Florida House speaker: We passed a fiscally-responsible budget, and Miami-Dade benefits | Opinion
When it comes to spending taxpayer dollars, Florida has a responsibility to lead with discipline and vision. Over the past six years, our state budget has grown by more than 30%. If that trend continued unchecked, Florida would face a staggering $7 billion deficit within just three years.
That is not the future our citizens deserve.
This year, the Florida House took a stand for responsible budgeting. With Republican super-majorities in both chambers and a Republican governor, we had an opportunity to deliver historic relief to taxpayers.
The Florida House passed the first-ever reduction in our state sales tax rate — cutting taxes by $5 billion annually. Unfortunately, the Senate and the governor declined to support that once-in-a-generation tax cut.
Still, the final budget of $115.1 billion is a step in the right direction. It’s smaller than last year’s and smaller than the governor’s original proposal. It offers $2.9 billion to provide tax relief, increase state reserves and reduce state debt, while funding priorities that matter to families across our state.
For Miami-Dade, the investments are significant and far-reaching. From improving health care and expanding opportunities for our students to modernizing transportation and protecting the Everglades, this budget reflects our shared priorities.
Supporting seniors and veterans remains a cornerstone of our efforts. This budget boosts nursing home funding and provides millions to expand long-term care in high-demand areas. Veterans’ nursing homes, including those near Miami-Dade, will receive critical maintenance dollars to ensure these facilities remain a dignified places for those who served.
Education funding reached historic levels. Miami-Dade schools received a $154 million increase, translating into nearly $185 more per student. Early learning programs also saw a significant increase in funding. At Miami Dade College and Florida International University, major investments will expand STEM programs, improve medical training and build facilities that prepare students for high-demand careers.
Transportation and infrastructure remain top priorities. Nearly $650 million will support roads, bridges, rail and public transit across the county. The budget includes $100 million to jump-start development of the Kendall Parkway, a new expressway that will shorten daily commutes. Unfortunately, the governor vetoed several local transportation improvements we prioritized, like repairs to the Brickell Key Bridge and pedestrian safety upgrades in Little Havana.
In protecting our natural resources, more than $54 million will restore water flows in South Dade and the Everglades National Park, along with $20 million dedicated to improving the water quality of Biscayne Bay. At Zoo Miami, a new facility will care for rescued manatees — an important step in protecting Florida’s wildlife.
Children and adults with developmental disabilities also benefit from new investments to expand care and support services. Funding will help programs that provide crisis intervention, residential treatment and job training so individuals can gain independence and families can access the help they need. We prioritized initiatives like the Sunrise Community’s kitchen renovation designed to empower people with disabilities, but it was unfortunately vetoed by the governor.
We also worked to support innovative community programs and improve quality of life for vulnerable populations.
While we prioritized expanded legal services for victims of abuse and other initiatives to strengthen communities, those efforts were likewise vetoed.
At the same time, we recognized that every dollar spent is a dollar entrusted to us by the people we serve. That’s why the Florida House insisted on slowing the growth of recurring spending. We redirected a small portion of transportation revenue to the general fund to keep our budget balanced without cutting core services.
The result is a budget that prioritizes the people of Florida over politics. It’s proof that conservative principles — living within our means, protecting taxpayers and planning for the future — can produce results that strengthen our communities.
Our work isn’t over. In the years ahead, we must stay vigilant, continue to demand accountability and ensure that every tax dollar delivers real value. That’s how we’ll keep Florida ready for whatever comes next.
Daniel Perez, a Miami Republican, is speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. He was sworn in as House speaker in November 2024 for a two-year term.
