Six weeks after the regularly scheduled session ended, legislative leaders finished negotiating details of a spending plan Friday for the fiscal year that starts July 1.

Legislative leaders said Thursday evening they hope to finish a budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year on Friday so it can go before the House and Senate early next week.

Gov. Ron DeSantis touts Florida's higher education system. But, as a string of new presidents are selected, some worry about his influence in a process they say is too secretive.

When the legislature left after the 60-day regular session ended in May, they did so without passing the one, constitutionally mandated bill they have to pass each year: the state budget. The House and Senate are more than $4 billion apart in their spending plans.

People who abuse and abandon animals will face more penalties in Florida under a new law. They'll also be put on a public database.

The Images of Recovery survey will collect photodata about how three years of hurricanes have impacted Floridians.

Law enforcement will now need probable cause to stop and search boats on the water.

The Senate will have to vote to agree to extend it for it to happen.

As legislative leaders try to restart the budget process, DeSantis rejected a summit with House and Senate leaders proposed by Florida GOP Chairman Evan Power.

Lawmakers were expected to return to Tallahassee for more negotiations next week, But leaders in the House announced Friday they won’t be moving forward after Senate leaders expressed reservation about passing the House’s tax proposal