(The Center Square) – Lawmakers in Florida passed the state budget on Friday along with $272.2 million in state and local tax cuts.
After failing to agree on a budget during the regular session, legislators returned to Tallahassee in a special session this month to finish the job.
The $114.5 billion state budget includes over $14 billion for reserves and debt reduction and a historic $30 billion for public schools.
The tax relief package provides tax savings for mobile home renters, exemptions for deployed service members, and $5 billion in available child care tax credits for businesses.
Lawmakers also approved a four-month sales tax holiday on camping, fishing, and hunting supplies and a three-year sales tax exemption on impact-resistant windows and doors. Additionally, the Back-to-School sales tax holiday will now kick off in July to align with school start dates.
“Meaningful, broad-based tax relief keeps more money in the pockets of the hard-working Floridians and local businesses who earn it,” said Sen. Ed Hooper, R-Clearwater, who chairs the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
“Global inflation has led to significant cost increases, impacting families and seniors, but tax-free essentials help keep Florida affordable. Every little bit saved on taxes helps families and seniors trying to make ends meet,” Hooper continued. “With no state income tax and universal school choice for every Florida family, parents can keep more of their hard-earned income with flexibility to choose the best education environment for their children, which can be a savings of nearly $10,000 per child, per year.”
The tax relief package includes more than $35 million in increased funding for rural roads and bridges and reduces taxes on recreational vehicle parks.
After Friday’s vote, Senate President Ben Albritton highlighted the budget’s emphasis on funding to address food insecurity and support Florida farmers and the state’s citrus industry.
The budget puts $38 million toward the Farmers Feeding Florida Program and $196 million for Florida’s heritage citrus industry.
“No matter how prosperous our state is, unexpected and unplanned things happen that can cause food insecurity for families,” said Albritton. “I don’t want any Floridian, especially children, to go to bed hungry every night, not knowing where their next meal will come from. Florida does a lot to help struggling folks get back on their feet, and food is part of that effort. With a $76 million investment over the last two years in fresh agricultural food products, food distribution, and our food bank infrastructure, it’s clear Florida is running to the fight to connect hungry families across our state with Florida farmers who produce fresh, wholesome food. Attacking food insecurity unites Floridians like nothing else can. Food matters.”
