Florida Lawmakers Convene Special Session to Finalize State Budget

Florida lawmakers are set to convene a special legislative session from May 12 to May 29, 2026, to finalize the state’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget, according to a report from the Florida Bar News. This follows months of stalled negotiations over budget allocations, with both chambers aiming to address spending priorities ahead of the new fiscal year.

Budget Negotiations and Key Figures

The special session comes after lawmakers adjourned on March 13, 2026, without reaching a consensus on how to distribute funds across state programs. The House had previously approved a $113.6 billion budget focused on spending reductions, while the Senate proposed a $115 billion plan that maintained current funding levels. Both chambers have since agreed to revisit the issue during the special session.

Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez, both key figures in the negotiations, emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility. Albritton stated that the final budget would be “lower than Florida’s state budget for the current fiscal year,” aiming to “facilitate long-term financial stability” and “keep taxes low.” Perez highlighted that the budget would “reduce overall government spending while responsibly directing taxpayer dollars toward essential priorities.”

Judicial Branch Funding

While the majority of the budget debate centered on broader state expenditures, the judicial branch’s allocation also drew attention. The Senate proposed a $823.7 million budget for the judiciary, while the House approved $811 million. Both chambers agreed to fund an interim recommendation from a Supreme Court workgroup focused on judicial security. This includes a $1 million appropriation to hire two additional Supreme Court deputy marshals, tasked with monitoring threats against judges and court staff and coordinating with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Context and Implications

The special session underscores the ongoing challenges of balancing state spending with fiscal conservatism. Florida’s budget process has faced repeated delays in recent years, with negotiations often stalling over disagreements on funding priorities. The 2026-27 budget will be the second consecutive fiscal year where lawmakers have resorted to a special session to finalize their plans.

As the session begins, stakeholders across the state will be closely watching how lawmakers navigate these challenges, particularly in ensuring that essential services remain adequately funded while adhering to long-term financial goals.

The outcome of this session could set a precedent for future budget negotiations, reflecting the state’s approach to fiscal policy in an era of economic uncertainty and shifting priorities.