Florida Legislature Session Extended as $115.6B Budget Stalls Amid Controversial Bills and Partisan Pushback

May 4, 2025
Florida Legislature Session Extended as $115.6B Budget Stalls Amid Controversial Bills and Partisan Pushback
  • As the legislative session neared its end on May 2, 2025, Florida lawmakers were expected to reconvene soon to finalize the state budget amid significant pushback from fellow Republicans.

  • During this session, the Legislature passed several significant bills, including a controversial measure that makes it harder for citizen-led constitutional amendments to reach the ballot, raising concerns about access to the legislative process.

  • In a tumultuous second-to-last legislative session, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis proposed a $115.6 billion budget focused on immigration enforcement and tax relief, but lawmakers failed to reach an agreement, resulting in an extension of the session into June.

  • Gun rights advocates expressed disappointment as efforts to repeal age restrictions on long gun purchases and implement open carry laws stalled.

  • Critics argue that these changes to the constitutional amendment process may hinder citizen initiatives and undermine direct democracy.

  • A new law banning fluoride in public water systems was enacted, reversing decades of dental health policy, despite opposition from dental groups and concerns about its impact on low-income residents.

  • Lucy’s Law, aimed at improving boating safety, faces pushback from the House due to changes made in the Senate, particularly regarding penalties for reckless boating.

  • A new bill was introduced to ban wireless communication devices for elementary and middle school students throughout the school day, extending previous restrictions.

  • Broward County is preparing for the expansion of the Sawgrass Expressway to connect with Interstate 95, which is expected to improve commuting for local drivers.

  • Despite growing public safety concerns, legislation banning handheld cellphone use while driving failed to advance.

  • In the session's final hours, several bills were passed, including those expanding student cellphone restrictions and a hurricane preparation package, while numerous others, including transparency measures and property tax reduction proposals, failed.

  • Amid ongoing legislative discussions, Moore, a PR agency, achieved top rankings in Florida and the Southeast, reflecting significant growth and a strong commitment to client service.

Summary based on 33 sources


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