TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis fired off a campaign-style State of the State speech on Tuesday, recounting his accomplishments and ongoing war to stamp out “wokeness” with an eye toward running for the White House.
He declared Florida “the No. 1 state in the nation,” listing its job growth, new business openings, record tourism numbers and low tax rate. He credited much of the growth to his decision to reopen the state and schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic, ignoring mainstream medical and federal government advice.
“We defied the experts, we bucked the elites, we ignored the chatter,” said DeSantis, who’s considering a run for president later this year. “We did it our way, and the result is Florida is the No. 1 destination for Americans looking for a better way of life.”
DeSantis outlined his oft-repeated accomplishments and goals, including preventing doctors from using children as “guinea pigs for medical experimentation” in providing gender-affirming care and surgery for transgender youths, fighting for parental rights in schools and protecting people against “biomedical state” mandates for masks and COVID-19 vaccinations, which he called “jabs for jobs.”
Opening the state when he did and casting doubts on the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine came with enormous spikes in COVID-19 cases and deaths.
And he promised to continue fighting for the rights of parents who want to make sure their children aren’t exposed to inappropriate material. He called out Orange County resident Alicia Farrant, who complained that there were pornographic books in her school and eventually got elected to the Orange County School Board as a Moms For Liberty candidate.
He reiterated the post-Hurricane Ian recovery efforts: repairing roads and bridges to Pine Island and Sanibel Island, rescuing thousands from their damaged homes, providing bridge loans to get businesses up and passing legislation to give tax breaks to homeowners who experienced extensive damage.
He backed Florida’s current abortion laws but didn’t commit to signing a bill that would further restrict abortions from 15 weeks to six weeks of pregnancy.
Eager to help advance his goals, House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, who preside over supermajorities in both chambers, were in agreement on the governor’s agenda on the first day of the 60-day regular session.
DeSantis also said he supported Passidomo’s affordable housing bill, which also would preempt local governments from imposing rent controls. He said he supported Renner’s agenda, which includes reining in environmental, societal and governance standards in banking and financial investments.
Renner also touched on familiar GOP priorities, including expanding school choice, tackling investment principles that conservatives think put activism ahead of profits and targeting diversity programs on college campuses.
Renner also targeted Enterprise Florida, the state’s public-private economic development arm that’s been promoting Florida as a business destination since 1996 through marketing campaigns and economic development partners.
“Enterprise Florida has overpromised and underdelivered for years and drains funds from higher priorities,” he said.
In 2022, EFI enabled 54 company relocations and expansions, with a projected 7,968 jobs and $1.28 billion in capital investment.
Renner vowed to “protect life” and pass pro-gun legislation, support further anti-immigration efforts, and stop the Chinese government from buying up Florida land.
DeSantis told reporters later he doesn’t want Florida to be among the states that don’t allow the open carry of guns.
“Now I’m going to sign what they do, so if they do a permitless bill and that gets to my desk, I’m not going to veto that because it didn’t necessarily include everything that I want,” he said.
Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book gave a different picture of the state.
“Florida’s economy is booming … but from the southernmost point to the Gulf shores, working people continue to struggle,” Book said. “When Floridians can’t earn a living wage to create their own version of the American Dream, it’s time to ask, why? When homeowners can’t afford property, health, and car insurance – with no relief in sight – it’s time to ask, why? When teachers and first responders can’t afford to live in the communities they serve, it’s time to ask, why?”
She criticized Republicans, members of a party that declares its support for limited government, for passing restrictions on people’s rights.
“Banning books?! That’s not freedom. Limiting protests against the government?! That’s not freedom. Claiming to be pro-business, yet attacking Florida businesses big and small. That’s not freedom,” Book said. “We must all pay attention to what’s happening over the next 60 days because, under the current state of affairs, things have already gone too far.”
But DeSantis promised more to come.
“Now is not the time to rest on our laurels. We have the opportunity to swing for the fences so we can ensure Florida remains No. 1,” DeSantis said. “... We will stand strong. We will hold the line. We won’t back down. And I promise you, you ain’t seen nothing yet.”
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