Ron DeSantis promotes ‘focus on fiscal responsibility’ for proposed Florida budget

GOP power struggle erupts in Florida.

With a proposed Florida budget of $115.6 billion, which would leave $14.6 billion in reserves, Gov. Ron DeSantis said fiscal responsibility will be the theme for his 2025-26 spending plan, and his budget’s name this year reflects that.

The “Focus on Fiscal Responsibility” budget represents a “significant’ reduction” over last year’s budget, DeSantis said.

“Florida’s steadfast commitment to fiscal conservatism is why we are in such good financial shape,” DeSantis said in a news release Monday. “Florida has experienced historic success by keeping government spending low while balancing significant investments in meaningful initiatives. These include expanding workforce education for high-demand jobs, providing family-first tax relief, ensuring that Florida’s students can access a quality education that fits their needs, expanding infrastructure to reduce congestion and restoring the Everglades.

“It is proof positive that when you act responsibly with taxpayers’ money, success will follow. I look forward to accomplishing even more for this state in the coming year on this firm financial footing.”

DeSantis said 2.7 million new businesses have been launched in the state since 2019, the year he moved into the Governor’s Mansion. He added that under his administration, fiscal conservatism has helped pay down $1.7 billion in tax-supported debt while providing $2.2 billion in tax relief, all while reducing the size of government in the state.

The Legislative Session begins in Tallahassee on March 4. During this session, lawmakers will craft and approve the state budget, typically using the Governor’s proposal as a guidepost. DeSantis said he plans to continue tax relief for Floridians by repealing the state’s business rent tax, creating a new venture capital tax credit program to spur investments in research, innovation, science, and engineering, and continuing a plethora of other programs, such as back-to-school and disaster preparedness sales tax holidays.

His “Focus on Fiscal Responsibility” budget will also prioritize “home hardening programs to continue efforts to lower property insurance premiums for Floridians and help reduce the costly impacts of hurricane damage to homes across the state.”

DeSantis also pointed out he’ll emphasize primary education in kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as higher education.

While DeSantis is committed to financial restraint, he does call for expansion of services, such as disaster response and “investing in a healthier Florida.”

Americans for Prosperity-Florida State Director Skylar Zander applauded DeSantis’ recommendations, emphasizing their focus on fiscal responsibility and economic growth.

“Gov. DeSantis’ strong commitment to fiscal responsibility and economic growth shines through in his budget recommendations, which put the taxpayers’ interests first.” He praised the proposal to eliminate the business rent tax, arguing it would “make Florida more competitive for businesses, which will strengthen our state’s economy and benefit everyone.”

Zander also commended the prioritization of pay increases for first responders and strengthening state reserves, reinforcing “Florida’s leadership in providing responsible governance.” AFP-FL anticipates collaborating with DeSantis on policies that promote prosperity and safeguard taxpayers.

The LIBRE Initiative-Florida was particularly pleased with the spotlight on fiscal responsibility and economic opportunities for hardworking families, including Hispanics.

LIBRE Initiative-Florida Strategic Director David Santiago welcomed the focus on first responders’ pay increases, deeming it “a wiser and more focused approach” than automatic cost-of-living adjustments.

In a statement, Santiago commended the strengthening of Florida’s reserves and debt reduction, arguing it “strengthens the state’s economic foundation and ensures a more stable future.”

Santiago added that the budget “strengthens the state’s economic foundation and ensures a more stable future for families across Florida” by growing Florida’s reserves and paying down state debt.

“The LIBRE Initiative looks forward to working with Gov. DeSantis and policymakers to advance policies that empower the Hispanic community and all Floridians to thrive.”