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Gov. DeSantis touts tax breaks, pay raises for teachers, law enforcement as he signs Florida budget

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks before signing the state budget. (WJXT)

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed a budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, which will start July 1.

Standing behind a sign reading “Framework for Freedom Fiscal Year 2023-2024,” DeSantis highlighted items from the state budget before signing it.

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Among the elements of the budget that DeSantis touted were tax breaks for parents, including a permanent tax break on baby items, pay increases for state law enforcement, funding for workforce education programs, record raises for teachers,

Lawmakers passed a $117 billion spending plan last month. DeSantis has line-item veto power. To read the veto list, click here.

He used a budget-signing event in Fort Pierce to contrast Florida’s budget with financial conditions in other large states and the country.

“The state is in great shape. The state’s going in a great direction. You’re not going to see us have the type of problems that these other states have with fiscal insolvency, driving people away,” DeSantis said. “I mean our tax base is expanding, business investments (are) terrific. And of course, this budget is in fantastic shape.”

DeSantis signed more than $694 million for Everglades restoration projects, $796 million for targeted water quality improvements, more than $2.8 billion for Florida’s agricultural industry.

For more budget highlights, click here.


About the Author
Francine Frazier headshot

A Jacksonville native and proud University of North Florida alum, Francine Frazier has been with News4Jax since 2014 after spending nine years at The Florida Times-Union.

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