Governor Ron DeSantis recently proposed the Fiscal 2023-2024 Framework for Freedom Budget, which includes a number of high-priority conservation items such as pythons eradication, manatee and sea turtle protections, support for seagrass restoration, and law enforcement.[0] In total, the budget is estimated to be $114.8 billion, a $3.9 billion increase from the current budget of $110.9 billion.[1]
The budget also recommends cutting taxes by $2 billion, including a $500 million Toll Relief Program that began in January this year.[1] Additionally, the Freedom Summer tax holiday, running from Memorial Day through September 4, is estimated to save Florida families more than $224 million.[1] This tax relief plan includes a one-year sales tax exemption on children’s items, a permanent sales tax exemption on baby and toddler necessities, and an expansion of the annual Back to School tax holiday.[2] This plan could enable the average family in Florida to save up to $1,000 annually.[2]
In addition, the Governor’s budget also includes savings for small businesses, with a proposal to double the savings for businesses and vendors who e-file taxes with the Department of Revenue from $30 to $60.[2] It is estimated that Florida businesses will save $141.4 million.[2]
Furthermore, Governor DeSantis has proposed a ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, including critical race theory, at Florida colleges.[3] In response to the draft legislation, Walt Disney World Resort president Jeff Vahle has stated that Disney remains committed to providing the highest quality experience for the millions of guests who visit each year.[4]
It is now up to the Florida House and Senate to make their final decisions during the Session that begins Tuesday, March 7th.[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. “Trust & Verify: Gov. Ron DeSantis takes steps to ban diversity, equity …” www.winknews.com, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.winknews.com/2023/02/02/trust-verify-gov-ron-desantis-takes-steps-to-ban-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-programs-at-florida-colleges/
4. “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/
