The Florida legislative process, primarily focused on passing an annual state budget, has seen its fair share of special sessions initiated by governors for various reasons. Recently, Governor Ron DeSantis's call for a special session on immigration between January 27 and 31 has faced resistance from key legislative figures. This move raises questions about the timing, preparation, and financial implications of such sessions. Over the past two decades, these extraordinary meetings have cost taxpayers millions, with significant variations in how legislators spend public funds.

Legislative Resistance to Special Sessions

The decision to convene special legislative sessions is not taken lightly, especially when it comes to matters like immigration. Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez have expressed reservations about Governor DeSantis's recent call for an emergency meeting. They argue that without detailed proposals or clear legislative language, initiating such a session is premature. Historically, similar calls have sometimes been dismissed outright, as evidenced by former Governor Charlie Crist’s unsuccessful attempt to convene a special session that was adjourned immediately by the House speaker. The legislature retains the ultimate authority to decide on the timing and content of any special session, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation and consensus.

Special sessions are intended to address urgent issues that cannot wait until the regular legislative calendar. However, the lack of concrete proposals can lead to inefficiencies and unnecessary expenses. In this case, the legislature's reluctance underscores the importance of having well-developed legislation before convening. This approach ensures that lawmakers can focus on productive discussions rather than preliminary planning. Moreover, it highlights the checks and balances within the legislative system, where both the executive and legislative branches must collaborate effectively to achieve meaningful outcomes.

Financial Implications of Special Sessions

The financial burden of special legislative sessions falls squarely on taxpayers, who foot the bill for each day lawmakers meet outside the regular schedule. Between 2000 and 2022, these sessions have accumulated costs totaling over $4.5 million, with an average daily expense of approximately $50,000. For instance, a five-day special session called by Governor DeSantis in 2021 cost nearly $131,000, underscoring the substantial financial impact of each meeting. The variation in spending among legislators also reveals disparities in travel and accommodation choices, reflecting different approaches to managing public funds.

To illustrate, Republican Senator Jason Brodeur opted for a more economical approach by driving to Tallahassee and claiming reimbursement for mileage and per diem expenses, totaling around $614. In contrast, Democratic Senator Lori Berman chose to fly from Palm Beach County, leading to higher expenditures on airfare, taxi services, hotel stays, and meals, amounting to almost $963. These differences highlight the flexibility in how legislators account for their expenses, but they also raise concerns about transparency and efficiency. Since 2000, former Governor Jeb Bush led with the highest number of special sessions at 13, while Rick Scott holds the record for the most expensive session, which lasted 20 days and cost over $650,000. As Governor DeSantis approaches his eighth special session, the financial implications remain a critical consideration for both lawmakers and the public.