JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As Florida’s legislative session enters its final week, lawmakers are racing against the clock to address several key issues before the May 2 deadline.

Among the most pressing concerns is the state budget, which must be finalized to ensure the fiscal year begins smoothly on July 1. However, it looks like the legislature may not complete its work on time.

Chris Hand, an expert on state government, notes, “Increasing signs suggest the legislature is not going to finish its work on May 2.”

He explains that the House and Senate have encountered challenges in reconciling their different appropriations bills. If they fail to reach an agreement by the deadline, lawmakers may need to extend the session or return for special sessions, with the ultimate budget deadline set for June 30.

State law demands a cooling-off period. Hand confirms that lawmakers typically have about three days to review proposals before voting. He warns that missing earlier deadlines could jeopardize the timely completion of the session. “The chances of finishing on time and having that handkerchief drop to what they call signing day become increasingly less likely,” he adds.

The complexities of the budget process are compounded by differing priorities within the legislature. Hand explains that the governor presents a budget proposal, but both the House and Senate develop their own versions before attempting to reconcile their differences. “Sometimes that’s easier than others,” he admits, noting that revenue challenges can complicate negotiations.

As the session progresses, the tension between the executive and legislative branches is palpable. Hand observes, “It is more the norm than the exception for the executive branch and the legislative branch to have different and very strong feelings about what a budget should look like.” This year, however, the dynamics have shifted as the legislature reasserts its authority, particularly as Gov. Ron DeSantis approaches the end of his second term.

The current climate reflects a departure from the alignment seen during the early years of DeSantis’s administration. Hand recalls how, in the past, the governor was able to achieve most of his priorities during the session. Now, as the legislature prioritizes its institutional prerogatives, the path to a finalized budget appears increasingly challenging.

“This is no different than what’s happened in every governorship,” Hand states, referencing historical tensions between the executive and legislative branches. He emphasizes that while the current situation may seem contentious, it is part of a longstanding tradition in Florida politics.

As the May 2 deadline approaches, the pressure mounts for lawmakers to resolve their differences and deliver a budget that meets the needs of Floridians. With the clock ticking, the outcome of this legislative session remains uncertain.