TALLAHASSEE — In late-night budget negotiations on Friday, Florida lawmakers reached critical agreements regarding targeted raises for specific state employees, funding allocations for an emergency response reserve, and increased spending for citrus research. The deals were finalized as House and Senate leaders worked urgently to meet a Tuesday deadline required to complete the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
Targeted Pay Raises for Public Safety
The final agreement rejected the Senate’s preference for an across-the-board 3% raise for all state workers. Instead, it established a 4% pay increase specifically for corrections officers, state law enforcement officials, and firefighters. Additionally, corrections officers will receive a 1.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) applied to their pensions.
"We've heard, especially in the corrections world that retention is really tough," Senate budget chief Ed Hooper, R-Clearwater, told reporters. "COLA is one more tool in the toolbox."
Budget Disputes and Emergency Funding
The negotiations addressed a significant dispute over overall spending levels that prevented completion of the budget during the regular session ending in March. The House had initially insisted on cutting $1.4 billion from the current year’s $115 billion spending plan, while the Senate favored level funding.
"It's always easier to spend the taxpayers' money... Instead, we've embraced this other way, which is being stewards of the taxpayers' dollars," House budget chief Lawrence McClure, R-Dover, said. "As to why it's taking so long — there are 160 of us up here that come from different parts of the state."
Chambers agreed to allocate $250 million into an emergency fund, a figure higher than the House’s preferred $100 million. Governor Ron DeSantis intends to use these funds for immigration enforcement operations following his declaration of a state of emergency on the issue.
Agricultural Support and Security Provisions
The budget also included more than $200 million for citrus research, with lawmakers agreeing to $164.5 million. This allocation supports Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, a citrus farmer who prioritized the issue.
Further agreements involved funding for the Florida State Guard and job training initiatives. The House agreed to carry over $20 million from the current year budget plus an additional $12 million for the State Guard. For the Job Growth Grant Fund, used by DeSantis for infrastructure projects, lawmakers settled on $40 million, with half reserved for his successor taking office in January.
Regarding security provisions, the House did not agree to provide one year of protection for the First Family after DeSantis’ term. However, both chambers approved funding for security for the Republican and Democratic gubernatorial nominees following the Aug. 18 primary.
