Florida House, Senate Begin Budget Talks as State Guard Funding Disputed
House proposes zero funding for DeSantis’ State Guard while Senate seeks $28 million as lawmakers begin crucial budget negotiations in special session.
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — State budget negotiations began Tuesday with the Florida House presenting spending proposals to the Senate across areas including tourism, economic development, healthcare, and education, as lawmakers work to reach a compromise by month’s end.
The House maintained its opposition to funding the Florida State Guard in its opening budget offer during the special session, while the Senate requested more than $28 million for the civilian force that Governor Ron DeSantis revived in 2022.
State Guard Funding Remains Contentious
The budget impasse centers partly on the State Guard, which DeSantis expanded as an emergency response unit under his direct control. The force has been deployed for both emergency response and immigration enforcement activities, including a 2024 deployment to the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas.
Republican Representative Jason Shoaf of Port St. Joe, vice chair of the Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development, indicated the House position could shift pending an ongoing investigation.
“We are watching for the results of the inspector general’s investigation,” Shoaf said, referencing allegations of financial abuse and sexual harassment within the guard. “Once we get that, we’ll be able to make the right decision on it. And at this point, it’s too early to guess or assume where we’re gonna end up on the funding of that project.”
Compromise Expected on Guard Budget
Republican Senator Ed Hooper of Clearwater, who chairs the committee, suggested a middle ground approach to the funding dispute.
“It won’t be $33.9 million, and it won’t be zero,” Hooper said.
The negotiations occur amid strained relations between DeSantis and House Speaker Daniel Perez, a Miami Republican who has worked to establish the lower chamber’s independence from the governor’s office.
Fifth Special Session Under New Leadership
This marks the fifth special session since Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton assumed legislative leadership, and the second focused on delayed budget negotiations.
The State Guard originated as a World War II-era militia before DeSantis revived it four years ago. The governor sought to expand the civilian volunteer force as an emergency response unit operating under his sole authority.
Lawmakers face pressure to complete budget negotiations by the end of May as the special session continues. The House’s initial offers on tourism, economic development, healthcare, and education funding will serve as starting points for further discussions with the Senate.
