Legislators in the Florida House and Senate ultimately overcame tax cut disagreements — which pushed session from 60 to 105 days — to approve a $115.1 billion spending plan on June 17 in Tallahassee.
The budget includes reductions in revenue, including eliminating a business rent tax. But a proposal by the House to reduce the sales tax was defeated by the Senate. At the end of the 105th day, legislators approved a budget with $3.8 billion less in spending than last year’s $117 billion budget.
Legislators in the House voted 103-2 on the spending plan, while the Senate approved it unanimously.
“We believe in smaller government, lower taxes and greater freedom — and this session proves it,” said Republican House Speaker Daniel Perez following budget passage.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has until June 30 to sign the budget. The governor has the authority to make line-item vetoes as he has done in previous years.
More than $40 million in funding requests for the Florida Keys were included in the legislatively-approved spending plan. Of the funds allocated, $20 million supports water quality projects through the Florida Keys Stewardship Act. The dollars are distributed to Keys municipalities, as well as the Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District and Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority. The state has recognized the Stewardship program’s importance with $80 million sent to the Keys the last four years.
The budget also earmarks $7.5 million for a Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority reverse osmosis facility on Crawl Key. The money would enable construction of a facility to serve as a backup water source for emergencies while safeguarding against any damage or disruptions to transmission lines. FKAA, in its appropriations request, said the facility also addresses the “pressing need for additional water supply due to population growth and restrictions on Biscayne Aquifer withdrawals.” The facility would be complete in 2028.
A shoreside facility project at Boca Chica Mooring Field was included to receive $1.65 million. The shoreside facility provides waste disposal and shoreside access, ensuring a functional, sustainable mooring field. By managing the anchorage, Monroe County can reduce derelict vessels and associated risks while complying with state regulations.
The College of the Florida Keys is in line to receive nearly $2 million for a Marine and Maritime Professional Institute. The college would be able to add an associate’s degree while increasing program capacity 82%, or 330 new students, through certifications with Yamaha, American Boat & Yacht Council, Professional Association of Diving Instructors, Diving Contractors International and U.S. Coast Guard. The program prepares students for careers as a merchant mariner, commercial diver, ship builder, marine technician, fabricator and marine restorer.
Funds totaling $3.5 million were included in the budget for the renovation of the historic Bruce Hall and Reynolds School in Key West. The Monroe County School District will vacate the site of its current administration building at 241 Trumbo Road to allow for the development of 150 units of affordable workforce housing to support local teachers and other ‘essential services personnel.
Keys AHEC Health Centers was budgeted to receive $975,000. Keys AHEC provides comprehensive, integrated primary care and oral health services to medically vulnerable children. By offering medical and dental services directly in schools during school hours, the program reduces barriers to care and improves health outcomes through early identification and treatment.
A county mobile vessel pumpout program is in line to receive $650,000. The service for vessels anchored throughout the Keys aims for compliance with the no-discharge regulation and Monroe County’s proof of pump-out requirement.
Legislators agreed to allocate $1.5 million for a city of Marathon workforce housing project. Also in the budget is $500,000 for a culvert restoration project on Islamorada’s Lower Matecumbe Key and $360,000 for an emergency response vessel for Islamorada Fire Rescue.
Manhole lining and rehabilitation in Key West is in line to receive $500,000. Street safety improvements on Von Phister Street in Key West are also budgeted for $500,000.
A total of $450,000 is included for the operation of the 106-unit Frank P. Toppino Poinciana Gardens Senior Living Center in Key West. Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys is in the budget for $250,000 to identify and purchase land for construction of affordable housing for Monroe County’s workforce.
Funds for the preservation of the Truman Little White House in Key West is in the budget for $62,500.
Overall, state Rep. Jim Mooney said, requests from the Florida Keys were well received by the Legislature.
“I’ve been staying in contact with the governor’s office to make sure they understand how important the requests are,” Mooney told Keys Weekly on June 23. “We have no requests that are fluff. We have stuff that needs to be done for the environment, infrastructure and housing.”
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission officers and Florida Highway Patrol troopers in the Keys are in line for pay increases as well as $5,000 annual housing allowance.
As part of the budget deal, legislators in the House and Senate agreed to eliminate the 2% business rent tax on commercial office or retail space. It will take effect Oct. 1.
As for tax holidays, the state legislature approved permanent sales tax exemptions on essential storm preparedness items, including batteries, generators and smoke detectors. School supplies will also be exempt from sales tax through August. Those purchasing outdoor recreational items between September and December won’t pay sales tax.
