TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – This week, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled his latest budget proposal for next year, laying out how he wants to spend state funds.
In total, DeSantis’ proposal — dubbed the “Floridians First” budget — amounts to nearly $117.4 billion, a roughly 2% jump from the last approved state budget.
That said, the governor’s latest proposal features several key spending highlights, which include the following components:
Cutting Costs – Elimination of over 350 state positions and other bureaucratic shifts, which are expected to yield around $850 million in savings
Pay Raises – A 2% cost-of-living adjustment for all state employees, along with 5% raises for law enforcement officers, Florida park rangers, judges, attorneys, and I.T. professionals
Debt Reduction – Pay off over 50% of Florida’s tax-supported debt accumulated since statehood by 2027
Maintain Reserves – Investment of nearly $17 billion in total state reserves alongside a balanced budget
Alongside these bullet points, the budget proposal also calls for another “Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday.”
ANOTHER TAX HOLIDAY?
According to the governor’s office, this next sales tax holiday will include the same items as last time, along with even more items like decoys, and price hikes for fishing bait and tackle that are eligible for savings.
If enacted, the holiday would run from Sept. 7 through the end of the year, with an estimated $35 million in tax savings for hunters, anglers and campers.
PROPERTY TAXES
Stemming from DeSantis’ crusade to gut property taxes in Florida, his budget proposal also calls for $300 million to be set aside “to support ongoing policy considerations.”
While many local governments rely on property taxes to fund public services, DeSantis has proposed replacing “fiscally constrained” counties’ funding with surplus state funds.
And with several tax cut bills making their way through the Legislature, the governor’s office said the $300 million would help implement any tax relief framework that might be implemented.
ESG CRACKDOWN
Another important feature of the budget is a crackdown on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investing and spending, which DeSantis’ office dubbed “scams.”
Under DeSantis, a 2023 Florida law took effect that required state investments be based on returns, rather than these ESG factors.
Now, DeSantis’ new proposal seeks to expand that even further.
“The Budget recommends new safeguards against locally imposed ESG-related taxes and additional financial management protections to prevent the use of public funds to finance DEI mandates,” state officials wrote.
HIGHLIGHTS LIST
You can find even more budget highlights from DeSantis’ office listed out below:
CategoryPurposeFunding AmountEducationK-12 public school system funding$30.6 billionEducationOperating funding for State University System$4 billionEducationOperating funding for Florida College System$1.9 billionEducationFunding for early child education$1.7 billionEducationTeacher pay increases$1.56 billionEducationSafe Schools Allocation$300 millionEducationFlorida’s four historically Black colleges and universities$146 millionEducationRewards for quality nursing education programs to address nursing vacancies$130 millionEducationRecruitment and retention of highly qualified faculty in State University System$100 millionEnvironment & Natural ResourcesEverglades and water quality projects$1.4 billionEnvironment & Natural ResourcesStrengthen Florida’s coastline, including beach nourishment$208 millionFiscal StrengthIncrease in total state reserves$1.09 billionFiscal StrengthReserved funds for ongoing property tax relief conversations$300 millionFiscal StrengthAccelerated debt repayment$250 millionFiscal StrengthInvestment to max out Florida’s Rainy-Day Fund$118 millionFiscal StrengthMarketing efforts through Visit Florida$80 millionHealthcareCancer research$278 millionHealthcareBehavioral health services$159 millionHealthcareChild welfare system, foster parents and community-based services$36.6 millionHealthcareCoordinated Opioid Recovery Network$31.8 millionHealthcareSupport individuals with unique abilities$20 millionHealthcareCapital improvements for State Veterans’ Nursing Homes$8.6 millionHealthcareCommunity Care for the Elderly Program and Home Care for the Elderly Program$7.5 millionLaw Enforcement & MilitaryNational Guard facilities, guardsmen seeking higher ed degrees, retention bonuses, and health insurance premium reimbursements$91.7 millionLaw Enforcement & MilitaryEquipping, training and recruiting new Florida State Guard members$62 millionLaw Enforcement & MilitaryLaw Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Program$25 millionLaw Enforcement & MilitaryFlorida State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.) Program$15 millionLaw Enforcement & MilitaryPay raises to state law enforcement officers$13.5 millionTransportationDepartment of Transportation (FDOT)$15.4 billionTransportationState transportation work program$14.3 billionTransportationHighway construction and maintenance$4.9 billionBreaking News Alerts
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