On Wednesday, February 1, Governor Ron DeSantis released the proposed Fiscal 2023-2024 Framework for Freedom Budget, a $114.8 billion budget that includes tax relief and other high-priority conservation items such as eradication of pythons and other nonnative fish and wildlife species, enhanced protections for manatees and sea turtles, and support for law enforcement.[0] The budget also includes a $500 million Toll Relief Program, which began on January 1, 2023.[1] This has been estimated to save Florida families more than $224 million.[2]
The proposed Framework for Freedom Budget also includes savings for small businesses.[2] By e-filing taxes with the Department of Revenue, businesses and vendors can enjoy a saving of up to $30.[2] The budget proposes to double this savings to $60, which is estimated to save Florida businesses $141.4 million.[1]
In addition, Governor DeSantis is pushing to change the law so that death penalties in his state no longer require a unanimous jury.[3] This comes as he is also angling to ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs, including critical race theory, at Florida colleges.[4]
Disney has also made public comments about the proposed Reedy Creek Improvement District legislation, which could potentially have a major impact on their business.[5] Disney has stated that they remain committed to providing the highest quality experience for the millions of guests who visit each year, regardless of the outcome.[5]
The Legislature will make their final decisions on the budget during the Session that begins Tuesday, March 7th.[1] It is ultimately up to the Legislature to determine the state budget for the year.[1]
0. “FWC: Governor Ron DeSantis’ Framework for Freedom Budget …” www.midfloridanewspapers.com, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.midfloridanewspapers.com/polk_news_sun/fwc-governor-ron-desantis-framework-for-freedom-budget-promotes-natural-resource-restoration-initiatives-and-supports/article_9a37a7f8-aed1-11ed-87eb-abdaed5e19d2.html
1. “”The Framework for Freedom,” Governor Ron DeSantis’ State …” gunster.com, 22 Feb. 2023, https://gunster.com/alerts/the-framework-for-freedom-governor-ron-desantis-state-budget-recommendation-for-the-2023-2024-fiscal-year/
2. “Gov. Ron DeSantis highlights plan to provide a historic $2 billion in …” www.chronicleonline.com, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.chronicleonline.com/weeklies/levy_county_citizen/local_news/gov-ron-desantis-highlights-plan-to-provide-a-historic-2-billion-in-tax-relief-for/article_31dd7ec5-4725-52a6-aa42-88bc504af8b8.html
3. “Florida’s DeSantis announces crime-fighting initiatives | Florida …” www.thecentersquare.com, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.thecentersquare.com/florida/floridas-desantis-announces-crime-fighting-initiatives/article_c96b4546-9dbc-11ed-bb2d-7ff961831785.html
4. “New College students, faculty protest Gov. DeSantis’ changes to …” www.abcactionnews.com, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-sarasota-manatee/new-college-of-florida-students-faculty-and-alumni-protests-gov-desantis-changes-to-campus
5. “Ron DeSantis would pick Disney World district board under new bill …” www.themeparktribune.com, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.themeparktribune.com/ron-desantis-would-pick-disney-world-district-board-under-new-bill/
