DeSantis signs $117B state budget with half a billion in line-item vetoes
Governor Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s new $117 billion budget at a Monday morning ceremony in Wildwood, implementing cuts and trimming roughly half a billion dollars via line-item vetoes. The budget—which is down from last year’s $118.6 billion—takes effect Tuesday at midnight.
The governor emphasized his aim to reduce state spending and curb government growth, noting that the final figure had risen from $115.1 billion after legislative negotiations. He also touted investments in increasing teacher pay, expanding school choice (including homeschool support), boosting law enforcement salaries, and improving infrastructure to support growing aerospace industries and Everglades restoration.
A major highlight is the elimination of the commercial rent tax for businesses, accounting for $900 million of the $1.3 billion in total tax relief, which could potentially empower Florida’s economy. Additional tax holidays include an extended back-to-school period and a new hunting and fishing holiday later this year.
Manatee County Impacts and Line-Item Vetoes
While several statewide initiatives are moving forward, Governor DeSantis used his veto power to strike select local projects. Similar to last year, when $7 million in Manatee projects were cut, the 2025–26 budget also trims some county funding. Although the precise list for the current cycle has yet to be fully published, county officials confirm that at least two earmarked infrastructure projects have been removed, including a rural road safety upgrade and a local water management grant.
Despite losses, Manatee County received over $100 million in approved funding for transportation, environmental conservation, and rural land preservation—part of statewide efforts that include $100 million to combat citrus greening and $250 million for rural land acquisition.
What’s Next
Opposition lawmakers, including those in the Florida House, continue to question DeSantis’ veto power. The Legislature recently overrode four vetoes totaling over $5 million for local water projects and veteran services, signaling an emerging shift in the state's power balance.
As the new budget takes effect on July 1, Manatee officials plan to review the exact funding cuts and strategize workarounds or explore state reimbursement opportunities. Meanwhile, emphasis shifts to ensuring local schools, first responders, and infrastructure projects proceed without interruption.
