Florida Legislature Extends Session to June 6 for Budget Talks

Florida lawmakers have extended their legislative session until June 6 after failing to agree on a budget by the original end date. They will take a week off before returning to Tallahassee, with budget negotiations expected to resume the week of May 12. The extension aims to allow completion of the state budget as well as consideration of substantial tax cuts, with $2.5 billion in recurring reductions, primarily from sales tax. Additionally, a rural aid and development package, a key priority for the Senate president, remains under consideration after failing to pass initially. Lawmakers have emphasized the need for a balanced budget that reduces state spending and bureaucracy. Several notable bills were passed, but others died as the session deadline passed, with the governor now tasked with signing or vetoing the approved measures.