WILL FLORIDA'S LEGISLATORS FINALLY AGREE ON A BUDGET?

An Opinion By Jan Bergemann

Published June 3, 2025

According to MEDIA REPORTS House and Senate have finally agreed on a budget. It was high time. Supposedly the budget will be ready on June 16, allowing only 14 days for Governor Ron DeSantis to veto any line items he doesn’t like before signing it into law. Remember: The new budget already starts on JULY 1!

The legislators meet for another 4 days – just to get the budget finally done – the only thing they are actually required to do during the regular annual session. And guess what: It will cost the taxpayers quite some extra money.

It seems that the Senate finally won on most budget items issues. From starters the Senate pushed for a budget that was a lot more “friendly” to Florida’s citizens, while the House under the “leadership” of House Speaker Daniel Perez wanted savings that would have mostly helped the tourists coming to Florida – and not the folks who live here all year around.

And it still remains to be seen what will happen to the ever increasing property taxes. Counties are tricky: They claim they never raise the property tax, but you will see an increase of your property tax bill year for year, They just raise the value of your home or condo! But it takes an amendment to Florida’s Constitution to make these changes. It will be interesting to see what they will come up with!

Not only did Speaker Daniel Perez try to prevent a more citizen-friendly budget, he killed as well HB 983 – a bill that would have caused better enforcement of crime in community associations – he killed it behind closed doors!

If Florida’s Republicans lose votes in next year’s election they will have to thank Speaker Daniel Perez for these losses. More than 2.5 million owners of properties in mandatory homeowners’ associations should just not be ignored because Perez’ friends asked him to kill the bill.

Remember: More than 50% of all Floridians live in community associations – and most of them are registered voters – voters that should not be ignored!