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FLORIDA - Florida’s legislative session is facing unusual turbulence as lawmakers remain deadlocked over the state’s 2025 budget, prompting concerns of a potential government shutdown if an agreement isn't reached by June 30th.
For the first time in recent history, the Florida House and Senate have failed to come to terms on a unified spending plan.
Both chambers have proposed multi-billion-dollar budgets, but the standoff centers around competing tax relief strategies.
The House supports reducing sales tax, while the Senate is pushing for property tax cuts.
Representative Patt Maney emphasized the importance of giving Floridians financial relief, calling it a top priority. “We’re dealing with billions in taxpayer money, and we have to make sure it’s spent wisely,” he said.
As a result of the stalemate, the regular session has been extended.
The House voted to continue through June 30th, while the Senate only agreed to extend through June 6th.
This extension comes with a financial burden, potentially costing taxpayers between $100,000 and $200,000 in daily per diem and staff expenses, according to Representative Alex Andrade.
Senator Don Gaetz noted that in all his years of public service, this is the first time the legislature hasn’t finalized the budget by early May.
“It should’ve been done, but it wasn’t. Now it must be done,” he said.
Despite the delay, lawmakers like Representative Michelle Salzman remain confident a compromise will be reached before the final deadline, preventing service interruptions and ensuring public employees are paid.