Florida lawmakers have finalized a new state budget that impacts education and healthcare. This came after extended negotiations and a requirement for legislators to reconvene for the second year in a row. Florida residents were keen to know how these important areas would be affected.
Late on May 24, House and Senate leaders reached a deal on the budget, and approval is anticipated before the week’s end. This budget promises protections for Florida schools against funding cuts due to declining student enrollment and continues support for school choice programs.
Education
The budget retains the $4.5 billion voucher and scholarship system for homeschooling and private school tuition within the K-12 funding formula. This decision resolved tensions after an audit questioned management and the Senate sought stricter oversight, which the House opposed.
Lawmakers agreed on measures to prevent substantial cuts to districts with declining enrollment, addressing financial issues in Union and Glades counties. A $7 million allocation for private schools in disadvantaged areas now focuses on rural counties with fewer than 10,000 residents, with funds to be disbursed by December 1.
Florida State University gained approval to use current funds for acquiring Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare. This involves long-term payment and investment commitments. Additionally, the University of South Florida’s Manatee-Sarasota campus will transfer to New College of Florida after negotiations.
Healthcare
In healthcare, a compromise was reached regarding the Cancer Innovation Fund. Originally, the House wanted to drop funding, while the Senate requested $30 million; the finalized amount is $20 million.
The AIDS Drug Assistance Program secures $75 million after former funding was set to expire on June 30. Earlier reductions had forced some patients towards private insurance to maintain access to necessary treatment.
A $50 million fund created under a 2024 law was withdrawn, although the Health Innovation Council will continue supporting medical technology projects. Security funding for Governor Ron DeSantis after leaving office was excluded, as the House rejected the Senate’s proposal for post-office protection. There was also no agreement on extending security for major party gubernatorial nominees after the August primary.
The fiscal year’s $115 billion budget, starting July 1, stays below the Senate’s preference but exceeds the House’s $113.6 billion proposal. This ends disagreements over spending, fiscal restraint, and program priorities since the regular session ended without a budget on March 13.