Florida Gov DeSantis Signs $115B Budget Vetoing $600M Projects

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the state's $115 billion budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year after vetoing nearly $600 million in spending projects to align the plan with his fiscal priorities. The budget, finalized after a prolonged 105-day legislative session, is about $3.5 billion less than the previous year and includes $2 billion in tax cuts, notably the elimination of the business rent tax, which is expected to save companies $1.53 billion annually but reduce state and local revenues. DeSantis emphasized fiscal responsibility, increased funding for education including teacher pay raises, and invested in infrastructure projects, while continuing to push for property tax elimination. The budget also sets aside more than $12.4 billion in reserves and pays off $830 million in state debt early. Despite Republican control, the legislative session was marked by significant infighting and disputes over tax relief priorities, with DeSantis vetoing items he deemed unnecessary. The governor's signing ceremony took place in The Villages, a conservative retirement community, where he also criticized democratic socialist candidates and promoted his policy agenda.