After weeks of gridlock and uncertainty, Florida legislative leaders have reached a breakthrough in state budget talks, setting the stage to avoid a government shutdown just weeks before the deadline. Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Alachua) confirmed in a memo Friday that House and Senate leaders have reached a framework agreement on a new state budget, with formal negotiations scheduled to begin Tuesday, June 3. The announcement follows a month-long stalemate that extended the legislative session and raised fears of a potential shutdown. Key components of the budget deal According to Albritton’s memo, the agreement includes a $2.25 billion cut in state spending, aligning with fiscal goals set by Republican leadership. It also features the elimination of the business rent tax, a priority for Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has repeatedly called for its repeal. The plan also proposes $350 million in permanent sales tax breaks aimed at easing costs for Florida families. While the specific items that will be included haven’t been finalized, Senate leaders signaled that traditional tax holidays — such as back-to-school and disaster preparedness events — are likely to remain part of the deal. “We do [them] every year,” State Sen. Jim Boyd said. “Like the summer back-to-school tax breaks, the hurricane tax breaks—those types of things. I think it’s about $300 million.” DeSantis has previously emphasized the importance of these holidays, particularly heading into hurricane season. “Floridians are able to get in, get what they need and save money on those disaster preparedness holidays,” the governor said Monday. "We'd normally be in one right now. Timeline to final budget approval With the framework in place, lawmakers will convene budget conferences beginning Tuesday, working toward final passage of the spending plan. The full legislature is expected to vote on the final budget by June 16, leaving DeSantis weeks to sign the bill into law before the start of the new fiscal year on July 1. Failure to do so would trigger an unprecedented government shutdown in Florida, something state leaders now appear on track to avoid.