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A record-setting budget in Florida and the odds of a special session

ORLANDO, Fla. — It took the Florida Legislature a few extra days to finish its work this year, but even before members hit the road to head home, many are already suggesting they’ll be back this summer for a special session to deal with the state’s imploding homeowner’s insurance industry.

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“The folks in the insurance industry tell me they are at a breaking point as well, so I do think the likelihood of a special session on that is extremely likely,” said Rep Evan Jenne (D - Hollywood), the House Minority Leader.

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Jenne’s comments echo those of Senate Republicans who have suggested in interviews that they may be called back to Tallahassee to help homeowners who are facing premium increases and canceled policies.

“It is going to be brutal for people out there, unless we get back here,” said Jenne.

For lawmakers, the session also ended without any changes to the laws governing condo inspections. In the wake of last summer’s Surfside condo collapse lawmakers pledged to address the patchwork of oversight rules and lack of financial resources for inspections and maintenance.

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However, the main bill to deal with these issues failed to pass in the final days.

As for the budget, which tips the scales at $112 billion (the largest in state history), there are many bipartisan priorities that did pass, including money for broadband, the Everglades, water quality, as well as tax breaks for diapers, school supplies, and tools.

The state even approved a 1-month gas tax holiday to take place in October when the state will suspend its $0.25 gas tax for 31 days.

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Schools will also get an increase in per-pupil funding of about 5% while teachers will see their average pay increased as part of an $800 million plan to boost teacher pay.

Teachers, as well as healthcare workers and first responders will be eligible for part of the state’s $100 million fund to help home purchases.

The money for down payment assistance comes out of the affordable housing trust fund, which comes in just over $300 million.

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