.7 billion, the highest-ever investment in Florida schools. The per-pupil funding allocation is set at $9,205, an increase of $222 per student from last year.
DeSantis is also pushing a $1.5 billion dedicated teacher pay fund, ensuring salary increases go directly to teachers instead of getting lost in bureaucracy.
Bright Futures Scholarships will remain fully funded, and tuition at Florida’s public colleges and universities will remain frozen for another year, ensuring Florida remains the best-value higher education system in the nation.
The budget includes $1.5 billion for Everglades restoration and water quality projects, as DeSantis continues his commitment to protecting Florida’s environment. The state has already seen improved salinity levels and restored water flow due to prior investments, and the governor is now seeking federal approval to accelerate construction projects for water management and conservation efforts.
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Florida’s transportation and infrastructure sector will receive $13.8 billion, accelerating key highway and road projects by five to ten years ahead of schedule to accommodate the state’s growing population.
DeSantis touted Florida’s economic dominance, saying the state ranks #1 in net migration, education, business formations, and employment among large states.
“We know what works, and we’re going to double down on those efforts,” DeSantis said. “This budget proves that you can be fiscally responsible, respect taxpayers, and still deliver on your promises.”
With Florida maintaining a AAA credit rating, DeSantis emphasized that reducing state debt, cutting taxes, and investing in essential services will keep Florida’s economy strong for years to come.
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