Bad news for Ron DeSantis: Florida legislature rejects economic measures backed by Republican governor
Florida lawmakers have taken a bold step against Governor Ron DeSantis’ fiscal agenda by overriding four of his budget vetoes and pushing forward a sales tax cut, intensifying tensions within the state’s Republican leadership.
The Florida House of Representatives has overturned four of Governor Ron DeSantis' budget vetoes, totaling $4.7 million. Additionally, lawmakers have introduced a proposal to reduce the state’s sales tax — a move that contrasts with DeSantis’ focus on cutting property taxes.
This marks the second time this year that legislators have overridden a budgetary decision made by the governor. Back in January, they also reversed a $57 million veto that had been allocated for legislative support services, following a special session DeSantis called to address immigration.
What budget items were reinstated?
According to The Daytona Beach News-Journal, the four vetoed items reinstated by lawmakers include:
- $2.5 million for a water treatment project in Rockledge.
- $1.1 million for a sewer system upgrade in Baldwin.
- $1 million for implementing a personnel management system in state prisons.
- $140,000 for a nonprofit that helps veterans access health benefits.
Why did Florida house override the Governor's vetoes?
Florida House Speaker Daniel Pérez explained that the decision to override the vetoes reflects the legislators’ constitutional responsibility to shape the state budget. However, the changes still require majority approval in both legislative chambers.
“We are working to restore the institutional role of the Florida House,” Pérez said, according to the Associated Press.
Alongside the veto reversals, Pérez also proposed reducing the state sales tax rate from 6% to 5.25%. This idea runs counter to DeSantis’ priority of cutting property taxes — a move that reportedly frustrated the governor.
DeSantis push back
In response, Governor DeSantis expressed disapproval in a post on X (formerly Twitter), criticizing lawmakers for prioritizing increased spending over issues he believes are more urgent, like illegal immigration.
“I cut millions in wasteful spending when I signed the budget in June, but Florida House Republicans voted to reverse those savings. In the past two months, they’ve undone over $60 million in cuts. That shows misplaced priorities,” DeSantis wrote.
He added that Floridians need real action to protect medical freedom, strengthen immigration laws, ease financial burdens on condominium owners, and pass a tax package that truly helps residents — especially through property tax relief.