As we approach the midpoint of 2025, Florida’s political landscape is becoming more clear as lawmakers have reached a budget deal to and several local elections will take shape.
Budget Agreement Reached
After extended negotiations, the Florida Legislature has finalized the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year, meeting the constitutional mandate for a balanced budget ahead of the July 1 deadline. The agreement includes substantial tax relief measures totaling over $2.25 billion in recurring revenue reductions. Other key components include:
- Business Rent Tax Reduction: A permanent reduction of the business rent tax from 2% to 1%, providing significant relief to businesses statewide.
- Sales Tax Holidays Codified: Certain sales tax holidays, such as back-to-school and disaster preparedness, have been codified into statute, making them permanent fixtures in Florida’s tax code.
- Debt Reduction: An allocation of $250 million has been designated for state debt reduction, aiming to strengthen Florida’s fiscal health.
Legislators are set to return to Tallahassee on Tuesday, June 3rd to begin budget conferencing. Expect meetings between Budget Committee conferees to go through most of the week. lawmakers have indicated they’ll complete their work by June 16th. If a budget deal is not reached, Governor DeSantis has the ability to call legislators into a special session to complete their constitutionally required work.
Veto Alert
Governor DeSantis has issued his first veto of the 2025 Legislative Session. House Bill 6017, a controversial bill aimed at repealing what proponents call Florida’s “Free Kill law. The “Free Kill” law, part of Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, prevents families of unmarried adults over 25 with no children under 25 from seeking certain damages in medical malpractice cases. By vetoing the bill, the Governor is maintaining existing law. Lawmakers, having a super majority in both chambers could pursue a veto override. However, there does not appear to be an appetite to pursue an override at this time.
Upcoming Special Elections
A series of special elections have been scheduled to fill legislative vacancies resulting from resignations and appointments:
June 10, 2025
- House District 3 (Okaloosa and Santa Rosa Counties): Following the resignation of Rep. Joel Rudman to pursue a congressional seat.
- House District 32 (Brevard County): Vacated by Rep. Debbie Mayfield, who is running for State Senate.
- Senate District 19 (Brevard County): Former Sen. Randy Fine resigned to run for Congress.
June 24, 2025 (Primary) & September 2, 2025 (General)
- Senate District 15 (Orange County): This seat became vacant following the passing of Sen. Geraldine Thompson. 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. Candidates include RaShon Young, Travaris McCurdy, Tuan Le, and Christopher Hall.
These elections mean there will be at least five new legislators taking office ahead of the 2026 session. We are actively monitoring these races to immediately begin building relationships with these new members.