Lawmakers failed to finalize a budget this legislative session for the second year in a row, forcing them to return to Tallahassee Tuesday to determine how to disperse approximately $115 billion.
The budget is the only item lawmakers are constitutionally obligated to pass annually, though negotiations can technically continue until July 1 before the state risks breaching its constitution.
The Senate has pushed for a larger budget that largely preserves existing programs, while the House is advocating for a leaner spending plan focused on reducing recurring spending. The divide between the chambers totals roughly $1.5 billion, with education funding, healthcare spending, tax relief and state employee pay all tied up in negotiations.
Education funding is expected to be among the most closely watched issues when lawmakers return to the Capitol. Legislators remain divided over how to structure billions of dollars connected to Florida’s growing school voucher program and how much funding should flow directly to traditional public schools.
Locally, Cross Bayou Elementary in Pinellas Park and Disston Academy in Gulfport are slated for closure at the end of this academic year, a decision school officials made in February citing declining enrollment and budget constraints.
Students have been leaving traditional public schools in growing numbers, favoring charter and private schools. The shift prompted the Florida Education Association to file a 39 page lawsuit against the state, arguing Florida is failing to meet its constitutional obligation to provide “adequate provision for a uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and high quality system of free public schools.”
Lawmakers will also focus on reducing spending across state agencies and programs. House leaders have pushed for tighter spending controls and smaller recurring commitments, while Senate leadership has supported maintaining funding for housing initiatives, environmental programs, healthcare and economic development projects.
State employee pay and benefits are also expected to play a significant role in negotiations. Senate proposals advocate pay raises for state employees; House leaders have favored limited increases alongside efforts to address rising costs within the state employee health insurance program.
New to the docket, and localized to St. Petersburg, is the expectation that lawmakers will seek funding assistance following the recent building fire on the University of South Florida’s St. Petersburg campus. Rep. Lindsay Cross and Sen. Darryl Rousson have both publicly committed to pursuing funding support when lawmakers return to Tallahassee.
The budget is expected to be finalized during the special session by May 29, though continued delays remain on the table.