The Fiorentino Group Provides State Legislative Overview and Post-Session Summary
Florida lawmakers officially adjourned the 2025 legislative session late Monday night, following weeks of negotiations that culminated in a 10-day budget conference process.
Florida’s 2025 legislative session made headlines not for what it passed but for how long it took to get there. In a year defined by political brinkmanship, deep philosophical divides, and tough fiscal decisions, lawmakers in Tallahassee delivered a budget and tax package that aims to tighten the state’s belt while laying groundwork for the future.
The House and Senate clashed over tax relief strategies, with the House pushing for a sales tax cut and the Senate favoring broader property tax measures. The two chambers initially had a $4.4 billion gap between their proposed budgets. They eventually agreed to a $115 billion budget - $3.5 billion less than last year’s budget - emphasizing fiscal austerity and economic preparedness.
Key Budget Outcomes:
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Debt Reduction: $600M one-time payment + $250M/year recurring debt service fund.
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Tax Cuts: A sweeping $1.3B tax package including elimination of Florida’s business rent tax and aviation fuel tax, and new sales tax holidays.
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K-12 Education: Per-student spending up 1.6%, $597M for accelerated learning via a new “Academic Acceleration Options Supplement”.
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Environment: Continued support for Everglades Restoration, resiliency projects, and $15M for the Florida Forever program.
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Transportation & Economic Growth: $350M for Moving Florida Forward and $25M for the Job Growth Grant Fund.
Schools of Hope Resurrected:
Despite failing during the regular session, the charter school-focused Schools of Hope program secured $6M and new authorizing rules during budget negotiations.
Tourism Taxes & Local Control:
The House’s controversial attempt to redirect Tourist Development Tax funds fizzled after facing Senate resistance.
Property Tax Reform in Motion:
The Governor and legislative leaders floated bold ideas for long-term property tax relief, including a constitutional amendment to eliminate property taxes. In the meantime, a $1M study is underway to explore reforms.
Next Steps:
All budget and tax bills now await Governor DeSantis' signature, expected before the July 1 fiscal year start. Meanwhile, lawmakers are already looking ahead to 2026, with interim committee meetings beginning in October in preparation for a January 13th start to the next session.
The Fiorentino Group, a full-service government relations and business development firm, has provided a comprehensive look at what unfolded, what passed, and what's ahead for 2026. For additional information, click below to read the State Legislative Overview and Post-Session Summary.