Florida Budget Standoff Focuses on Tax Cut Dispute

Florida's state budget process remains stalled as House and Senate leaders disagree over tax cut priorities, with House Speaker Daniel Perez backing a sales tax reduction and Governor Ron DeSantis and Senate President Ben Albritton favoring property tax relief. DeSantis has rejected a party proposal to mediate negotiations, publicly accusing House leaders of pursuing personal agendas and calling their actions a 'little junta.' Despite assertions of progress, no formal conference talks have begun, and the House has extended the legislative session to June 30 to prevent a government shutdown. Property taxes in Florida have surged by 47.5% since 2019, surprising even affluent newcomers and intensifying the debate over long-term tax relief. The standoff highlights deep divisions within the state's Republican leadership and has drawn increasing public scrutiny of fiscal policy. Veteran lobbyists Robert “Hawk” Hawken and Meredith Woodrum Snowden have joined Floridian Partners, influencing state political dynamics.