| "DeSantis signs austere budget, saves Florida businesses nearly $1 billion in taxes" via Jeffrey Schweers of the Orlando Sentinel — DeSantis approved an $115 billion state budget for the upcoming fiscal year, a figure lower than the current budget, while still providing nearly $1 billion in tax savings for Florida businesses. DeSantis stated he vetoed almost $600 million in legislative appropriations, though a detailed list of cuts was not immediately released. He lauded Florida's fiscal management, noting this is the second consecutive year the budget has decreased spending.  DeSantis signs $115B budget, delivering nearly $1B in tax cuts for Florida businesses, vetoing $600M. The approved budget incorporates significant tax relief, including the elimination of a sales tax on commercial rent, which is expected to generate $900 million in savings. Additionally, it provides approximately $300 million in consumer sales tax breaks, including making the annual back-to-school tax holiday permanent and establishing permanent sales tax exemptions for hurricane preparedness and health and safety items. While a proposed broad reduction in the state sales tax rate and property tax rebates were not included, DeSantis and legislative leaders intend to prioritize a property tax referendum in the next election. Despite vetoing $1 million for a property tax study and with the fate of many locally funded projects uncertain pending the veto list, the budget does include a 2% raise for state workers. DeSantis highlighted the allocation of $200 million for wildlife corridor land acquisition, $250 million for debt reduction, a $750 million contribution to the rainy-day fund, $250 million for rural land preservation, and increased funding for Everglades restoration. He criticized the House leadership for an "unnecessarily bumpy" Session due to "personal agendas," crediting the Senate for the budget's final form. "DeSantis vetoes funding to study impact of eliminating property taxes" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — DeSantis has vetoed $1 million for a study on the potential impacts of eliminating the property tax in Florida. DeSantis, at a news conference in Wildwood, said officials don't need more data while also calling for a ballot measure next year to kill ad valorem taxes on homesteaded property. "We know what needs to be done, so let's just do it," DeSantis said, "and we will do it." The funding was earmarked for the Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR) to conduct a study of the state's property tax structure and the subsequent spending of property tax revenue by local governments, with a focus on the taxation of homestead property. The study originated in tax legislation (HB 7031), which required the study's completion by Nov. 1. "Black history, minority teacher scholarships, Black Men feel brunt of DeSantis' veto pen" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — A Black history museum, minority teacher scholarships and a mentorship program for Black students all fell to DeSantis' veto pen. As the Governor continues to decry diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the private and public sector, the Republican Governor killed several line items in the state budget directed at elevating the marginalized. He nixed $750,000 that the Legislature had set aside for a development fund for the Florida Museum of Black History. The Legislature set that money aside to establish a space in Opa-locka to promote awareness and appreciation of Black heritage in the state. Sen. Shevrin Jones, a Miami Gardens Democrat, had requested the money. "DeSantis strips public radio and TV funding from final budget" via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics — For another year, DeSantis vetoed funding for public broadcasting, eliminating $1.3 million for public radio stations' base appropriations and over $4.4 million in additional funds for public TV stations. The budget had allocated $370,400 per public television station and $100,000 per radio station. While capital renovations were not in this year's budget, DeSantis still cut funding for these "left-of-center, adversarial outlets." However, the Florida Channel's funding remained intact. Allocations include $390,862 for closed captioning, $800,000 for satellite transponder operations, $497,522 for statewide governmental and cultural affairs programming, over $3.1 million for Florida Channel coverage and $256,270 for the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network Storm Center. "Gov. DeSantis not high on Hillsborough Sheriff's aviation needs" via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — DeSantis vetoed over $14 million allocated in the newly approved state budget for a new hangar for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) Aviation Section. Sen. Danny Burgess and Rep. Daniel Alvarez championed the funding request for a larger facility to protect HCSO's expanding aircraft fleet from storms and provide space for partner agencies. The request argued that the hangar was crucial for supporting Hillsborough County's growing population through aviation for patrol, investigations, disaster response, and search and rescue. Despite the approved budget initially granting full funding after Senate and House disagreements, DeSantis used his line-item veto power to eliminate the appropriation, making it the third-largest vetoed item. "Veto list: Gov. DeSantis nixes $1.3M for Homestead kitchen that serves the disabled" via Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics — DeSantis vetoed over $1.35 million allocated for Sunrise Community, a Homestead nonprofit supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These funds were intended to renovate the center's aging kitchen, benefiting staff and those receiving daily specialized meals and snacks. Rep. Jim Mooney expressed strong disappointment and vowed to secure a new kitchen for Sunrise through alternative means, potentially involving partnerships with the private sector. The Sunrise Community funding was part of $567 million in total vetoes, which also included $5.7 million for College of the Florida Keys projects and $975,000 for the Keys AHEC Health Centers, a program providing medical and dental care to children in Monroe County. "Cuban, Italian clubs in Tampa area fall victim to Gov. DeSantis' veto pen" via Janelle Irwin Taylor of Florida Politics — DeSantis vetoed funding for three Tampa cultural institutions: $880,000 for the Cuban Club in Ybor City for renovations, $125,000 for the Cuban Civic Club of Tampa for facility improvements and $350,000 for the Italian Club of Tampa for operating and capital costs to stabilize its historic building. The Cuban Club sought funds for repairs to enhance its viability as an event center and storm shelter. The Cuban Civic Club aimed to improve its electrical system and recreational facilities. The Italian Club, a historic landmark, desperately needed the funding for structural stabilization and to continue offering cultural programs after exhausting other funding sources. $140M state investment brings 'renewed hope' to citrus industry — Florida Citrus Mutual cheered the inclusion of nearly $140 million in state money allocated to boost and revitalize Florida's citrus industry. "This record-breaking investment of nearly $140 million for citrus research and revitalization efforts in Florida's 2025-26 state fiscal year budget brings renewed hope to the industry. Florida's citrus growers are incredibly grateful to Gov. DeSantis for his support, signaling his recognition of the industry's promising research and commitment to building a brighter future for the state's signature crop," said EVP and CEO Matt Joyner. "We are deeply appreciative of President (Ben) Albritton, Commissioner (Wilton) Simpson and Speaker (Daniel) Perez for championing this investment." The bulk of the money — $104.5 million — is directed toward the Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Foundation to conduct large-scale field trials focused on grove management, treatments and therapies, disease-resistant varieties and more. "Rodman-Kirkpatrick Dam safe after Gov. DeSantis vetoes Ocklawaha River Restoration" via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics — Decades of debate over the future of the Rodman-Kirkpatrick Dam in Marion County haven't ended yet. DeSantis, apparently in response to pleas from Ocala area fishermen, nixed $6.25 million in funding for Ocklawaha River Restoration. The plan to restore the Ocklawaha River's natural flow would have controversially eliminated the Rodman Reservoir, which was created after the construction of the Rodman Dam in 1968. The topic of the dam's future long proved divisive, and some lawmakers welcomed DeSantis' veto. "Thank you to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his veto of the legislative funding request that would have essentially destroyed the Rodman Reservoir and quality of life in our surrounding communities," said Sen. Tom Leek, an Ormond Beach Republican.  DeSantis vetoes Ocklawaha River restoration funding, preserving the Rodman-Kirkpatrick Dam after decades of debate. Florida Chamber touts rent tax win — The Florida Chamber of Commerce joined other business interests in hailing the repeal of Florida's unique sales tax on commercial leases. "After nearly a decade of Florida Chamber-led advocacy, the Florida-only Business Rent Tax — once a $3 billion burden on local businesses — has finally been eliminated and this final round provided another $900 million in annual savings for Florida's job creators," said Florida Chamber President and CEO Mark Wilson. "This is a major win for Florida's competitiveness and local businesses, who will reinvest those dollars into their employees, growth, and communities. We appreciate the Florida policymakers who have helped chip away at this tax on local businesses over the years and are thrilled to see it eliminated altogether, once and for all." NFIB celebrates business rent tax repeal — The Florida chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business is celebrating the end of an only-in-Florida tax on commercial leases, which was included in the budget signed by DeSantis on Monday. "Today's signing is a culmination of a 10-year effort from small-business owners across the Sunshine State who have worked tirelessly to get the business rent tax completely and permanently eliminated," said Bill Herrle, NFIB Florida Executive Director. "The business rent tax has a direct impact on a small business's bottom line and by eliminating this tax, small businesses who rent or lease properties will see immediate economic relief. We appreciate the Florida Legislature and Gov. DeSantis for finally making this a reality for the small business community." DeSantis Watch calls out 'spiteful' vetoes — Anti-DeSantis group DeSantis Watch sent an email blast after the veto list dropped, criticizing the Governor for some of the items he scratched out. "While Floridians continue to work hard during the state's worsening affordability crisis, their Lame Duck Governor has kicked sand in their face with spiteful vetoes that undermine access to the critical assistance programs, health care, infrastructure improvements, and public safety resources they rely on to live their version of the American Dream," the email reads. "… At a time when the cost of groceries, housing, and health care are stretching household budgets thin, Gov. Ron DeSantis has once again shown his utter disregard for the people he was elected to serve in order to prop up his own ego and political ambitions in another disgusting display of the arrogance that is the hallmark of his time in office." FMCA thanks Governor, lawmakers for full funding — The Florida Mosquito Control Association issued a statement Monday thanking the Governor and lawmakers for preserving funding for FDACS' Mosquito Control Program in the budget. "This continuation funding ensures sustained support for small and medium-sized mosquito control programs throughout Florida — programs that are essential to protecting the health of our residents, the safety of our tourists, and the strength of our economy," said FMCA President Jorge Rey. "By restoring the anticipated $500,000 cut and maintaining the program's funding at $3.66 million, state leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to proactive, science-based mosquito control. This investment allows local programs to remain vigilant against mosquito-borne diseases and nuisance outbreaks, particularly during Florida's high-risk mosquito seasons." FTBOA thanks 'key allies,' Governor for ongoing support — The Governor and lawmakers are getting a 'thank you' from the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association now that the budget is signed. "We are grateful to leaders in the Florida Senate who ensured ongoing support for the Thoroughbred breeding industry. Were it not for key Senate allies, Florida's breeding program would be in a precarious position. We are thankful that Thoroughbred breeding remains a priority in Florida," said FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell. "With Gov. DeSantis' approval today, Florida will continue to develop top-quality horses while protecting the important and historic economic, agricultural, and cultural legacy of our state's Thoroughbred breeding industry. Today's additional state investment affirms the racetracks' responsibility to the Florida industry. We anticipate benefits to our breeders as purse incentives drive up market values for the second most valuable state-breds in the nation."  FTBOA thanks Governor and lawmakers for continued support of Florida's Thoroughbred breeding industry. "Sadowski Coalition lauds DeSantis for preserving affordable housing funds" via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics — The Sadowski Coalition praised DeSantis for preserving affordable housing funds in the newly signed budget. The spending plan passed by the Legislature earlier this month includes full allocations for the State Housing Initiatives Partnership and the State Apartment Incentive Loan programs — known as SHIP and SAIL, respectively — which are key cogs in the state's housing strategy. SHIP routes funding to local governments that they may use to secure partnerships that produce and preserve affordable homeownership and multifamily housing. It is designed to serve very low-, low-, and moderate-income families. SAIL offers low-interest loans to developers who reserve at least 20% of units for families earning below 50% of the area median income. | 
