Former Senate Appropriations Chairs see long path ahead on budget negotiations

A panel of former Senate Appropriations Chairs suggested it may be some time before the Legislature produces a state budget. Moreover, that may be the new norm.

During Florida TaxWatch’s 2026 Florida Policy Forum, former Sen. Lisa Carlton said if anyone wants to predict the end of current negotiations, look to the start of the next fiscal year.

“There is a deadline for the budget, as we know,” the Sarasota Republican said. “The deadline is July 1.”

Former Sen. Denise Grimsley, a Zolfo Springs Republican, suggested the Legislature has some problem in having a surplus.

“It is much easier to pass the state budget when there is no money than when you have a surplus, because all those 160 members, they all open up their mouths to be fed,” she said.

Carlton said term limits have often made many lawmakers, most of whom serve eight years or less, impatient and unwilling to allow needs to be addressed carefully over years instead of seeking instant gratification each Session.

Florida Politics publisher Peter Schorsch participated in the panel and pressed lawmakers on that point. He noted that Gov. Ron DeSantis has frequently boasted of Florida’s low spending per capita.

“Is it meeting the needs of our citizens right now?” Schorsch asked.

Former Sen. Kelli Stargel, a Lakeland Republican, suggested lean spending in the state has empowered private and nonprofit sector partners to lead.

“How is giving a lot of money into the health care situation going to make it better? What has the money fixed? We’ve had these discussions when it comes to education. Just because you give it more money doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily going to be better. You’ve got to have a policy that goes along with that,” she said.

Ultimately, lawmakers suggested tension was good in the process, but it needs to remain civil or talks will become personal and untenable.

Stargel harkened back to advice from former House Speaker Dan Webster, now a U.S. Representative.

“He said don’t take it personal, don’t burn bridges and protect the process,” Stargel said. “I would say we broke up with those things in a lot of ways.