The Florida 2025 Legislative Session, initially set to conclude on May 2, has been extended to June 6 or until the state’s budget is finalized. Lawmakers will return to Tallahassee on May 12 to craft the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget, which is expected to be slightly below Governor Ron DeSantis’ proposed $115.6 billion plan. With a commitment to include $2.8 billion in tax cuts, legislators are working to meet the constitutional requirement for a balanced budget.
During the extended session, lawmakers will focus exclusively on the budget and related bills. Bills that did not pass by May 2 will be refiled for the 2026 session, providing future opportunities to address key issues. Among the 16 bills under consideration is Senate President Ben Albritton’s “Rural Renaissance” bill (SB 110), which promotes rural economic and healthcare development through physician incentives and medical education grants. Elements of this bill have already been integrated into other legislation passed this session, signaling progress.
Session Highlights
- Education: Expanded school choice and updated student cellphone policies.
- Economic Development: A $200 million rural economic package to support underserved areas.
- Housing: Condo safety reforms to protect residents.
- Future Opportunities: Bills on no-fault auto insurance, concealed carry, and cellphone bans while driving will be revisited.
Despite a busy session that included a concurrent Special Session on immigration and other priorities, lawmakers and Governor DeSantis must work together to pass a balanced budget as mandated by Florida’s constitution. T
Property Tax Relief Efforts
On May 1, the House Select Committee on Property Taxes, led by Rep. Toby Overdorf and Rep. Vicki Lopez, convened to explore property tax relief proposals for a potential 2026 ballot amendment. The committee is evaluating:
- Requiring every city, county, and special district to hold a referendum on the question of eliminating property taxes on homestead properties.
- Creating a new $500,000 homestead exemption, as well as a $1 million homestead exemption for properties owned by Floridians aged 65 and older, or who have had a homestead for 30 years, applicable to all non-school taxes.
- Authorizing the Legislature to increase the homestead exemption to any value by general law.
- Modifying the assessment increase limitations on property values:
- For homestead properties, changing the cap from the lower of 3% or CPI to a flat 3% over any three-year period for all taxes.
- For non-homestead properties, changing the cap from 10% annually to 15% over any three-year period for all non-school taxes.
- Protecting Homeownership by eliminating the ability to foreclose on a homestead property due to a property tax lien.
Governor DeSantis has also proposed $1,000 homeowner rebates, adding momentum to these efforts. The committee will provide recommendations to the House for legislation ahead of the 2026 session, aiming for the November 2026 ballot.
Upcoming Special Elections
Several special elections are scheduled to fill legislative vacancies, driven by President Trump’s appointments of Floridians to his administration and open congressional seats. These elections will shape representation in key districts:
June 10, 2025:
- House District 3 (Okaloosa and Santa Rosa Counties): To replace a member who pursued a congressional seat.
- House District 32 (Brevard County): To fill a vacancy left by a member seeking higher office.
- Senate District 19 (Brevard County): Former Senator Debbie Mayfield, now a House member, will likely return to the Senate.
June 24 (Primary) and September 2 (General), 2025:
- Senate District 15 (Orange County): Following the sudden passing of Senator Geraldine Thompson due to medical complications, a special election will fill her seat. Candidates include State Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, former State Sen. Randolph Bracy, former Congressman Alan Grayson, attorney Coretta Anthony-Smith, and Republican Willie J. Montague.
- House District 40 (Orange County): Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis will resign effective September 1 to run for Senate District 15, triggering a special election. Candidates include RaShon Young, Travaris McCurdy, Tuan Le, and Christopher Hall.
These elections reflect Florida’s dynamic political landscape, and they offer opportunities to elect leaders who will advance the state’s priorities.
Convention Spotlight
Join us at the Florida & Alabama Outdoor Hospitality Convention & Expo for a lunch program featuring Rep. Richard Gentry, Rep. Taylor Yarkosky, Senator Kristen Arrington, and Senator Keith Truenow. They will share insights on the extended session, property tax relief, and Florida’s bright political future.
Looking Ahead
With a constitutional mandate for a balanced budget, the extended session offers a clear path to finalize Florida’s fiscal priorities. Lawmakers are poised to advance rural development, property tax relief, and other initiatives, setting a positive tone for 2026 and beyond.