Florida budget

A legislative panel Friday approved money for more than 230 local projects and programs across the state, after receiving a detailed analysis of Florida’s financial picture from a top economist.

Florida lawmakers Friday could approve disbursing $175 million across the state for more than 230 local projects and programs, including a few similar to spending proposals that Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed in June.

The governor makes big cuts to South Florida programs in the most recent budget. Plus, a local radio station focuses on serving the indigenous immigrant population. And the Summer Shorts Festival returns with a series of plays — one of them written by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Florida TaxWatch listed 166 “turkeys” included in the newly passed state budget. The nonprofit says Gov. Ron DeSantis should take a hard look at each item.

Teachers' minimum salary will increase to at least $47,000 once DeSantis approves the budget.

Instead of shifting away money from 12 districts that required masks, legislation would set up a $200 million reserve fund from which the 55 counties that followed state directives would be rewarded.

The Florida Hospital Association said the House budget is harsher on hospitals, but said both chambers are proposing to eliminate funds for facilities that treat large numbers of Medicaid patients.

Lawmakers in the House dug into the details of the chamber’s spending plan Tuesday. Measure is scheduled for a floor vote Wednesday.

Florida lawmakers will have an additional $2.6 billion to play with in general-revenue taxes, along with nearly $6 billion in unspent federal coronavirus stimulus money, as they begin to piece together an election-year budget.

Florida's only statewide elected Democrat is running for governor. The state's largest budget ever was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Who are the winners and losers? Plus, how to clean water using a cactus.

Floridians preparing for the looming hurricane season can avoid paying sales taxes on many types of disaster gear starting late next week, after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a $196.3 million tax package on Friday.

Because of a legally required 72-hour “cooling off” period, the budget is required to be finalized and printed Tuesday for the annual legislative session to end on time Friday.