DeSantis Axes $590 Million in Budget Vetoes: Schools and Projects Hit Hard

Brevard County, Florida, United States - On July 3, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis made headlines by vetoing nine bills along with a staggering $590 million in line-item cuts from the state budget. His move, which has ignited considerable debate among lawmakers and the public, includes critical funding reductions across various sectors, from education to infrastructure.

Among the most notable vetoes are allocations such as $35.1 million for local government energy program grants and $14 million for a new hangar for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. In total, Florida TaxWatch flagged that DeSantis vetoed 65 of the 238 appropriations highlighted in their annual „Budget Turkeys“ report. Together, these cuts amount to $126.1 million in member project appropriations, including funding for water and wastewater improvements in Orange County and nearly $6.3 million for Ocklawaha river restoration, which also covered a bridge project.

The Budget Landscape

DeSantis had previously approved a more than $115 billion budget just before a potential government shutdown. While he claimed this budget actually exceeds $117 billion when factoring in long-term projects and other financial obligations, the vetoed line items have quickly drawn scrutiny. Notably, the largest share of vetoes, approximately $175 million, targeted local transportation projects and water quality improvements. Education initiatives took a significant hit as well, receiving the second-largest cuts.

Criticism has arisen from various corners, including Democrats who argue that the cuts leave essential services vulnerable. Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman, for instance, has expressed concern over the reductions in educational services and support for special needs. Meanwhile, Esteban Santis from the Florida Policy Institute labeled the budget a „budget of missed opportunities,“ especially in light of expected declines in federal funding.

Contrasting Views on Fiscal Responsibility

Despite the backlash, others like Dominic Calabro, CEO of Florida TaxWatch, consider the budget—vetoes included—as responsible. He argues that while the budget is not without flaws, DeSantis’s commitment to fiscal responsibility is evident. The budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 reflects a continued reduction in state spending for the second consecutive year, maintaining $15.7 billion in reserves, and tripling the Budget Stabilization Fund.

DeSantis emphasized that Florida’s „Rainy Day Funds“ have now reached a remarkable $4.9 billion since he took office, a symbol of fiscal prudence. His priorities in this budget include substantial investments in education, law enforcement, and infrastructure, with specific figures such as $15.9 billion for K-12 public education—the highest per-student investment ever at $9,130—alongside $1.4 billion dedicated to Everglades restoration projects and over $15 billion for transportation initiatives.

However, the cuts to critical areas like transportation and educational programs have reignited discussions about balance within the state budget. It remains to be seen whether legislators will come together to override DeSantis‘ vetoes, which require a two-thirds vote in both chambers to succeed. With the legislative session still young, the window for change is open, but so are the questions about the support needed for necessary reversals.

As we monitor these developments, one thing is clear: Governor DeSantis’s stringent budget cuts have set a tone that may impact Florida’s social, educational, and infrastructural fabric for years to come. Whether this will usher in a new era of fiscal greatness or missed opportunities depends largely on the voices and actions of Floridians in the days ahead.

For comprehensive coverage of this story, see the details laid out by Washington Examiner, WUSF, and Florida Governor’s Office.