© 2025 All Rights reserved WUSF
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

How Floridians feel about the state budget and what it means for Tampa Bay

Ways To Subscribe
A picture of the Florida Old Capitol with the tower of the new Capitol rising in the background. Both are hit by the the sun.
Douglas Soule
/
WUSF
Lawmakers convened at the Capitoil complex in Tallahassee for the regular legislative session in March but didn't deliver a budget to the governor until June.

On "Florida Matters," WUSF reporters Meghan Bowman and Douglas Soule explain what Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed and what survived, as well as new laws you might want to know about.

Florida’s legislative session went way longer than planned as lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis argued over proposed tax cuts.

DeSantis eventually signed the budget — more than $115 billion — and a day later a slate of new laws took effect on July 1.

On "Florida Matters," state government reporters Meghan Bowman and Douglas Soule with WUSF's "Your Florida" team discuss what got vetoed, what survived and what it means for Tampa Bay.

DeSantis didn't get the property tax break he sought, but lawmakers still passed a package of tax cuts, including breaks on things like hurricane supplies and school supplies.

"Businesses were probably the big victor in terms of these tax cuts," Soule said.

ALSO READ: These new Florida laws are taking effect on July 1

"The biggest chunk of tax cuts went to eliminating the business rent tax. That actually generated some controversy with some voices saying they wanted to see more direct-to-family cuts. But those in charge said the tax savings would trickle down to families working for those businesses," he added.

Bowman said a lot of Floridians who talked to WUSF during the legislative session wanted to see less political division and more of a focus on solving problems — such as the high cost of homeowners insurance.

"Things are divisive, but for the most part, from people I hear from in the state of Florida, Floridians just want common sense," Bowman said.

You can listen to the episode in the media player above.

I am the host of WUSF’s weekly public affairs show Florida Matters, where I get to indulge my curiosity in people and explore the endlessly fascinating stories that connect this community.
As the executive producer of WUSF's Florida Matters, I aim to create a show and podcast that makes all Floridians feel seen and heard. That's also my assignment as a producer for The Florida Roundup. In any role, my goal is always to amplify the voices often overlooked.