Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis last week proposed a $115.6 billion budget for the next fiscal year, focusing on maintaining the state's strong economic performance. 

In a statement from his office, DeSantis highlighted Florida's healthy revenue and low unemployment as signs of success under his administration, and his budget aims to keep that momentum going.

A major highlight is the proposed $2.2 billion in tax cuts, including a two-year suspension of the business rent tax, which could ease the financial strain on businesses, especially small ones. Another key piece is a "Second Amendment" tax break on firearms and ammunition sales.

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The budget also allocates significant funding for public sector employees, with a $118 million raise proposed for 4,700 state law enforcement officers and more than 700 firefighters. Teachers are also a priority, with $246.7 million aimed at increasing their salaries.

The proposal also raises per-student funding by $222, bringing the total to $9,205. However, as noted by the Florida Education Association, even with these increases, Florida still lags behind many states in teacher pay and education funding.

DeSantis described his budget as focusing on fiscal responsibility, and it cuts $3 billion from the current year's budget. 

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According to state financial reports, his goal is to reduce Florida's debt by 50% by 2027-28, while maintaining a reserve of $14.6 billion, or about 12.5% of the total budget. Since he took office, Florida's rainy-day fund has grown from $1.5 billion to nearly $5 billion.

Not everyone is on board with the proposal, though. House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, speaking to The New York Post, argued that Florida is becoming too expensive for many residents, with costs for things like insurance, groceries, and healthcare outpacing wage growth.

A significant portion of the proposed budget goes toward immigration enforcement. According to his office, DeSantis is proposing $505 million for the Division of Emergency Management to assist federal immigration efforts. 

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The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission would receive $4.4 million to create a special immigration enforcement unit, and $1.7 million is earmarked for a new Office of Secure Florida at the Department of Commerce to enforce E-Verify compliance.

The final budget will be decided by the state legislature during its 60-day session starting March 4. Already, lawmakers have put forward their own immigration-related budget, which includes $515 million for law enforcement, Central Florida Public Media reported. 

Besides tax cuts and public sector investments, the governor’s budget proposal includes several tax breaks, like a $296 million temporary tax holiday for consumers and $170 million in savings for first-time homebuyers. The plan also continues funding for the popular My Safe Florida Homes renovation program.

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