Ron DeSantis

Governor of Florida

Republican

State

Since January 2019

⚡ Not Up This Cycle

🔵 Unverified

Promise Score

85%

13 kept · 3 partial · 1 broken

Voting Attendance

Pending

Not yet entered

✅

The Bottom Line

Strong Record — 85% Promise Score

85%

Out of 17 scored promises, Ron DeSantis has 13 promises kept, 3 partial, 1 broken. The documented record shows a strong pattern of following through on public commitments.

13 Kept 3 Partial 1 Broken

✓

Toll Road Relief for Commuters

Infrastructure

✓ Kept

The Promise

"We're going to provide toll relief for the commuters of the state of Florida who are spending a lot of money going back and forth to work."

Gov. Record Governor Ron DeSantis Press Conference · Flgov.com · 2022

The Record

In 2023, DeSantis signed SB 6A, which created the SunPass Savings Program providing a 50% discount on tolls for frequent commuters using Florida's toll roads. The program, administered by the Florida Turnpike Enterprise, took effect in 2024 and applies to drivers who use toll facilities at least 35 times per month. The program was funded with approximately $500 million and has been extended through continued legislative appropriations.

Gov. Record Florida Senate Bill 6A · Florida Legislature · 2023; Tampa Bay Times · 2024

✓

Ban on Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)

Economy & Taxes

✓ Kept

The Promise

"I'm going to make sure that we in Florida protect people from the surveillance state that a central bank digital currency would bring. We will fight for the people's right to use cash and we will ban CBDC in Florida."

Gov. Record Governor DeSantis Press Conference, Naples, FL · Flgov.com · March 2023

The Record

DeSantis signed SB 7054 into law on May 12, 2023, which amended Florida's Uniform Commercial Code to expressly exclude a federally issued central bank digital currency from the definition of money under Florida law. The legislation also prohibited Florida's participation in any federal CBDC pilot programs and barred the state from accepting CBDC as a form of payment. Florida became one of the first states to enact such a prohibition.

Gov. Record Florida Senate Bill 7054 · Florida Legislature · 2023; CBS News · May 2023

✓

Permitless Concealed Carry

Public Safety

✓ Kept

The Promise

"We will sign constitutional carry into law in the state of Florida. We are going to get it done this legislative session."

Gov. Record Governor DeSantis Remarks at Press Event · NBC News · January 2023

The Record

DeSantis signed HB 543 on April 3, 2023, enacting permitless concealed carry in Florida effective July 1, 2023. The law allows any person who is legally eligible to own a firearm to carry a concealed weapon without obtaining a state-issued permit. However, the law did not include open carry provisions that some gun rights advocates had pushed for, and the existing concealed weapons permit system was retained as an optional program for reciprocity with other states.

News Source Florida HB 543 · Florida Legislature · 2023; Associated Press · April 2023

✓

Combating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in State Investments

Government Reform

✓ Kept

The Promise

"We are going to make sure that the state of Florida is protecting our people from the ESG movement. We will ensure that taxpayer dollars and state pension funds are being invested based on the highest rate of return, not woke ideology."

Gov. Record Governor DeSantis Press Conference, Tampa · Fox Business · August 2022

The Record

DeSantis signed HB 3 on May 2, 2023, which prohibited state and local government entities, including the State Board of Administration managing Florida's pension fund, from considering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in investment decisions. The law requires that all investment decisions be based solely on pecuniary factors—maximizing risk-adjusted returns. Additionally, in August 2022, DeSantis had already directed the SBA to begin divesting from BlackRock funds and to eliminate ESG considerations from state pension investments before the law formalized the mandate.

Gov. Record Florida HB 3 · Florida Legislature · 2023; Reuters · May 2023; Governor's Executive Directive · August 2022

✓

Expansion of Veterans' Benefits and Services

Other

✓ Kept

The Promise

"We're going to make Florida the most veteran-friendly state in the nation. We will eliminate licensing barriers for our veterans and military spouses and invest in services to take care of those who served."

Campaign DeSantis Campaign Rally, Jacksonville · Military Times · 2018

The Record

DeSantis signed multiple pieces of legislation to expand veterans' benefits. In 2019, he signed SB 7024 which waived initial licensing fees for veterans and military spouses in numerous professions and expedited license reciprocity. In 2023, he signed HB 1379 further expanding fee waivers and streamlining credential recognition for separating service members. He also increased funding for Florida's veteran nursing homes and supported a $100 million allocation in the 2023-2024 budget for veteran services. However, some veterans' organizations noted that access to mental health services remained uneven across the state.

News Source Florida SB 7024 · 2019; Florida HB 1379 · 2023; Military Times · 2023; Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs · 2023

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Address Florida's Housing Affordability Crisis

Housing

◐ Partial

The Promise

"We are going to make sure that Floridians can live where they work. Florida families deserve to be able to afford to live in the communities they serve."

News Source Live Local Act signing ceremony · Naples · March 29 2023

The Record

Signed the Live Local Act in March 2023 investing $711 million in housing programs — the highest investment in 15 years. Signed SB 328 in May 2024 reinforcing the Act for a second iteration. In March 2026 the Florida Legislature passed HB 1389 — the fourth consecutive annual update to the Live Local Act — expanding eligible land to include school districts, religious institutions, and government-owned properties. As of March 2026 the Live Local Act has generated 55,000 units and 182 projects proposed statewide with 6,316 units under construction across 14 projects. However housing affordability remains a top crisis concern for Floridians. The 2026 legislative session ended without passing a property tax reform measure DeSantis championed. Property insurance premiums average approximately $3,800 annually — among the highest in the nation — continuing to squeeze homeowners and renters alike.

News Source Live Local Act signed March 29 2023 · SB 328 signed May 16 2024 · HB 1389 passed March 13 2026 · Florida Housing Coalition March 2026 data · Florida Realtors 2026 Legislative Final Report · WFLX February 2025

✗

Eliminate Florida Business Rent Tax

Economy & Taxes

✗ Broken

The Promise

"Florida is the only state in the country that taxes businesses on their rent payments. This tax hits small businesses especially hard. For us to be competitive, it is imperative that we phase out this tax."

Campaign Ron DeSantis 2018 campaign platform · floridafordesantis.com

The Record

DeSantis signed legislation in 2023 reducing the commercial rent tax from 5.5% to 4.5% — a partial reduction but not elimination. As of 2025 the tax remains in place. Florida still remains the only state in the nation that taxes commercial rent. Small business advocates continue to call for full elimination. The promise to fully phase out the tax has not been fulfilled after two full terms as Governor.

News Source PolitiFact DeSant-O-Meter · HB 7063 signed May 2023 · Florida Department of Revenue · National Federation of Independent Business Florida

✓

Fight Corporate Political Influence in Florida

Government Reform

✓ Kept

The Promise

"In Florida, we will not allow corporations to use their economic power to advance a political agenda."

News Source Press conference · April 2022

The Record

Signed legislation in April 2022 dissolving Disney's Reedy Creek Improvement District — a special self-governing district Disney had held since 1967 — after Disney publicly opposed the Parental Rights in Education Act. The district was replaced by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District with a DeSantis-appointed board. Disney filed a federal lawsuit alleging First Amendment retaliation. Legal battle ongoing through 2025.

News Source HB 9B signed April 2022 · Disney v. DeSantis federal lawsuit 2023 · Florida Legislature records · AP News April 2022

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Oppose Federal COVID Health Mandates

Healthcare

✓ Kept

The Promise

"Florida will not let the federal government lock down our state or force experimental vaccines on our people."

News Source Press conference · September 2021

The Record

Appointed Dr. Joseph Ladapo as Florida Surgeon General in September 2021 — a vocal COVID vaccine skeptic. Ladapo issued guidance recommending against COVID vaccines for healthy males under 40 — contradicting CDC recommendations. Florida became the only state to officially recommend against certain COVID vaccines. Signed legislation protecting employees from vaccine mandates.

Gov. Record Florida Department of Health guidance 2021-2022 · SB 2006 · Surgeon General appointment September 2021 · floridahealth.gov

✓

Historic Investment in Everglades Restoration

Environment

✓ Kept

The Promise

"We will protect Florida's natural environment and make historic investments in Everglades restoration for future generations."

Campaign Campaign platform · 2018

The Record

Signed the Clean Waterways Act in 2020. Allocated over $3.5 billion for Everglades restoration during his first term — the largest Everglades investment in Florida history. Signed legislation addressing harmful algae blooms in Lake Okeechobee. Created the Florida Wildlife Corridor to protect 18 million acres of connected natural lands.

News Source Clean Waterways Act signed June 2020 · DEP Annual Reports 2019-2023 · Florida Wildlife Corridor Act signed June 2021 · dep.state.fl.us

✓

Expand School Choice for All Florida Families

Education

✓ Kept

The Promise

"Every Florida family deserves the right to choose the best educational environment for their child regardless of their zip code or income."

News Source State of the State Address · 2023

The Record

Signed HB 1 in March 2023 — the largest expansion of school choice in Florida history — making every Florida K-12 student eligible for a state-funded education savings account regardless of income. Previously only low-income students qualified. The program expanded to over 300,000 students by 2024. Public school advocates argued it drained funding from traditional public schools.

Gov. Record HB 1 signed March 27 2023 · Florida Department of Education · flsenate.gov · Orlando Sentinel March 2023

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Ban Critical Race Theory in Schools and Workplaces

Education

◐ Partial

The Promise

"We will never allow Florida tax dollars to be used to teach our kids to hate our country or to hate each other."

News Source Press conference · Tallahassee · December 2021

The Record

Signed HB 7 — the Stop WOKE Act — in April 2022 prohibiting instruction on critical race theory in Florida schools and restricting diversity equity and inclusion training in workplaces. Federal courts blocked portions of the workplace provisions as unconstitutional in 2022. The education provisions remained in effect. DeSantis appealed federal rulings and continued defending the law through 2024.

Gov. Record HB 7 signed April 22, 2022 · 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling 2022 · Florida Department of Education · flsenate.gov

✓

State-Level Immigration Enforcement

Government Reform

✓ Kept

The Promise

"Florida will not be a sanctuary state. We will do everything in our power at the state level to enforce immigration law."

News Source Press conference · 2022

The Record

Signed SB 1718 in 2023 requiring Florida employers with 25 or more employees to use E-Verify to confirm worker eligibility. Allocated $12 million in state funds to transport migrants — including a controversial flight of Venezuelan migrants to Martha's Vineyard in September 2022. Signed legislation requiring hospitals to collect immigration status data.

News Source SB 1718 signed May 2023 · Florida Division of Emergency Management · AP News September 2022

✓

Law Enforcement Funding & Support

Public Safety

✓ Kept

The Promise

"I will always stand with law enforcement and make sure our officers have the resources and the respect they deserve."

Campaign Campaign speech · October 2018

The Record

Signed HB 3 in 2021 limiting local governments ability to defund police. Signed legislation increasing starting pay for law enforcement statewide. Allocated $1,000 bonuses for first responders using federal ARPA funds. Created the $5,000 signing bonus program to recruit out-of-state law enforcement officers to Florida.

News Source HB 3 signed April 2021 · FY2022 Florida Budget · Florida Department of Law Enforcement

◐

Property Insurance Reform

Economy & Taxes

◐ Partial

The Promise

"We're going to fix the property insurance crisis. Floridians are being crushed by rising premiums and that ends with real reform."

News Source State of the State Address · 2022

The Record

Signed two rounds of property insurance reform legislation — SB 2A in 2023 and SB 2D in 2022 — aimed at reducing litigation and stabilizing the market. Despite reforms, Florida homeowner premiums continued rising through 2023 and 2024. Multiple major insurers exited the Florida market. Citizens Insurance — the state insurer of last resort — grew to over 1.4 million policies by 2024.

News Source SB 2A signed December 2022 · SB 2D signed May 2022 · Florida Office of Insurance Regulation reports 2023-2024

✓

No COVID Lockdowns or Mandates

Healthcare

✓ Kept

The Promise

"Florida will never do lockdowns. We will never mandate masks on our kids. We are keeping Florida free and open for business."

Campaign Rally speech · September 2021

The Record

Signed SB 2006 prohibiting local governments from issuing COVID vaccine or mask mandates. Issued executive orders keeping businesses and schools open during pandemic surges. Signed EO 21-175 preventing vaccine passport requirements. Florida was one of the first states to fully reopen and never issued a statewide mask mandate.

Gov. Record SB 2006 signed May 2021 · EO 21-175 · Florida Legislature · flsenate.gov

✓

Parental Rights in Education

Education

✓ Kept

The Promise

"Parents should be in charge of their children's education, not government bureaucrats or corporate media interests."

News Source Press conference · Tallahassee · January 2021

The Record

Signed HB 1557 — the Parental Rights in Education Act — in March 2022, restricting classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K through 3. Signed HB 1467 expanding parental review of school library materials. Signed SB 7044 requiring schools to adopt objection procedures for instructional materials.

Gov. Record HB 1557 signed March 28 2022 · HB 1467 signed March 2022 · Florida Legislature official records · flsenate.gov

Promise Score Over Time

Month	Score	Entries	Change
May 2026	85%	17	—

Legislative record pending.

Ron DeSantis is the Governor of Florida, a Republican who assumed office on January 8, 2019, following his election victory in November 2018. Prior to serving as governor, he represented Florida's 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives for three terms beginning in 2013, and served as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in the U.S. Navy, including deployments to Iraq and Guantanamo Bay, and was honorably discharged at the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History with honors from Yale University in 2001, where he was captain of the varsity baseball team, and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School in 2005. DeSantis was inaugurated at age 40, making him the youngest person to assume the Florida governorship since Park Trammell in 1913 and the youngest Republican ever to hold the office. He was first elected in 2018 by a margin of 0.4 percentage points — the narrowest gubernatorial margin in Florida history — and re-elected in 2022 with 59.4% of the vote, the largest gubernatorial margin in Florida history.

Others from State Government

The Governor of Florida is the chief executive of state government, serving at the executive level of Florida's state government. The Governor's primary powers and responsibilities include signing or vetoing legislation passed by the Florida Legislature, proposing and executing the state budget, commanding the Florida National Guard, appointing state court judges and heads of state agencies, issuing executive orders, and declaring state emergencies, with a term limit of two consecutive four-year terms and an annual salary of $134,122.

Top Donors

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Top Donor Industries

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Office Phone

(850) 488-7146

Official Email

flgov.com/contact-governor

Office Address

PL-05 The Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399

ZIP Codes Served

ALL_FL_ZIPS