TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — For the second consecutive year, the Florida Legislature adjourned its regular session without passing a state budget, forcing lawmakers to return to Tallahassee next month to resolve a $1.4 billion spending dispute.
What You Need To Know
Florida lawmakers concluded the 2026 Legislative Session without approving a state budget
It’s the second regular session in a row where they’ve failed to agree on spending
Lawmakers will meet in April to restart negotiations
Other issues are expected to be addressed in special sessions too, including property tax
“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,” said House Speaker Danny Perez, R-Miami.
The breakdown came after weeks of closed-door meetings between House and Senate leaders that failed to bridge differences over state spending priorities.
“I respect the priorities of each party because we all have a role to play, and a balanced budget that keeps Florida strong, safe and free,” said Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Bartow.
The special session, scheduled for mid-April, may also consider property taxes. Lawmakers are considering proposals aimed at making Florida the first state in the nation to eliminate property tax — an idea backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and several Republican leaders.
Rep. Toby Overdorf, R-Stuart, said he expects a propery tax proposal could appear on the ballot before voters come November 2026.
“The governor has made a lot of promises. We delivered on those promises. However, we haven’t seen legislation come forward,” Overdorf said.
Democrats criticized the stalemate, calling it another example of legislative dysfunction.
“We’ve got one constitutional obligation, and that is to pass a balanced budget for the people of Florida. And we keep missing the mark because we can’t get past this infighting,” said House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa.
This year’s 60-day session concluded with fewer approved bills than in years past, at least compared to the 2025 and 2024 sessions.
Sen. Lori Berman, D-Boynton Beach, lamented the lack of progress on pocketbook issues.
“It’s really a shame that we’ve had 60 days, and we have almost nothing to show the state for affordability issues,” she said.
Alongside the budget special session, lawmakers are also called to return later in the year for another session to address congressional redistricting.