The Florida Legislature did Sine Die on time Friday, yet its only legally mandated job is not yet finished.
For the second year in a row, lawmakers have not finished a budget within the regularly scheduled 60 days. Under state law, they must pass a budget by July 1st.
But lawmakers will be back soon to iron it out. Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez told his chamber earlier this week they will be back for a special session to finalize it.
“We anticipate returning to Tallahassee for a special session on the budget in mid-April. I look forward to continuing this work with each of you as we finalize a budget that reflects the priorities of this chamber and fulfills our responsibility to the people of Florida,” he said.
The standoff comes as the House and the Senate were around a billion dollars apart and disagreed on large spending priorities in the House and Senate. It’s a continuation of an at-times tumultuous relationship between Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton.
Outside of the budget, the final days of session were packed, with lawmakers passing dozens of bills ranging from policy banning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion offices and programs at the local government level, enacting policy meant to regulate the construction of AI data centers in the state. But some of the most consequential questions are still left to be resolved during still further special sessions.
Another special session has already been called for by Governor Ron DeSantis to redistrict the state’s congressional maps ahead of the midterms. He has also said he plans on calling a special session for a ballot initiative eliminating property taxes for homesteaded properties.
So, while lawmakers are taking a break from Tallahassee this year, they will be back very soon and for quite a while.