Florida Legislature Delays Special Budget Session

Lawmakers unable to agree on top-line budget numbers, postpone special session

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:42am

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A serene, photorealistic painting of the Florida state capitol building in Tallahassee, with the structure bathed in warm, golden sunlight and surrounded by deep shadows, evoking a sense of contemplation and uncertainty about the state's fiscal future.The delayed budget negotiations in Florida's capital city cast a pensive mood over the state's political landscape.Today in Miami

The Florida Legislature announced that there will be no special session next week to work on the state budget, as discussions between the House and Senate on key budget allocations have so far failed to result in an agreement. Legislative leaders cited the need for more time to reach a deal, with a special session now expected to be called by Governor DeSantis in late April.

Why it matters

The inability of the Florida Legislature to reach a budget agreement during the regular session and the subsequent delay in calling a special session highlights the ongoing political tensions and fiscal uncertainties facing the state. A timely budget is crucial to avoid a partial government shutdown, and the budget negotiations will likely be closely watched as they could impact key priorities like education, healthcare, and infrastructure funding.

The details

House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton both issued memos to their members stating that a special session originally eyed for mid-April will not be necessary next week. The lawmakers cited a lack of agreement on top-line budget numbers, which are needed to begin formal negotiations on the final spending plan. Governor Ron DeSantis has already called a special session for the week of April 20 to redraw congressional districts, and legislative leaders say they will share a schedule for that special session as soon as possible.

  • The regular legislative session ended on March 13 without a budget deal.
  • Mid-April was previously eyed as a likely time for lawmakers to return for a special session.
  • Governor DeSantis has called a special session for the week of April 20 to redraw congressional districts.

The players

Daniel Perez

Republican Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.

Ben Albritton

Republican President of the Florida Senate.

Ron DeSantis

Republican Governor of Florida.

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What they’re saying

“While I believe we are making great progress, it will not be necessary for you to return to Tallahassee before the special session called by Governor DeSantis. We will share a schedule for that special session as soon as possible.”

— Ben Albritton, Florida Senate President

“When we have an update on the timing of the budget, we will notify you.”

— Daniel Perez, Florida House Speaker

What’s next

Governor DeSantis is expected to call a special legislative session in late April to address the state budget, after lawmakers failed to reach an agreement during the regular session.

The takeaway

The delay in reaching a state budget agreement in Florida highlights the ongoing political and fiscal challenges facing the state. With a government shutdown looming if a budget is not passed by July 1, the upcoming special session will be closely watched for its impact on key priorities like education, healthcare, and infrastructure funding.