|
As the 2026 regular session of the Florida Legislature approaches its scheduled end on March 13, lawmakers appear unlikely to meet their primary constitutional responsibility of passing a balanced state budget. The House and Senate remain divided on overall spending levels, with the House proposing a roughly $113.6 billion budget and the Senate advancing one closer to $115 billion. While the $1.4 billion difference may seem small within the overall budget, it reflects broader disagreements about spending priorities and the size of state government. Because the chambers have not agreed on top-line allocations, the formal conference process needed to reconcile the two proposals cannot begin, making it unlikely a final budget will pass before the session ends.
As a result, lawmakers are expected to adjourn the regular session on time and return later for a special session to finalize the budget. In recent years, legislative leaders have preferred this approach rather than extending the 60-day session, allowing negotiations to continue outside the pressures of the regular calendar. If that occurs, legislators would likely return in late March or early April to complete the budget through a short special session.
The impasse also reflects broader political dynamics between the House, Senate, and the governor’s office. House Speaker Daniel Perez has emphasized fiscal restraint and a willingness to challenge Senate priorities, while Senate President Ben Albritton has supported a slightly larger spending framework and worked to preserve key Senate initiatives. Governor Ron DeSantis has continued promoting tax and affordability measures, but legislative leaders—particularly in the House—have shown increasing independence from the executive branch.
Even after the budget is resolved, lawmakers are expected to return to Tallahassee for additional special sessions on issues such as congressional redistricting and potential property tax reforms. These discussions could include proposals to place a constitutional amendment before voters in November, underscoring the significant policy debates that will continue beyond the regular session.
| 
