TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Members of the Florida House Democratic Caucus criticized Republican leadership Friday, calling the 2026 session of the Florida Legislature a failure after lawmakers adjourned without completing the state budget.
Democratic leaders said the Legislature failed to address rising costs affecting Florida families and seniors, including housing, insurance, groceries and health care.
“Republicans fought among themselves and Floridians lost,” said House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa.
Democrats Criticize GOP Legislative Priorities
Driskell said Democrats repeatedly focused on affordability during the session and filed legislation aimed at lowering the cost of living. She argued Republican lawmakers instead prioritized controversial policy issues that did not directly address household expenses.
According to House Democrats, those issues included proposals related to firearm regulations, voting access, vaccine policy, local government authority over property taxes, and debates surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
“Republicans used affordability as an empty buzzword and ignored the problem,” Driskell said. “Florida is becoming too expensive for too many Floridians.”
Driskell also noted that Republicans control the governor’s office and both legislative chambers but were unable to finalize a budget before the session concluded.
House Democrats Highlight Affordability Bills
House Democrats pointed to several proposals they filed this session aimed at reducing costs for Floridians.
Among them were HB 319, designed to lower property insurance costs; HB 687, which sought to cut government waste and corrupt spending; and HB 675, intended to make homeownership more affordable.
Democrats argued those proposals would have provided financial relief to working families facing rising housing and insurance costs across the state.
Democrats Cite Bipartisan Legislation Passed
Despite disagreements over priorities, Democratic lawmakers said they successfully advocated for several measures that passed both chambers during the session.
Approved legislation included measures to enhance child protective investigations, expand a veterans dental care grant program, strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence, and create a uterine fibroid research database.
Other bills addressed human trafficking education for nurses, historic cemetery protections, drowning prevention, support services for people with developmental disabilities, expanded health care access, and improved treatment and education related to sickle cell disease.
Democrats Call for Focus on Affordability
House Democratic Leader-designate Christine Hunschofsky, D-Parkland, said Floridians expect lawmakers to address the state’s affordability crisis and complete their constitutional duty to pass a balanced budget.
“Floridians want, and deserve, a state government that works to make their lives better,” Hunschofsky said. “We were elected to pass a balanced budget and help Floridians with the affordability crisis. Unfortunately, we’re going home without accomplishing either.”
She added that Democrats plan to continue advocating for policies aimed at lowering costs and improving quality of life for Florida residents.
