On Wednesday, Feb. 1, Governor Ron DeSantis released the proposed Fiscal 2023-2024 Framework for Freedom Budget, a $114.8 billion budget that includes realignment of priorities across state agencies, tax relief of $2 billion for Florida families, and high-priority conservation items to protect Florida’s natural resources.[0] The budget includes a “Freedom Summer” tax holiday, estimated to save Florida families more than $224 million, as well as a one-year sales tax exemption on children’s items like books and toys, a permanent sales tax exemption on baby and toddler necessities like clothing, cribs and strollers, and an expansion of the annual Back to School tax holiday.[1] This plan could allow a Florida family to save an average of $1,000 annually.[2]
Additionally, the Governor’s budget saves Florida Businesses $141.4 million – permanently increasing the amount of savings provided to businesses who e-file to the first $60 of the sales tax return.[1]
Gov. Ron DeSantis has also recently pushed for a ban on diversity, equity and inclusion programs, including critical race theory, at Florida colleges, as well as for a change to the state Constitution so that death penalties no longer require a unanimous jury.[3]
Finally, Disney has recently made their first public comments this year about the Reedy Creek Improvement District, saying, “We are monitoring the progression of the draft legislation, which is complex given the long history of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Disney works under a number of different models and jurisdictions around the world, and regardless of the outcome, we remain committed to providing the highest quality experience for the millions of guests who visit each year.”[4]
It is clear that Governor Ron DeSantis is committed to making changes to the state of Florida, and it is up to the Legislature to make their final decisions during the session that begins on Tuesday, March 7th.
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/
