Florida state budget

Six weeks after the regularly scheduled session ended, legislative leaders finished negotiating details of a spending plan Friday for the fiscal year that starts July 1.

Legislative leaders said Thursday evening they hope to finish a budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year on Friday so it can go before the House and Senate early next week.

Legislators are working out the details on the budget that goes into effect July 1. They've given themselves until June 18 to get it done.

Senate spokeswoman Katie Betta said in an email that President Ben Albritton intends to revive the proposal to boost economic development in rural areas next year.

The House and Senate don't seem close on a budget deal. The House and Gov. Ron DeSantis don't seem close, period.

Legislative leaders say they have a general agreement on a budget. Lawmakers had to approve an extension of the regular session because they didn't finalize a spending plan.

The proposal is an initial step as lawmakers prepare to negotiate a final budget during the legislative session. It includes tax cuts and a firearms sales tax holiday.

The 16 pages of cuts ranged from as little as $10,500 for a county public works generator to $80 million for group insurance for the state college system.

Gov. Ron DeSantis trimmed over a half billion dollars from the spending plan that goes into effect July 1st. The line-item vetoes put the budget at roughly $116.5 billion.

Democratic state Sen. Jason Pizzo filed the suit, contending the DeSantis administration infringed on the federal government regarding immigration issues.