DeSantis Signs $115B Budget, Slashes $567M in Vetoes
July 3, 2025 - This Week's News from Central Florida
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DeSantis Signs $115B Budget, Slashes $567M in Vetoes
Governor Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s $115.1 billion state budget on Monday afternoon, just hours before the start of the new fiscal year, vetoing $567 million in spending and rejecting a major legislative push to bolster the state’s reserves. Effective July 1, the 2025-26 budget comes in below last year’s $117.5 billion total and eliminates 1,745 vacant positions across state agencies. It was crafted after months of legislative debate and a 45-day extended session as lawmakers clashed over spending priorities and tax cuts. At a signing event near The Villages, DeSantis praised the budget’s leaner footprint, calling it “fiscally responsible” while still delivering $1.3 billion in tax relief, including eliminating the state’s business rent tax. This combines with several renewed and expanded sales tax holidays to save Florida families an additional $428 million. The budget also features $830 million in early debt repayment and $580 million to pay down state bonds, 2% pay raises for most state employees, and targeted boosts of up to 15% for law enforcement and firefighters. To ensure Florida's transportation network and infrastructure keep pace with the expanding population, $13.7 billion has been designated for the state’s transportation work program, which focuses on constructing and maintaining Florida’s various transportation systems. Meanwhile, to stimulate job creation and support business growth statewide, the budget includes $50 million for the Job Growth Grant Fund and $80 million to sustain marketing efforts through VISIT FLORIDA. Per-student funding for K-12 schools will also rise to its highest level, and $1.4 billion in investments are earmarked for Everglades restoration and water projects. Among the governor’s most notable vetoes: $750 million allocated for the state’s budget stabilization fund. Legislative leaders, including House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami) and Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula), had championed the investment as a hedge against a possible economic downturn, but DeSantis called the reserve unnecessary, suggesting that voters could opt to expand it through a 2026 ballot initiative. The governor also vetoed funding for the College of the Florida Keys’ marine institute, public broadcasting television and radio stations, a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office hangar, and a pilot program on banning phones in six school districts. Funding for the proposed Florida Museum of Black History in St. Augustine was cut, along with a transportation study by FIU and local projects tied to Rep. Alex Andrade (R-Pensacola), who investigated First Lady Casey DeSantis' charity. DeSantis also vetoed a $1 million study on eliminating property taxes, asserting that action, rather than research, is needed and would require a constitutional amendment.
For more details on what’s included in the 2025-26 Florida state budget, read more at: Florida's 2026 State Budget: The Highlights
A Closer Look at Gov. DeSantis’ $567M in Line-Item Vetoes
Gov. Ron DeSantis exercised his line-item veto authority to eliminate $567 million from Florida’s 2025–26 budget, targeting dozens of local projects and programs across the state. Describing the budget as “very fiscally responsible,” DeSantis emphasized its reductions compared to last year’s $117.5 billion plan. The 13 pages of vetoes, while a smaller list than last year’s, still total approximately $400 million, primarily targeting local projects. The largest share of these vetoes, around $175 million, impacted local transportation, water quality, park upgrades, and federal energy programs, with education projects receiving the second-largest cuts. Democratic lawmakers criticized the vetoes, especially cuts to educational services and support for special needs. A major veto included $750 million that lawmakers earmarked to increase the state’s rainy-day reserve fund. DeSantis said that such a change should be decided by voters via a ballot initiative. In total, DeSantis issued $1.35 billion in budget vetoes across multiple appropriations bills.
Key statewide vetoes included:
$5.7 million for public broadcasting
$14 million for a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office hangar
$2 million for Brickell Key Bridge repairs
$1.73 million for the South Florida AgriCenter and Emergency Shelter
$750,000 for establishing the Florida Museum of Black History in St. Augustine
In Central Florida, approximately $32 million in projects were vetoed. The most substantial was $7.5 million for Orange County’s Pluris water system upgrade in Wedgefield, intended to resolve long-standing issues with discolored, poor-quality drinking water affecting nearly 2,000 residents. Other notable cuts included:
$5 million for Brevard County’s West Shore Jr./Sr. High School expansion
Over $5 million for Sykes Creek dredging and septic-to-sewer conversions
$1 million for a Brevard aviation hangar
$750,000 for a Daytona Beach police training facility
$500,000 each for stormwater upgrades in Kissimmee and Ormond Beach
Funding was also eliminated for public safety training centers in Oviedo and Daytona Beach, as well as for homelessness programs aiding veterans and other vulnerable populations.
The Tampa Bay region was particularly hard hit, with more than 80 projects totaling nearly $70 million vetoed. Major cuts included:
$3 million for Hillsborough County utility generators
$3 million for an emergency operations center in Haines City
$2.9 million for Florida Strawberry Festival building improvements
$2.5 million for Hillsborough Community College’s Plant City workforce center
$2.5 million for a new HART maintenance facility
$1 million for storm and flood protection at the Florida Aquarium
Cultural institutions lost funding as well, including:
$880,000 for Ybor City’s Cuban Club
$769,000 for Ruth Eckerd Hall
$375,000 for the Tampa Museum of Art
Other vetoes included $200 million for Florida Wildlife Corridor land acquisition, $3.1 million for public defender pay increases, and $1 million for a study on eliminating property taxes—a policy DeSantis supports, though he dismissed the need for further research, saying the issue should go directly to voters. Notably, several Republican lawmakers critical of DeSantis were hit hard. Rep. Alex Andrade (R-Pensacola), who led scrutiny into First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hope Florida charity, saw $7.45 million cut across 14 projects in his district. Reps. Vicki Lopez and Juan Carlos Porras, both Miami Republicans and vocal critics of the governor, also had significant projects eliminated. Despite tension with some lawmakers, DeSantis maintained that his vetoes were guided by fiscal prudence, aiming to preserve state resources while delivering a leaner spending plan for the new fiscal year. The Legislature retains the power to override these vetoes with a two-thirds vote, though the likelihood of such action remains uncertain.
Nearly 140 New Florida Laws Take Effect With Start of Fiscal Year
As Florida entered the 2025–26 fiscal year on July 1, nearly 140 new laws took effect, reshaping policies on governmental transparency, elections, public safety, education, and environmental protection, among others. The flurry of legislation follows the conclusion of a contentious legislative session and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ approval of the $115.1 billion state budget.
Here are some of the key new laws now in effect:
HB 1205 – Ballot Initiatives: This law places additional restrictions on the ballot-initiative process. Groups backing proposed constitutional amendments are currently fighting the law in federal court.
SB 700 – Fluoride: This wide-ranging bill, also known as the "Florida Farm Bill," bans the longstanding practice of local governments adding fluoride to water supplies. Florida is now the second state, after Utah, to prohibit fluoride in public drinking water.
HB 209 – State Parks: Passed unanimously, this legislation responds to public outcry last year regarding a development proposal to construct golf courses, resort-style lodges, and sports facilities in several state parks. It mandates that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) prioritize the protection of state public lands for recreational use. It also promotes transparency, requiring the DEP to hold public hearings and provide publicly available electronic copies of land management plans for certain parcels and all state parks.
HB 289 – Boating Safety: This law aligns penalties for certain boating crimes (like leaving the scene of an accident, reckless operation, BUI manslaughter, and vessel homicide) with their corresponding driving offenses. It also prohibits providing false information in a vessel accident report and requires the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to set standards for online boating safety education courses.
HB 575 – Gulf of America: Following the lead of President Donald Trump, this measure changes dozens of state laws to use the name "Gulf of America" instead of "Gulf of Mexico."
HB 593 – Dangerous Dogs ("Pam Rock Act"): This act aims to regulate dangerous dogs more strictly, increasing penalties for owners whose pets cause serious injury or death. Named after Pamela Rock, who was killed by aggressive dogs in 2022, the law mandates the confiscation of dogs that have killed or seriously injured a human. Owners of dogs classified as dangerous must now obtain at least $100,000 in liability insurance, microchip their dogs, and ensure they are securely confined.
SB 2508 – New Judges: Lawmakers approved this bill to add 22 circuit-court judges and 15 county-court judges across the state, while also making changes at two appeals courts, responding to a Supreme Court order certifying the need for new judges.
SB 268 – Public Records: Citing concerns about threats and harassment, this law prevents the release of home addresses and telephone numbers of legislators, members of Congress, and numerous other state and local elected officials.
SB 296 – School Start Times: This measure backs away from a 2023 law that would have prevented high schools from starting earlier than 8:30 a.m. The 2023 law, intended to help teens get more sleep, was scheduled to take effect in 2026.
HB 1105 – Student Cell Phones: Students in elementary and middle schools are now prohibited from using cell phones throughout the entire school day, expanding a previous restriction on phone use during instructional time.
HB 351 – Dangerous Excessive Speeding: This bill implements stricter penalties and potential jail time for drivers exceeding speed limits by 50 mph or more, or those driving at 100 mph or more in a manner that endangers others or interferes with traffic. Convicted individuals face up to 30 days imprisonment, a $500 fine, or both, with increased penalties for repeat offenses.
HB 7031 – Tax Cuts: Parts of this tax-cut package took effect, including sales-tax exemptions on hurricane-preparedness supplies and certain purchases related to outdoor activities. Other components, such as the elimination of a commercial-lease tax, will take effect later.
HB 255 – Aggravated Animal Cruelty ("Dexter's Law"): Named after Dexter, a rescue dog found beheaded in 2024, this law imposes harsher sentences for aggravated animal cruelty, increasing the likelihood of imprisonment for those found guilty. It also establishes an online database of convicted animal abusers to help pet adoption services screen applicants.
SB 130 – Wrongful Incarceration: This law amends state statutes regarding compensation for victims of wrongful incarceration. It extends the filing period for a petition to two years (from 90 days) and removes the state’s “Clean Hands” provision, which previously disqualified individuals with past felony convictions from receiving compensation. However, it clarifies that a deceased person’s successors do not have standing to file a petition on their behalf.
HB 279 – False Reporting: This law increases penalties for misusing emergency communication services, particularly in "swatting" cases that result in serious harm or death. Those found guilty of making false emergency calls will be required to pay restitution to victims and cover law enforcement expenses.
SB 994 – Driver License Education Requirements: Anyone 18 or older applying for a driver's license must first complete a traffic law and substance abuse education course. The law also allows for learner's permits to be issued to 15-year-olds who have completed an approved driver education course.
An Inside Look at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Detention Facility in the Everglades
President Donald Trump joined Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday for a high-profile tour of the newly established “Alligator Alcatraz,” a 1,000-bed immigrant detention facility built in just over a week at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in the heart of the Everglades. The visit, accompanied by members of the media, was the first inside look at the facility, which will house up to 5,000 detainees in the coming months. The temporary site, composed of large tents and trailers, is encircled by barbed wire and chain-link fencing. It includes bunk-style sleeping quarters, portable restrooms and showers, air conditioning, and 24/7 on-site medical care. Florida’s Division of Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie reports that more than 13 private vendors contributed to the rapid eight-day buildout. He added that the site will offer three hot meals per day, legal support services, clergy staff, and full security with over 400 security personnel and 200 surveillance cameras. Located just east of Big Cypress National Preserve and surrounded by tribal lands, the state-funded facility is estimated to cost $450 million annually and has raised concerns about its environmental and cultural impact. The federal government plans to reimburse Florida through a $650 million FEMA program earmarked for immigration enforcement.
Trump Administration Freezes $396 Million in Florida Education Funds
Florida school districts are facing significant financial uncertainty after the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) announced a freeze on $396 million in federal education grants earmarked for the state. This move, part of a broader national freeze impacting nearly $7 billion in funds, has left school officials scrambling as they prepare for the new academic year. The DOE notified state education departments via email that Grant Award Notifications, typically issued July 1, would be withheld pending "ongoing programmatic review," according to the Trump administration. The frozen funds, initially approved by Congress in March, were intended for programs such as migrant education, after-school initiatives, and English language instruction. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) asserted that "many of these grant programs have been grossly misused to subsidize a radical leftwing agenda," citing instances like New York schools using English Language Acquisition funds for "illegal immigrant advocacy organizations" and a Washington state program directing "illegal immigrants towards scholarships intended for American students." The OMB emphasized that no final decisions on cuts have been made. Local districts across Central Florida, including Orange, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Osceola, and Pasco counties, could collectively lose tens of millions if the freeze is permanent. While Title IA and Individuals With Disabilities Act grants remain unaffected, superintendents are deeply concerned about the impacts on vulnerable students with a potential budget shortfall. Many districts have already planned to cut positions and programs amid a lean state budget as they await clarity on federal funding. The Trump administration has previously signaled its intent to streamline federal education grants, consolidating them into a block system, arguing that states are better equipped to determine local educational needs.
DeSantis Vetoes Ethics Bill Aiming to Reduce Government Corruption
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday vetoed HB 1445, a bipartisan ethics bill passed overwhelmingly by the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature. The bill aimed to curb public officials from soliciting campaign contributions from lobbyists during working hours and restrict travel reimbursements for state employees living out of state. The legislation emerged following news reports detailing instances of DeSantis administration officials allegedly contacting lobbyists—some representing companies with state contracts—for donations during working hours. DeSantis denied the allegations, and his office claimed such activity occurred only during personal time. In his veto memo issued Tuesday, DeSantis did not address the ethics concerns directly. Instead, he focused on a separate provision within the bill that mandated residency or alumni status for members of state university system boards. DeSantis argued this requirement was unconstitutional, referencing a 1973 Florida Supreme Court opinion to justify his veto. The bill also would have barred taxpayer reimbursements for commuting expenses of remote state officials, some of whom reportedly accrued tens of thousands in travel costs.
Florida TaxWatch Praises DeSantis’ Budget Vetoes, Saving Taxpayers $180M
Florida TaxWatch has praised Gov. Ron DeSantis after issuing extensive line-item vetoes, which the watchdog group says saved taxpayers more than $180 million by eliminating projects that lacked transparency or bypassed standard review procedures. Emphasizing the move as a major win for taxpayer accountability and fiscal discipline, the group identified 238 budget items totaling $413.5 million as "Budget Turkeys" in its annual report—projects that circumvented traditional scrutiny or budgeting rules. Of those, DeSantis vetoed 65, cutting $56.5 million. He also vetoed 194 additional projects deemed worthy of "especially close scrutiny," saving another $126.1 million. “Over half of the individual vetoes directly aligned with our Budget Turkey Watch recommendations,” said Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro. Beyond the vetoes, Florida TaxWatch commended DeSantis and legislative leaders for securing recurring debt repayments, eliminating the Business Rent Tax, and enacting permanent sales tax holidays on school supplies and disaster preparedness items. The nonprofit emphasized its continued mission to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent through “a transparent, accountable, and deliberative process.”
Epcot’s Revamped Test Track Reopens July 22 With Futuristic Makeover
Walt Disney World’s popular Test Track attraction at Epcot is set to reopen on July 22, debuting a bold, future-inspired redesign that blends high-speed thrills with a human-centric narrative of innovation. While the ride’s track remains unchanged, guests will experience an entirely new storyline, visuals, and interactive elements. This is the third iteration of the ride since its 1999 debut, following a reimagining in 2012. The latest Test Track, developed in partnership with General Motors, features immersive scenes inspired by Walt Disney’s original vision for Epcot—a city where technology and innovation shape daily life. The attraction will highlight the shift from car safety to a broader exploration of mobility and imagination. Inside, the updated queue will showcase concept cars from GM’s history and future, while the ride itself blends futuristic visuals, educational elements, and playful touches reminiscent of classic Epcot attractions. New additions included a domed screen depicting a city of tomorrow with flying vehicles and advanced mobility, and lighting effects that simulate how self-driving cars navigate hazards. Annual passholders and select groups can preview the ride in mid-July, with general access beginning July 22.
Orlando Museum of Art Receives Record $540K Donation
The Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) has received a historic $540,000 donation from the Council of 101, marking the largest single contribution in the organization’s history. The gift, fueled by the success of annual fundraising events such as the Festival of Trees and Art in Bloom, will support special exhibitions, education programs, and community outreach across Central Florida, including increased programming in underserved areas. This record-breaking donation surpasses last year’s $510,000 gift and brings the Council’s lifetime contributions to OMA to more than $15 million. Founded in 1965, the Council of 101 includes nearly 300 volunteers dedicated to advancing the museum’s reach and impact through year-round fundraising and community engagement.
Florida AG Uthmeier Unveils "Alligator Alcatraz" Merchandise to Fund 2026 Campaign
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is capitalizing on the high-profile "Alligator Alcatraz" immigrant detention facility by launching a line of branded merchandise, with proceeds directly funding his 2026 bid to remain Attorney General. Uthmeier, appointed to the position in February by Gov. DeSantis, was the initial proponent of the Everglades-based facility, which swiftly transitioned from a concept to a ready-to-receive detention center in just eight days. The merchandise, including $30 T-shirts, $25 coffee mugs, and $12 bumper stickers, became available on Sunday through Uthmeier’s campaign website. The Friends of James Uthmeier PAC, supporting his election, has already raised over $1.4 million in recent months, positioning him to significantly outpace previous Attorney General campaign fundraising efforts.
Howard Frankland Bridge Prepares for Northbound Traffic Shift as Old Bridge Faces Demolition
Changes are ahead for motorists on the Howard Frankland Bridge. By early August, traffic heading north on I-275 to Tampa will be rerouted off the original 1950s-era span onto a repurposed southbound bridge, as part of the $865 million bridge replacement project. The old northbound bridge, a vital connection between Pinellas and Hillsborough counties since 1960, will be dismantled piece by piece using barges and cranes. Officials say the structure’s crumbling condition and high maintenance costs ruled out repurposing it as a pedestrian path—an idea that had broad community support. Two-way express lanes and a 12-foot pedestrian path are expected to open in early 2026, alongside major improvements to the nearby Westshore interchange, which connects to State Road 60, Tampa International Airport, Veterans Expressway, and the Westshore business district.
Largest Flamingo Flock in a Decade Spotted in Florida Everglades
The largest group of American Flamingos seen in Florida in over a decade was spotted last week in the Everglades. Wildlife photographer Mark Ian Cook documented 115 flamingos during an aerial bird survey along the Florida Bay coastline, initially mistaking them for Roseate Spoonbills. The sighting marks a significant milestone for a species once native to the state but nearly wiped out by hunting in the early 1900s.
ResortPass Offers Daytime Getaways to Over 400 Florida Hotels
ResortPass is transforming how Floridians and visitors enjoy luxury hotel amenities by offering day passes to more than 400 hotels across the state. The service allows guests to access pools, spas, lazy rivers, cabanas, and other resort facilities without booking an overnight stay, making it a popular option for locals seeking a quick escape or travelers on layovers. Founded in 2016, the company has tripled its bookings in the past three years as more consumers seek affordable and flexible leisure experiences. Popular with locals and tourists alike, ResortPass users can book poolside daybeds, cabanas, spa treatments, golf outings, and more, often starting at $20, with 70% of offerings under $65. New offerings, like the Family Pass, allow up to four guests access for a single fee at select properties. Florida is one of ResortPass’s top markets, with Miami leading nationwide and Orlando ranking fourth with 80 participating hotels, including JW Marriott Grande Lakes, Walt Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resort, Hilton Orlando, Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, and the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort. Tampa Bay locations include the Tampa Marriott Water Street, Hilton Tampa Downtown, and St. Pete Beach's Postcard Inn and TradeWinds Resort.
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