Legislative Update - June 20, 2025

Governor …

DeSantis Charters Planes to Evacuate Americans from Israel : Gov. Ron DeSantis chartered four planes to evacuate 1,500 Americans who had been in Israel, which has been trading missile attacks with Iran. Israeli airspace has been closed to commercial air traffic since the latest round of air attacks started. The evacuees left Israel by cruise ship to Cyprus, where they were able to fly back to the U.S. on planes chartered by the Florida Department of Emergency Management. DeSantis also sent state planes to evacuate Americans from Israel after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack at a music festival by the Hamas terrorist organization. Tampa Bay Times /  Fox News

Legislative …

Lawmakers Pass Budget; Adjourn Sine Die -  The Senate and House on Monday night passed a $115.1 billion budget (SB 2500) for the coming fiscal year and several accompanying bills and adjourned their session for the year just before 11:30 p.m., concluding an extraordinary extended session needed to bridge a disagreement on tax cuts and savings for the future that threatened to shut down state government. With the budget disagreement that had prevented the Legislature from concluding as originally scheduled in early May over, the spending plan now will go to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it into law by the July 1 start of the fiscal year, but has line item veto power. (See budget item below). Lawmakers dropped the ceremonial handkerchief signalling the end of the session on the 105th day of the legislative session after about four hours of debating the budget and conforming bills that were needed to finish lawmakers' work for the year. Passing a budget is the only thing the Legislature is required to do each year, and if lawmakers hadn't reached an agreement before the end of the fiscal year on June 30, the state would have had no authority to spend money and would have faced a government shutdown. LobbyTools Sine Die Drill Down /  USA Today Network / News Service Florida /  Politico Pro

$115B Budget Heads to Gov; Tax Cuts, Debt Reduction, Reserves -  The Senate and House finally — but easily — passed the budget (SB 2500) for the coming fiscal year on Monday night, with unanimous approval in the Senate and a 103-2 vote in the House. The $115.1 billion spending plan is smaller than the current year's $117.4 billion budget, with the drop in spending largely due to over $1.2 billion in tax cuts and an expected drop in Medicaid and other federal funding. It's the first time since 2011 that lawmakers have passed a budget smaller than the previous fiscal year's. In addition to cutting taxes, Republicans also touted a push for debt reduction, accounted for in the budget and in an accompanying measure (HB 5017) that passed both chambers unanimously Monday night. Lawmakers managed to agree on a spending plan that delivers much of the tax reduction sought by House Speaker Daniel Perez and a move to boost the amount the state  sets aside in reserves that was a priority for Senate President Ben Albritton. The Senate's top budget writer, Republican Sen. Ed Hooper, noted the need for setting the money aside not just because of the possibility of economic downturns, but because of massive changes in federal spending plans under the Trump Administration. "We've heard this last couple of weeks that there may not be a FEMA coming down the road," noted Hooper, implying the state may need to pay more in the future for some needs currently covered by Washington. As part of the final agreed-to budget, the Legislature moved to put an additional $750 million a year into an emergency reserve fund, if voters approve the change. The budget bill now goes to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has line item veto power. The push for a smaller state budget comes as federal relief money that poured in to blunt the impact of the COVID pandemic has now mostly ended, and as economists have projected large drops in revenue in the coming years. Lawmakers also easily approved the $1.29 billion tax cut package (HB 7031) in both chambers Monday, though over a few objections from Democrats that the benefits of the cuts mostly accrue to businesses. While there are sales tax holidays totalling more than $330 million accounted for in the plan, the bulk of the tax reduction comes in the form of a roughly $900 million elimination of the state's business rent tax. The smaller budget also will cut the number of funded jobs in state government, but mostly by eliminating vacant positions. While the budget gets rid of more than 2,200 such vacant jobs, state workers will see a 2% across the board raise under the plan. One thing the final budget didn't include: a property tax rebate pushed by DeSantis, though Republican legislative leaders insisted that idea remains on the table for next year. While mostly voting for the budget itself, larger numbers of Democrats registered opposition to some of the provisions of the accompanying legislation passed Monday night, including a measure that will undo a decision made just last year to earmark money from the Seminole Gaming Compact for land conservation programs. Democrats also opposed parts of the legislation that will allow the governor's office to investigate spending by local governments through a state DOGE effort, and to a charter school measure that could allow charter schools to operate within existing traditional public schools (see below). House Press Release / Associated Press /  Florida Politics / USA Today Network / Miami Herald / The Capitolist /  The Floridian / Florida Phoenix /  News Service Florida / Politico Pro /  LobbyTools Budget Tab

Legislators Deliver $1.3B Tax Package -  State lawmakers have finalized a sweeping tax relief package totaling nearly $1.3 billion in cuts for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, following more than 100 days of negotiations. The package (HB 7031), unveiled late Friday, features a mix of permanent and one-time tax breaks aimed at benefiting businesses, boosting consumer savings, and encouraging disaster preparedness, outdoor recreation, and charitable giving. The centerpiece of the plan is the full repeal of Florida's unique  business rent tax, which levied a 2% charge on commercial leases. Eliminating that tax will cost the state approximately $905 million in general revenue. Lawmakers also agreed to make the back-to-school sales tax holiday a permanent annual event, removing sales taxes on most clothing and school supplies each August, at a recurring cost of $167.7 million. In response to storm preparedness concerns, the package offers permanent sales tax exemptions on a range of hurricane-related items, including certain batteries ($58.5 million annual impact), ground anchors and gas cans ($22.3 million), tarps ($14.4 million), generators ($6.2 million), and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors ($12.5 million). A separate push to support outdoor tourism will include a one-time sales tax holiday on hunting, fishing, and camping gear from Sept. 8 through Dec. 31, costing the state $34.6 million. Additionally, permanent exemptions are granted for items like bike helmets ($1.8 million), life jackets ($1.4 million), sunscreen and insect repellent ($8 million), and state park admissions ($2 million). Although the fiscal impact is minimal, NASCAR event tickets will also become tax-free. The tax package includes several more targeted exemptions. Precious metal bullion sales will no longer be taxed, regardless of transaction size, which is expected to cost the state $1.6 million annually. A "Home Away From Home" tax credit will provide businesses with incentives for charitable donations, resulting in a $13.2 million hit to revenue. Lawmakers also continued a beverage tax distribution program that sends $28.5 million to cancer research centers at the University of Miami, the Mayo Clinic, and the University of Florida. Additional measures include exempting charitable trusts from corporate income tax ($1.1 million impact), phasing out the aviation fuel tax ($2.2 million), and delaying a natural gas tax until 2030. Flight simulators previously owned by government entities will now be exempt from sales tax. A new Rural Communities Investment Program also authorizes up to $7 million in tax credits through the Department of Commerce. Although Gov. Ron DeSantis had proposed wider property tax relief, lawmakers instead allocated $1 million to study the issue. Another $500,000 was set aside to reimburse storm-related damages in fiscally constrained counties.  Tax changes related to the gaming industry include a 2% reduction in the pari-mutuel tax on cardrooms, generating $2.5 million in savings for gamblers. Slot market licensing fees will be eliminated, and live racing requirements will now apply to certain types of betting. Local incentive programs tied to enterprise zones were extended through 2035, while a freeze on local communications services taxes was extended until 2031. The budget also includes long-term extensions of property tax exemptions related to the Live Local Act for affordable housing and adds exemptions for education-leased properties, such as Gold Seal-certified childcare centers. In the agriculture sector, lawmakers expanded property tax breaks for citrus farming, packing, and processing. The full tax package, paired with the finalized state budget, is set for a vote by the House and Senate early this week. Senate Press Release / News Service Florida /  Florida Politics / Politico Pro

"Florida budget axes tax-free hurricane supply weekends in favor of some permanent savings " via Brandon Girod of the Pensacola News-Journal — Florida's newly approved $115.1 billion budget, now awaiting DeSantis' signature, introduces significant, permanent changes to the state's sales tax holidays. The traditional two-week back-to-school tax holiday will now run for the entire month of August every year. While the annual disaster preparedness sales tax holiday is eliminated, key hurricane supplies like certain batteries, tarps and portable generators will become permanently tax-exempt. However, other items such as flashlights and pet supplies will no longer be included. The budget also permanently removes sales tax from sunscreen, insect repellent and admission to state parks. Additionally, it establishes a new tax holiday for hunting, fishing, and camping supplies, scheduled from Sept. 8 to Dec. 31.

"Cap reax: Florida TaxWatch flags $416M worth of ‘Budget Turkeys’ in 2025 state spending plan " via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — Florida TaxWatch has released its annual "Budget Turkey Watchdog Report," urging Gov. DeSantis to veto 242 questionable spending items totaling $416.1 million from the state's $115.1 billion budget. The nonprofit government watchdog defines "Budget Turkeys" as appropriations that bypass standard review processes and public scrutiny, often being added late in the Legislative Session. In its report, the group highlighted these projects for lacking the thorough vetting that taxpayers expect and also flagged an additional $799.5 million in spending that warrants "especially close scrutiny" from the Governor before the budget is finalized.

“Lawmakers grant Florida DOGE power to fine cities, counties ” via Skyler Swisher of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

“Lawmakers leave Tallahassee without action on insurance ” via Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times

Legislature Sets Committee Week Schedule Ahead of 2026 Session : The Florida Legislature has outlined a six-week schedule of committee meetings this fall to gear up for the 2026 regular legislative session, which is slated to begin on Jan. 13. According to schedules released Monday, lawmakers will meet during the weeks of Oct. 6-10, Oct. 13-17, Nov. 3-7, Nov. 17-21, Dec. 1-5, and Dec. 8-12. The meetings will help shape policy priorities and draft legislation ahead of the upcoming session. House and Senate Memorandum / LobbyTools 2026 Legislative Session Dates / News Service Florida

New Members Sworn In : Indialantic Republican Debbie Mayfield was sworn in by the Florida Senate Monday night after winning last week's special election. Mayfield defeated Democrat Vance Ahrens in the race for the Brevard County Senate District 19 seat, which she held before former state Sen. Randy Fine, who vacated it this past spring to run for Congress, and won. The House on Monday also officially swore in two new members who won special elections earlier this month. Rep. Brian Hodgers, R-Viera, will represent House District 32, which was previously held by Mayfield who resigned from the House to run for her previous Senate seat. Rep. Nathan Boyles, R-Baker, will represent House District 3, succeeding former Rep. Joel Rudman, a Navarre Republican who resigned for an ultimately unsuccessful run for Congress. All newly sworn in lawmakers won their respective special elections on June 10. News Service Florida / LobbyTools Special Elections

Attorney General …

"Judge finds AG James Uthmeier in contempt for flouting immigration order " via Jay Weaver of the Miami Herald — A Miami federal judge found Uthmeier in contempt of court for violating her restraining order to halt a new state law that criminalizes the arrival of undocumented immigrants. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams ruled Uthmeier crossed a line by telling police agencies they were not restrained from enforcing the law, despite her clear order. As punishment, the judge ordered Uthmeier to submit biweekly reports detailing any arrests made under the statute. The finding was reinforced when a federal appeals panel separately rejected Uthmeier’s challenge to the judge’s initial injunction, criticizing his “veiled threat not to obey it” while he publicly challenged her authority in the media.

Business …

Miami Commission Votes To Assist ICE : Miami city commissioners narrowly voted Tuesday to allow city police to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers with immigration enforcement within the city, where over 57% of residents are foreign-born. The commission voted 3-2 to partner with ICE under a "287(g) agreement" in which state and local law enforcement agencies assist with immigration raids and arrests. Earlier this year Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the agreement with the Department of Homeland Security, authorizing state and local law enforcement agencies, including sworn police on college and university campuses, to help with immigration raids and arrests. Since it does not operate a county jail, Miami is not required to participate in the program and although Miami mayor Francis Suarez does not have a vote on the city commission, he does have authority to veto the resolution. Nearby cities in Miami-Dade County have entered into 287(g) agreements, but the city of South Miami is challenging in court the governor's claim that cities failing to sign the agreements would be in violation of the state's ban on sanctuary cities. Some, like Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales, worried about possible political consequences as he addressed the commission. "There's a very strong inference that if we do not enter into this agreement, there would certainly be some sort of repercussion." Miami Herald /  Caribbean National Weekly / Miami New Times / WLRN

Citizens' Policy Count Ticks Up Despite Ongoing Depopulation Efforts : Citizens Property Insurance Corp., Florida's state-backed insurer of last resort, saw a modest uptick in its policy count last week, reaching 820,882 policies as of Friday. That's up slightly from 819,682 a week earlier and 818,297 two weeks ago, according to the company's website. Though Citizens has shed hundreds of thousands of policies over the past year — down from 1.3 million in May 2023 — state officials remain concerned about its size and financial exposure in the event of a major hurricane. A state-led "depopulation" initiative continues shifting some customers back into the private insurance market, but the latest data shows small, steady growth in enrollment amid ongoing instability in Florida's private insurance market. The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1, and will run through Nov. 30. News Service Florida

Fla Gas Prices Dip to Monthly Low, Rising Oil Costs Signal Possible Hike : Florida drivers are seeing some relief at the pump, with gas prices hitting their lowest level in a month, according to AAA. As of Sunday, the statewide average was $2.95 per gallon — 14 cents cheaper than a week ago and the lowest since May 12. But that trend may not last. U.S. crude oil prices surged 13% last week, closing at $72.98 per barrel on Friday, up $8.40 from the previous week and marking the highest daily price since February 11. The spike could push gas prices higher in the days ahead. "Escalating tensions between Israel and Iran drove oil prices higher last week," said AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins. "As a result, U.S. gas prices are expected to rise this week. The extent of the increase is uncertain, but drivers could begin seeing gas prices move higher on Monday." The West Palm Beach-Boca Raton area remains the most expensive for refueling at $3.11 per gallon, while Panama City offers the current cheapest gas prices at $2.80 per gallon. AAA Press Release /  News Service Florida

State Jobless Claims Dip Ahead of Unemployment Rate Update : Florida saw a drop in first-time unemployment claims last week, with an estimated 7,415 new applications filed for the week ending June 14, according to U.S. Department of Labor data released Wednesday. That's down from 8,786 the previous week and slightly above the state's 2024 weekly average of 6,377. Nationally, 245,000 claims were filed, closely in line with the four-week average of 245,500. The U.S. unemployment rate stood at 4.2% in May, while Florida's latest rate — last recorded at 3.7% in April — is set to be updated Friday by the Florida Department of Commerce. News Service Florida

Cost of Living Comfortably in Fla Now Tops $97K, Study Finds -  Living comfortably in Florida now requires a significantly higher income, according to a new study by financial advisory firm SmartAsset. The report found that a single adult in the state needs to earn $97,386 annually to reach a "comfortable" standard of living, placing Florida 22nd among U.S. states. That figure jumps to $217,651 for a family of four, ranking Florida 31st nationally. The study analyzed housing, food, transportation, income taxes, and other living expenses to determine comfort thresholds. SmartAsset noted that in every U.S. state, the income needed for financial ease has increased in 2025. "An individual in any given U.S. state needs about $5,844 more earnings than last year to have a comfortable, sustainable budget, while working families of four need an additional $9,360," the analysis found. Florida's "comfortable level" salary far exceeds current averages. The Florida Bureau of Workforce Statistics reports the median individual salary in 2023 was $66,446, while ZipRecruiter projects a lower median of $49,261 in 2025. Nationally, Hawaii topped the list as the most expensive state, where a single adult must earn $124,467 and a family of four needs $294,362 annually to live comfortably. Massachusetts and California followed, while Virginia was the only Southern state to crack the top 10. In contrast, West Virginia was the most affordable, with a comfort threshold of $80,828 for individuals and $195,353 for families. SmartAsset /  Florida Politics

Campaigns & Elections …

“Josh Weil says he can overcome Florida GOP tide and defeat U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody ” via Anthony Man of the Orlando Sentinel — Weil, who provided a jolt of hope and excitement to Democrats in Florida — and around the country — during an ultimately unsuccessful congressional campaign earlier this year, is hoping to parlay that experience to victory in an even bigger contest: U.S. Senate. Weil announced Wednesday that he’s seeking his party’s nomination to challenge Moody. Weil said he’s the candidate and 2026 is the year to end the Democrats’ long losing streak in major statewide elections. The increasingly Republican leanings of Florida voters can be overcome, he said. The public-school math teacher’s formula for winning: harness what he said is voters’ dissatisfaction with policies from Trump and DeSantis, plus building on the fundraising strategy and donor database that fueled his candidacy in the April 1 Special Congressional Election in northeastern Florida.