Ben Albritton

Florida's citrus industry shows signs of recovery with increased orange and grapefruit production forecasts. Despite freezing temperatures causing $3 billion in agricultural losses, harvests in some areas outperformed previous years. Government funding for research and infrastructure, including $160 million for field trials, is highlighted as a positive development.

House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton delivered contrasting parting messages to the Florida Legislature during its final meeting of the 2024-2026 term. The session, focused on Governor Ron DeSantis' property tax reduction plan, was marked by GOP infighting over budget negotiations, immigration, artificial intelligence, and school vouchers. The House did not pass Albritton’s 'Rural Renaissance' infrastructure and education package.

Gov. Ron DeSantis' property tax proposal, which includes increasing homestead exemptions to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, differs from the $500,000 exemption he described. The legislation, Senate Joint Resolution 2F, caps assessed value increases for non-homestead properties but does not address small businesses as DeSantis claimed. The Florida Education Association raised concerns about potential impacts on school funding.

DeSantis discussed a request for taxpayer-funded security after leaving office, which the Florida Department of Law Enforcement proposed but the Legislature rejected. He warned of upcoming budget vetoes and highlighted concerns about political violence, though the House excluded security funding from the $114.5 billion FY 2026-27 budget.

Florida's Legislature finalized a $115 billion Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget after missing its deadline for the second consecutive year. The budget includes a $150 million tax relief package with exemptions for hurricane-resistant windows/doors and gun accessories like silencers, though gas tax exemptions were excluded despite prior advocacy. Senate President Ben Albritton faced opposition from the NRA over potential changes to suppressor tax exemptions.

Florida legislators have not agreed on the fiscal year 2025-26 budget, delaying decisions on funding for schools, healthcare for the poor, and Everglades restoration. House Speaker Danny Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton have not provided updates, and budget chairs Sen. Ed Hooper and Rep. Lawrence McClure have not held public meetings, raising concerns about meeting the May 29 deadline.