Florida's $116.5B budget, $950M in vetoes, and $1.25B to boost teacher salaries
June 13, 2024 — This Week's Top Stories in Florida
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Here’s the latest from Florida…
Gov. DeSantis signs $116.5B state budget, vetoes $950M
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has officially signed a $116.5 billion state budget for the upcoming fiscal year, following the veto of almost $950 million in spending for projects and programs initially approved by the Legislature. The budget, shaped to emphasize fiscal responsibility, aims to reduce spending compared to the current year and takes effect on July 1. DeSantis’ vetoes targeted $32 million for arts and cultural grants, $56 million for legislative support services, and $80 million for a group health insurance plan offered to state college system employees. The Republican governor also cut various local projects across the state sought by lawmakers, such as $26.2 million for a new science and engineering building at the University of West Florida, $11.7 for construction of a regional medical examiner’s office in St. Johns County, and $30 million for a children’s reading tutoring program at the University of Florida. Other significant cuts targeted local water, drainage, and sewage projects, totaling $410.3 million. Numerous road projects, recreation, and sports parks, fire trucks, local government infrastructure upgrades, and public safety complexes. Despite these reductions, highlights of the budget include $1.5 billion in tax relief via sales tax holidays and toll relief, $200 million for the My Safe Florida Home Grant Program, and more than $232 million for cancer research funding. Substantial allocations were also provided for environmental projects such as Everglades restoration and water quality improvements at $1.5 billion, and nearly $570 million for enhanced safety and security measures at schools. Education funding will also see a boost with a 2.75% increase per student, and state workers will receive a 3% pay raise. DeSantis highlighted the budget’s focus on reserves, with $17 billion set aside, and a $500 million allocation to reduce state debt.
DeSantis commits $1.25B to boost teacher salaries
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a historic $1.25 billion increase in the state budget exclusively for teacher salaries during a news conference in Hialeah on Monday. This boost, part of a larger $4.6 billion increase since 2020, aims to raise the average minimum teacher salary to over $48,000. While highlighting the importance of competitive pay, DeSantis stated teachers in high-cost living areas will start at a higher salary. However, Florida Education Association (FEA) President Andrew Spar criticized the increase as insufficient, noting Florida ranks low in national teacher pay and per-pupil funding. FEA has called for an increase in spending by $2.5 billion dollars annually for the next seven years. The additional budget increase aims to boost recruitment and retention for Florida’s teachers as the state faces an ongoing shortage, with approximately 4,000 teachers needed.
Orlando sees significant drop in tourist tax revenue
Tourism-dependent Central Florida experienced an unexpected 10% decline in hotel tax collections in April, marking the sharpest drop since early 2021. Despite a record-setting $40 million generated in March, April saw a significant decrease to $30.3 million, down $3.3 million or 9.9% from April 2023. Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond attributed this dip to the timing of spring break and Easter vacations, as Easter fell in April last year but in March this year. However, he also highlighted a 2.4% decline in March and April's combined collections compared to the previous year. The 6% tourist development tax (TDT) collected on hotel and short-term rental stays fund various local projects such as Visit Orlando's marketing, Orange County Convention Center expansion, and Camping World Stadium renovations. There has been a push by some local officials to redirect TDT collections to support public transportation and affordable housing initiatives due to increased community demand. Year-to-date, TDT has generated $224.6 million, a 1.4% decrease from the same period last year. Tourism officials hope new theme park attractions, including Disney World's Tiana's Bayou Adventure, Universal Orlando's DreamWorks Land, and SeaWorld's new Penguin Trek roller coaster will bring visitors to the area.
Pinellas County Sheriff cracks down on fleeing drivers with vehicle seizure policy
Starting June 11, Pinellas County deputies will begin seizing and selling vehicles used by drivers who flee from law enforcement. Sheriff Bob Gualtieri announced the new policy in response to the daily occurrences of drivers evading traffic stops, often with dangerous consequences. "I'm sick of it. I'm tired of it," said Gualtieri. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office avoids most high-speed chases as federal data links them to hundreds of deaths each year and apparently, offenders have learned this. Under the new policy, any vehicle involved in bailing from a traffic stop will be seized and sold when found and if the driver is convicted of fleeing and eluding law enforcement. Vehicles can also be seized regardless of ownership, with written notices provided to owners whose vehicles were involved in a fleeing incident, and subsequent offenses leading to the vehicle seizure. Even rental companies won't be exempt – repeat offenders who elude law enforcement in rented vehicles will result in those cars being seized. Proceeds from the sale of seized vehicles will be donated to charities and other causes. The policy aims to keep communities safer by deterring dangerous chases from occurring amid an uptick in such crimes. Gualtieri emphasized, “If you own a car and value it, don’t run from the cops.”
April tax revenue beats expectations by $400M
Florida witnessed a surge in tax revenue during April, amounting to a staggering $411.4 million above estimates. The growth is mainly driven by a rise in corporate income taxes, reflecting a total of $1.32 billion collected – about $330 million above estimates. Net collections in April amounted to $5.53 billion from economic activity in March, with sales taxes contributing nearly $3.4 billion. Overall, Florida's net revenues have almost touched $39.15 billion so far in 2024, surpassing estimates by $879.3 million and exceeding last year's revenues by $736 million during the same period.
Florida schools to implement mandatory door locking during learning hours
Starting July 1, Florida schools must lock all doors during learning hours, a new safety measure signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. All doors, hallways, and gates on campus are required to be locked during learning hours to enhance safety while allowing for mobility and accessibility. School districts must develop individual strategies, such as key cards or programmable hall passes, which may prove costly and complex. School officials praise the step towards safer campuses, but acknowledge the logistical challenges it brings. The law, a response to the 2018 Parkland shooting, aims to implement lessons from past tragedies and will be tested when students return this fall.
DeSantis signs bill restricting HOAs, increasing transparency
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 1203, the Homeowners' Association bill, last week, introducing a Homeowner's Bill of Rights that limits oppressive rules and fines imposed by HOAs. Taking effect on July 1, the legislation aims to create a more manageable living environment for residents under HOAs while ensuring transparency and accountability. The new law mandates HOAs to maintain official records for at least seven years and requires those with over 100 parcels to post their rules, covenants, budgets, and related documents online. Additionally, HOAs must provide notice and agendas for scheduled meetings in advance and make official records available to parcel owners upon request. HOAs with more than 1,000 parcels must prepare audited financial statements, and directors must complete education on financial literacy, transparency, recordkeeping, levying fines, and meeting requirements. The legislation also criminalizes the solicitation or acceptance of kickbacks by HOA officers, directors, or managers.
Central Florida counties implement burn ban amid wildfire concerns
Volusia County became the latest Central Florida county to enact a burn ban due to persistent dry conditions and elevated wildfire risks. Effective last Thursday, the ban prohibits all open fires, including bonfires, campfires, and yard debris burning. This action follows nearly 20 fires in Volusia County since January. The ban allows the use of above-ground charcoal, gas, and electric grills, but residents are urged to exercise caution and avoid cooking near wooded areas. The burn ban remains in effect until conditions improve and aims to prevent wildfires until the rainy season reduces the risk. Violations can result in penalties, with fines of up to $500 or even jail time. Other counties with similar bans include Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Polk, and Seminole.
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