Florida Budget Stalemate: DeSantis Clashes with GOP Lawmakers as Tensions Rise

May 4, 2025
Florida Budget Stalemate: DeSantis Clashes with GOP Lawmakers as Tensions Rise
  • The Florida legislative session adjourned on May 2, 2025, without a finalized budget, prompting an extension until early June to reach agreements before the new fiscal year begins on July 1.

  • This session marked a significant challenge for Governor Ron DeSantis, as Republican lawmakers increasingly defied his directives, indicating a shift in his influence over the legislature.

  • Amid rising tensions, DeSantis publicly criticized House Republicans, labeling them the 'House of Pettiness' for undermining his agenda and contributing to budget dysfunction.

  • The budget delay has intensified a public feud between DeSantis and Republican House leadership, highlighting the dysfunctionality of the ongoing negotiations.

  • Legislative leaders proposed a budget of $113 billion from the House and $117.4 billion from the Senate, while DeSantis projected a $115.6 billion budget, with disagreements primarily centered around tax cuts.

  • Despite setbacks, DeSantis ultimately signed immigration legislation that included stricter penalties for undocumented immigrants committing serious crimes.

  • Tensions between DeSantis and House Speaker Daniel Perez have been exacerbated by ongoing investigations into the governor's actions.

  • Senate President Albritton has attempted to mediate between the governor and the House, but deep-seated differences remain a significant barrier.

  • In a separate development, four South Florida clinics are participating in a nationwide trial studying the effects of benfotiamine on slowing Alzheimer's disease progression.

  • The session was characterized by internal conflicts and unfulfilled promises within Florida's Republican-controlled Legislature.

  • Senate President Ben Albritton expressed hope for productive conversations with the House to create a budget framework.

  • DeSantis aimed to advance President Trump's immigration agenda and address South Florida's condominium crisis, but his influence has diminished as lawmakers rejected his proposals.

Summary based on 20 sources


Get a daily email with more US News stories

More Stories