© 2024 All Rights reserved WUSF
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
LIVE BLOG: Updates on Hurricane Milton

Florida Lawmakers 'Cutting It Close' With Late Budget Delivery To Gov. Scott

After a contentious legislative session, Florida lawmakers in early May finally agreed on an $83 billion state budget.

But the massive spending plan hasn’t been sent to Gov. Rick Scott yet and that’s leading to a feeling of unease for many who stand to gain or lose. Scott has hinted for weeks that he could veto large swaths of a budget that skimps on his priorities.

Florida Times-Union Tallahassee Bureau Chief Tia Mitchell said public entities, including schools, are running out of time to plan for next year.

“The fiscal year begins July 1. So, we’re getting really close, and especially if there are vetoes and a need for a special session, at this point we’re cutting it real close because the governor doesn't have the bills on which to act or veto,” she said.

Mitchell said the governor’s long wait to receive the budget isn’t unprecedented  lawmakers took 28 days to send Scott a spending plan in 2012. But that was when the lawmaking session ended in March, giving more time to plan for the following year. There is no deadline for when he must receive the bill.

She also said if Scott receives the budget too late for a thorough examination, he could choose to veto it outright and sign an executive order to craft a replacement budget himself, but the Legislature could then convene a special session and override his veto with a two-thirds majority in each chamber. 

Copyright 2020 WJCT News 89.9. To see more, visit WJCT News 89.9.

Phone: (850) 487-3086 x368
Ryan Benk
Ryan Benk is originally from Miami, Florida and came to Tallahassee to attend Florida State University. He worked on Miami Dade College’s Arts and Literature Magazine- Miamibiance Magazine and has published poetry and a short film called “ The Writer.” He’s currently working as the Newsroom’s Researcher while finishing his Creative Writing Bachelor’s Degree at Florida State University. When he’s not tracking down news, Ryan likes watching films, writing fiction and poetry, and exploring Florida.
You Count on Us, We Count on You: Donate to WUSF to support free, accessible journalism for yourself and the community.