TALLAHASSEE (AP) – Florida won’t get enough federal stimulus money to avoid more budget cuts, the state Senate’s budget leader said Monday.

That’s because additional revenue shortfalls appear certain as Florida’s economy continues to sputter, Ways and Means Committee Chairman JD Alexander, R-Lake Wales, told his panel.

Lawmakers are in Tallahassee for a week of budget meetings to prepare for the regular legislative session that begins March 3.

Florida’s state and local governments stand to get up to $13.7 billion in federal stimulus money spread over three budget years, including the current one that runs through June 30.

This year’s budget, though, may drop into the red by more than $300 million, Alexander said. He also expects a $5 billion budget gap next year.

“No single solution will solve that level of deficit,” Alexander said. “There is little double that further budget reductions will be necessary.”

Lawmakers cut current-year spending by more than $1 billion as part of a $2.5 billion deficit-elimination package Gov. Charlie Crist signed into law after a special legislative session last month. The plan also tapped reserves, raided trust funds, shifted dollars around within the budget and raised traffic fines.