TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – It was a long day in Tallahassee on Friday as the 2025 Legislative session draws to a close.
However, the Senate and House remain at an impasse regarding the allocation of taxpayer dollars and the collection of certain taxes.
Gov. Ron DeSantis addressed the budget situation during a recent visit to Lake County, placing the blame squarely on the House.
“When will we see a budget?” News 6 reporter Laverne McGee asked.
“Well, you are not going to see a budget passed by the end of session,” DeSantis responded.
He continued, stating, “I think the House has been, you know, based on a personal agenda, vendetta. I think it’s been petty.”
This marks the first time that the budget process has extended this long during DeSantis’ tenure as governor. In previous years, the budget was typically finalized within a few days of the session’s conclusion.
Legislators are currently considering a proposal to lower the state’s sales tax from 6% to 5.25% and eliminate sales tax on clothing and shoes priced under $75.
Additionally, property tax rebates and exemptions are under discussion.
Angel de la Portilla of Central Florida Strategies, who collaborates with numerous legislators, emphasized the critical nature of the ongoing negotiations.
“It’s unprecedented; we have multiple proposals to provide tax relief for Floridians. Sales tax, property taxes, and they can’t agree. Without agreeing on that, it’s the top line of the budget. Without agreeing on what the revenue will be, you can’t agree on how much you are going to spend,” de la Portilla stated.
A budget must be passed by July.