According to Spectrum News 13, the clock has officially run out on Florida’s legislative session.
Spectrum News 13 report that the 60-day regular session has come to an end—but the work is far from over. Two special sessions are already scheduled for next month as lawmakers continue negotiations on unresolved issues, including the state budget.
As State Senator and newly elected Senate Democratic Minority Leader, Shevrin Jones noted via Instagram: “That’s a wrap, for now. The 60-day legislative session has ended with no budget. The House and Senate reached an impasse, which means we’ll be back. Our ONE constitutional responsibility is clear—pass a balanced budget for the people of Florida.”
Meanwhile, WFLA reports that attention is now shifting to Governor Ron DeSantis, with more than 200 bills awaiting his signature or veto.
Out of nearly 2,000 bills filed this year, lawmakers passed just over 200—marking the lowest total since 2020.
Several of those measures could have varying impacts across communities, including in South Florida.
A sweeping school safety bill would expand the Guardian Program and allow certain trained employees to carry firearms on college campuses. The legislation follows last year’s shooting near Florida State University and also requires classroom doors at state colleges and universities to have locks. Implementation of the policy may shape campus safety protocols and student experiences across institutions.
Lawmakers also passed restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, prohibiting local governments from funding or engaging in DEI programs. This change may affect locally funded initiatives related to business development, education, and community programming in counties such as Miami-Dade and Broward.
A data center bill aimed at limiting taxpayer exposure to rate increases also passed, though some transparency provisions were removed during final negotiations. The measure could influence how local governments and residents receive information about future infrastructure and utility-related developments.
In one of the session’s most closely watched debates, both chambers passed a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport after President Donald Trump, reflecting broader political divisions across the state.
Lawmakers also approved measures to expand protections for domestic violence survivors and improve access to health care, which may impact service availability across different regions and populations.
With the session concluded but no finalized budget in place, and additional sessions scheduled, state leaders are expected to revisit key funding decisions in the weeks ahead. Ultimately, a budget is a moral document that will showcase where the state would like to allocate its funding, and many Black advocates are hoping for final decisions soon. For a full breakdown of the bills passed this session, visit the Florida Legislature website.
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