The Florida Democratic Party slammed Republicans for the state legislature not doing the one job required in the constitution.
In Florida, a balanced budget is the only bill constitutionally mandated to pass.
“Once again the Florida Republicans’ dysfunction is on full display as they have adjourned the legislature without doing their one, constitutionally mandated job – passing a budget,” said Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried. “Instead of doing their jobs and passing a budget or creating meaningful legislation to address the affordability crisis crushing Florida families, Republicans did more of the same – nothing for working people.”
The Republican-dominated Florida Legislature adjourned the 2026 legislative session sine die without passing a budget or any solutions to the state’s affordability crisis. In response, the Florida Democratic Party hit Republicans for failing and not working with them to find solutions.
“This is yet another missed opportunity to work with Democrats to create a Florida that works for us all,” FDP Chair Nikki Fried continued. “The Democratic Legislative Caucus presented an affordability agenda that would have lowered housing costs, reduced property insurance rates, given rebates to voters, and provided lower closing costs for first time homeowners.”
Democratic State Representative Anna Eskamani, who is running for Orlando Mayor, also said that “far too much of this legislative session was spent on political distractions” as she updated constituents that the legislature failed to pass a balanced budget.
“This year’s session came at a time when Floridians are facing a growing affordability crisis,” Rep. Anna Eskamani stated. “From rising housing costs and skyrocketing insurance premiums to the everyday cost of groceries and healthcare, families across our state are struggling to keep up. Unfortunately, far too much of this legislative session was spent on political distractions rather than meaningful solutions that would help Floridians make ends meet. Here’s just a sampling of bills that passed both chambers that we opposed, bills that we were able to stop from passing, and some positive bills that made it to the finish line (including one of our bills). Remember: we did not pass a balanced budget yet, so will be back in Tallahassee mid-April to continue this important work.”
Despite failing to do the one constitutional duty, Florida Republicans were pleased with the accomplishments of the legislature.
“It’s been a long road but we have finally arrived at the final week of our final regular session together,” Florida House of Representatives Speaker Daniel Perez said in prepared remarks before the session ended. “To date, 253 House bills have been passed out of this chamber. 149 Senate bills have been passed across the rotunda. 53 of those bills have passed both chambers.”
“With respect to the budget, as it is abundantly clear to all of you, we will not complete the 2026-2027 State Budget,” the Republican Speaker added. “Although we know that we will gather again after this week’s sine die, the ending of our final regular session together is still an important milestone that we should commemorate.”
Democrats said Florida Republicans are not focused on the right priorities and now a special session will cost taxpayers.
“Instead of focusing on solutions to real problems, Republicans created solutions to problems that don’t exist by chasing headlines and obsessing over the culture wars,” Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried added. “The legacy of the last 60 days will be laws that make voting harder for U.S. Citizens, reduced ability for state and local governments to support marginalized groups, and limitations to workers’ ability to organize and bargain. No one asked for any of this.
“When they return to Tallahassee on the taxpayers dime for special session, Republicans need to do their job and pass a budget that makes the lives of all Floridians better.”
Florida Democrats were able to pass some legislation despite the Republican control, including:
In Rare 116–0 Vote, Florida House Unanimously Passed Bill from Democrat
Republican Florida Legislature Unanimously Passed Democrat’s Bill
