Florida Lawmakers Delay Budget Talks Until Mid-May

Florida lawmakers have failed to reach agreement on a state budget before the scheduled end of their 60-day legislative session, resulting in an extension and a delay in finalizing the fiscal plan. The House and Senate remain divided by a $4 billion gap between their respective budget proposals and differ significantly on the size and structure of a linked tax-cut package. The House proposes a $5 billion tax package featuring a permanent reduction in the state sales-tax rate, while the Senate backs a smaller $1.83 billion package with targeted tax holidays and exemptions. Legislative leaders announced a 'framework' for a deal but will take the next week off, with formal negotiations expected to resume in mid-May. Lawmakers must pass a budget before the July 1 start of the new fiscal year, and only budget-related bills will be considered during the extended session. The impasse means that many unrelated bills died at the session’s scheduled close.