Florida school districts are heading into budget season without a clear picture of their state funding, as lawmakers return to Tallahassee this week to resume negotiations on a spending plan they failed to finalize during the regular 60-day legislative session.
Orange County Public Schools leaders say the delay is making it difficult to plan for staffing and teacher pay. District officials flagged the issue at a school board work session in late April, saying they cannot finalize their 2026–27 budget without knowing what the state will provide. The district also expects enrollment to fall by more than 3,000 students next year, further reducing its education funding.
The uncertainty is compounding ongoing contract talks with the teachers’ union. Board member Angie Gallo said the district is at an impasse with the union over health care costs and raises, and that without final budget numbers, negotiators don’t know what they can realistically offer.
“It delays the process of being able to negotiate with the union and reach a settlement on raises,” Gallo said.
State leaders have agreed on a framework that includes more than $16 billion for pre-K through 12 education, and Gov. Ron DeSantis has highlighted plans for more than $1.5 billion in teacher pay increases statewide. But those figures are not yet final.
House Speaker Daniel Perez has said the proposed budget would reduce overall government spending for the second consecutive year. Last year, lawmakers approved a $115 billion budget after an extended negotiation.
Lawmakers are expected back in Tallahassee starting Tuesday, with the new fiscal year beginning July 1. Districts say the longer the delay stretches, the harder it becomes to make staffing and programming decisions before the school year begins.
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