Leaders across Florida reacted to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposed budget after he unveiled it on Tuesday.

State Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis cheered his fellow Republican’s proposal.

“Since day one, we have worked to keep Florida families first and 2024 will be no different. Governor Ron DeSantis’ 2024 budget package includes vital measures to support Floridians, including $107 million to continue funding the successful My Safe Florida Home program, $409 million in exemptions on taxes and fees on homeowners insurance policies, and historic investments in economic development including $14.5 billion on Florida’s robust transportation network. The My Safe Florida Home program has been a huge success, helping thousands of Floridians harden their home against storms while saving on insurance costs. With additional tax cuts for policyholders, this is real relief from historic inflation and premium hikes. Washington should take note that in Florida, we live within our means, keep a balanced budget and support our hard-working families, our dedicated law enforcement heroes, job creators, and homeowners. I look forward to working with the governor and the Legislature this session to ‘Keep Florida Free’ and secure a bright future for the Sunshine State,” said Patronis.

Democrats, including Florida Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book, D-Davie, offered a far harsher assessment.

“The governor’s description of Florida as a dream is merely a delusion, with rising costs and no end in sight. We as elected leaders must continue to focus on solving problems and meeting the needs of the 22 million residents of Florida, instead of making partisan political comparisons to places like California or DC,” said Book. “While I have major concerns over many of the governor’s stated priorities like cutting state jobs, slashing arts and culture funding, and spending on unnecessary litigation, I also see signs of hope in this budget suggestion on issues such as the ongoing insurance crisis — prioritizing everyday people instead of caving to the insurance industry.

“When we work together and focus on what unites us, there is a great deal the Legislature can agree on in a bipartisan manner. When our legislative leaders craft the state budget this Session, we will make sure to keep focus on ensuring a successful, safe, and prosperous future for all Floridians,” Book added.

Policy experts and advocates across Florida also offered their take on the governor’s proposed budget.

“Governor DeSantis’ state budget recommendations prove that good fiscal stewardship is, and will remain, a top priority in Florida, and that the best interests of its taxpaying citizens, from small business owners, to growing families, to retirees, are his focus through and through. As the ‘eyes and ears’ of taxpayers for over four decades, Florida TaxWatch commends the governor for introducing such a fiscally conservative, yet robust proposal that provides a record $1.1 billion in tax relief and makes significant investments in infrastructure, education, and workforce development, while still increasing reserves and aggressively paying off state debt. We look forward to serving as a trusted resource for the legislature and staff, media, and other stakeholders as the governor’s plan is considered during the upcoming session,” said Dominic Calabro, the president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch.

“We want to thank Governor DeSantis for recognizing the challenges in our state’s nursing centers, which continue to be faced with the question of ‘who will care’ for Florida’s aging population as more and more seniors move to our great state each day,” said Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) Chief Executive Officer Emmett Reed. “The governor’s recommended increase is a good first step to help Florida’s nursing centers with building a pipeline of caregivers who will be there for our state’s seniors. As the Legislature continues their conversations around strengthening Florida’s healthcare workforce, we look forward to lawmakers recognizing the same need for investments. This will help strengthen the long term care workforce to ensure that Florida remains the gold standard of delivering high-quality care, both today and into the future.”

“Governor DeSantis has shown a steadfast commitment to prioritizing behavioral health services for Floridians, and his proposed budget continues to demonstrate this long-standing dedication,” said Florida Association of Managing Entities CEO Natalie Kelly. “Behavioral health services extend well beyond treatment and counseling to housing, transportation and employment assistance. By addressing individuals’ diverse needs, we can help support Floridians on their path to resiliency.”

“The Sadowski Coalition thanks Governor DeSantis for his consistent and strong support of affordable and attainable housing,” said Mark Hendrickson, the facilitator of the Sadowski Coalition and executive director of the Florida Association of Local Housing Finance Authorities

“Time and again, this governor has stood in support of housing, supporting both of Florida’s vital housing programs – the State Housing Initiatives Partnership program and the State Apartment Incentive Loan program.

“Governor DeSantis has delivered yet again for Floridians in his budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 by recommending full funding for Florida’s SHIP and SAIL programs,” continued Hendrickson. “We commend Governor DeSantis for his unwavering support of housing, and we look forward to working with the governor and the Legislature as the budget process continues.”

The Safety Net Hospital Alliance applauded DeSantis for proposing $116.8 million for maternity and neonatal care.

“The governor’s commitment to Florida’s families, and moms and babies is clear. His budget proposal to add $116.8 million for the expansion and protection of maternal care and NICUs will no doubt save lives and improve health care outcomes for the most vulnerable Floridians. Our member hospitals are proud to provide world class care to expectant mothers and newborn babies, some of whom have complex health care needs. This over $116 million in funding is a major investment to ensure Floridians never have to travel far to get the excellent care they need,” said Justin Senior, the CEO of Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida.