The Florida Legislature convenes next Tuesday to begin work on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed $117 billion budget, property tax reduction measures, and potential congressional redistricting.

DeSantis will deliver his State of the State address at 11 a.m. Tuesday, outlining his priorities for the session. The proposed budget represents a $2.2 billion increase from last year’s spending plan.

Budget Highlights

The governor’s budget proposal includes $30.6 billion for K-12 education and $1.56 billion for teacher pay raises. Additional education funding allocates $1.7 billion for early childhood programs and $4 billion for the state university system.

For public safety, the budget sets aside $118 million for law enforcement and firefighter pay increases, along with a $5,000 recruitment bonus program for new officers.

Transportation funding totals $15.4 billion for the Department of Transportation and $14.3 billion for the state work program. Health care allocations include $8.6 million for veterans’ nursing homes, $36.6 million for child welfare services, and $159 million for behavioral health programs.

Property Tax Proposals

The Florida House has advanced several measures to reduce non-school property taxes. Options include immediate elimination, a 10-year phase-out, or targeted cuts for homeowners 65 and older.

The proposals require a constitutional amendment, which would need 60% voter approval in 2026. Any changes would also require local governments to maintain law enforcement budgets.

Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about the impact on local government finances. The Florida Policy Institute estimates $43 billion would be needed to maintain current services if the taxes are eliminated.

The Senate has not filed companion legislation, and DeSantis has criticized placing multiple tax proposals on the 2026 ballot.

Redistricting Debate

The House Congressional Redistricting Committee met in December to discuss redrawing congressional maps. DeSantis wants to call a special session as early as March, pending approval from both chambers.

The effort faces scrutiny over Florida’s “Fair Districts” amendments, which prohibit maps that favor a political party. Voting rights groups have warned that redistricting could violate constitutional protections.

The Senate has not yet established a redistricting committee. Senate President Ben Albritton discussed the timeline with DeSantis, with the governor indicating action should occur in spring.

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