POLITICS

DeSantis signs budget, trims spending, advances priorities

PUBLISHED Jun 30, 2026, 10:54 AM ET

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Tampa — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a $117.6 billion fiscal 2027 budget Monday at Hillsborough Community College, issuing approximately $810 million in line-item vetoes and rejecting a $750 million transfer. The enacted plan increases K‑12 allocations, sets aside $1.5 billion for teacher pay and designates funds for Everglades restoration and multi-year transportation bonds. The move follows a May special legislative session to resolve a spending stalemate and comes as state tax-supported debt reportedly fell from $17.53 billion in fiscal 2018 to $8.73 billion in fiscal 2026. Democratic leaders voiced objections to the veto pattern this week; bond officials outlined planned issuances over the next 24 months to support transportation projects.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

2018–2026: State tax-supported debt declines from $17.53B to $8.73B.
May 2026: Lawmakers hold a special session to resolve budget stalemate.
Monday, June 2026: Gov. DeSantis signs the $117.6B fiscal 2027 budget with line-item vetoes.
Over next 24 months: Planned DOT bond issuances (including $1B) to be sold.
July 1, 2026: New fiscal year begins with the signed budget in force.

News Intelligence

This budget impacts your wallet and community. More funds are going towards K-12 education and teacher pay. If you're in Florida, watch for improvements in local schools. Everglades restoration could also affect tourism and local ecology. Check how these changes might affect your property taxes or local services.

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Who Benefited

K-12 schools, teachers (through a $1.5 billion pay allocation), Everglades restoration projects, transportation bond programs and bond investors gained allocations or clearer funding paths under the signed $117.6 billion budget and related bond authorizations.

Who Impacted

Programs and projects subject to approximately $810 million in line-item vetoes and a blocked $750 million transfer faced reductions, and Democratic lawmakers complained that vetoes disproportionately impacted their priorities; local institutions affected by campus transfers also faced disruption.

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