Florida legislature postpones budget session amid stalemate

Florida's legislative leaders have postponed a planned special session to address the state's stalled budget, citing ongoing disagreements between the House and Senate over spending allocations.

Negotiations stall on top-line budget figures

House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton announced the delay in separate memos to lawmakers, stating that a new timeline for the session called by Governor Ron DeSantis will be shared as soon as possible.

The regular legislative session concluded on March 13 without a budget agreement, with both chambers presenting differing proposals. The House passed a $113.6 billion spending plan, while the Senate approved a $115 billion proposal.

Lawmakers now face a July 1 deadline to pass a budget, or risk triggering a partial state government shutdown. The delay in the special session adds pressure to reach a compromise on the contentious issue.