Republican gubernatorial candidate Paul Renner has issued a sharp rebuke of state leadership as the Florida Legislature appeared poised to miss its deadline for the 2026-27 state budget.
Renner, the former House Speaker now seeking the executive office, accused the House and Senate of “an abdication of responsibility,” urging lawmakers to set aside political friction to address the state’s escalating cost-of-living crisis.
House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami) confirmed Monday that the 2026-27 spending plan would not be finalized by the scheduled conclusion of this week’s regular session. Perez stated the House would instead prioritize reconciling existing legislation through Friday.
“Despite wild rumors to the contrary, I intend for us to continue working until both the House and Senate agree that we have disposed of all pending matters,” Perez said, signaling a likely extension or special session to reach a fiscal agreement.
The delay mirrors the 2025-26 budget cycle, which saw a $117.4 billion package signed by Governor Ron DeSantis just 24 hours before the fiscal year began, following a 45-day stalemate over tax cuts and policy priorities.
Renner’s criticism centered on the lack of immediate relief for Florida residents facing a trifecta of rising costs: property taxes, insurance premiums, and utility rates.
Floridians have seen this movie before, and they’re tired of it,” Renner said in a statement. “The Florida House and Senate are once again locked in a budget standoff, putting politics and pride ahead of the people they were elected to serve.”
Renner called for specific legislative action, including:
• Property tax rollbacks to offset rising valuations.
• Insurance reforms aimed at reducing premiums for homeowners.
• Energy cost reductions to provide immediate financial breathing room for families.
While the Senate previously approved a spending plan with a unanimous vote, and the House passed its version 103-2, the two chambers remain divided on final reconciliation. Under Florida law, the legislature must pass a balanced budget before the new fiscal year begins on July 1.
The current impasse leaves several high-profile policy items in limbo as the clock runs out on the standard 60-day session.
