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Ron DeSantis
55.6%
#11 of 50

Ron DeSantis

Florida R | 2nd term (term-limited)
2019-01-08Took Office 7 yrs, 5 moIn Office 263Metrics Scored 919 / 1653Total Points

Section A: Governance

217/300
72%

Section B: State Outcomes

515/975
53%

Section C: Oath Fidelity

+187 (-378 to +378)

Section A — Governance 217/300

9 subsections evaluating executive performance: budget execution, legislative relations, appointments, emergency management, transparency, ethics, program management, federal relations, and constituent service.

On-time budget submission
Budgets submitted on time all 7 years. FY2024-25 $116.5B 'Focus on Florida's Future' signed June 2024. FY2025-26 $117.4B budget signed on schedule after $567M in line-item vetoes. FY2026-27 'Floridians First' proposed on time.
FL Governor's Office Budget; flgov.com
3
Budget accuracy — revenue forecast vs actual
Revenue Estimating Conference forecasts generally accurate. Strong revenue growth driven by 972 people/day in-migration (2024) and no state income tax. Some overforecasting in FY2025 as housing market cooled, but within acceptable variance.
FL Revenue Estimating Conference Reports; FL Legislature OPPAGA
2
Rainy day fund management
$17B total budgetary reserves: Budget Stabilization Fund tripled to $4.4B (hit legal max with $429M additional contribution), $7.8B unallocated general revenue surplus, $2.1B trust fund surplus, $2.2B reinsurance programs. Among largest reserve balances of any state.
FL Comptroller; Governor's Budget Documents
3
State credit rating trajectory
Florida maintains AAA credit rating from S&P, Moody's, and Fitch — highest possible. Rating held throughout entire 7-year tenure. Supported by 41% debt reduction, $17B reserves, and no income tax. Among only 13 states with triple-AAA from all three agencies.
S&P/Moody's/Fitch — Florida AAA
3
Pension funding ratio trajectory
FRS funding ratio improved from ~78% (2019) to 82.3% (2025 baseline), up from 70% in 2009. Unfunded liability decreased from $45.8B (2024) to $43.2B (2025). Above-average nationally but $43B+ gap remains. Not yet back to pre-recession full funding.
FL FRS Actuarial Reports; Equable Institute
2
Debt per capita trajectory
Retired $7.3B+ in state debt since 2019 — 41% reduction. Lowest per capita state debt in America. Early payoff of $400M in 2023. FY2025-26 budget includes $830M for accelerated debt repayment to reach ~50% total paydown. $250M/yr minimum repayment mandated in perpetuity.
FL Division of Bond Finance; Governor's Budget Documents; Bloomberg Feb 2025
3
CAFR/ACFR published on time
State ACFR published within statutory deadlines via FL Dept of Financial Services (myfloridacfo.com). FY2023 and FY2024 ACFRs completed and posted. Clean audit opinions maintained.
FL CFO/Comptroller ACFR Records; myfloridacfo.com
2
Audit findings — material weaknesses
No adverse audit opinions at state level. FL Auditor General operates independently. Occasional findings at agency level but no material weaknesses in statewide ACFR. Standard compliance with GASB standards.
FL Auditor General Reports; FL ACFR Audit Opinions
2
Federal grant fund accounting
Federal funds generally managed adequately. Some pandemic-era ARPA accounting concerns (Treasury investigated $600K+ used for Martha's Vineyard migrant flights from COVID relief interest). Standard Single Audit compliance on federal grants.
FL Single Audit; Federal Audit Clearinghouse; US Treasury ARPA Investigation
2
Anti-fraud controls
Anti-fraud controls improved post-pandemic. UI fraud was below national average despite CONNECT system issues. FL DEO implemented identity verification upgrades. CFO launched Florida DOGE (Feb 2025) to audit local government spending and eliminate waste.
DOL OIG Reports; FL DEO; FL DOGE Task Force Feb 2025
3
Tax revenue vs expenditure alignment
No state income tax — revenue from 6% sales tax and fees covers expenditures. FY2024-25 $116.5B budget was reduced from prior year. FY2025-26 rose to $117.4B. $17B reserves. $1.5B in cumulative tax relief (gas tax holidays, toll discounts, back-to-school exemptions). Year-over-year actual spending cut achieved.
FL Revenue Estimating Conference; FL Comptroller
3
Capital budget execution rate
Record $15.5B transportation infrastructure investment in FY2024-25. $1.8B invested in Resilient Florida program (320+ grants, 351 resilience projects for flood/storm surge hardening). Massive highway, bridge, and port expansion across state. Capital execution rate strong.
FL DOT; Governor's Capital Budget; Resilient Florida Grant Program
3
Vendor/contractor oversight
Standard procurement procedures. No major vendor scandals. CONNECT UI system (Deloitte-built under prior governor) was poorly overseen — tested for only 4,200 concurrent users, catastrophically failed during pandemic. Otherwise contractor oversight adequate.
FL DMS Procurement Division; CONNECT Inspector General Report
3
Federal funding maximization
Florida has NOT expanded Medicaid — 3rd largest state (23M+) without expansion, leaving ~800K adults in coverage gap. Estimated $4B-6B/yr in federal matching funds uncaptured. Rejected some federal education funds over DEI/CRT requirements. Captured massive FEMA disaster aid for hurricanes Ian/Milton.
KFF Medicaid Expansion Data; CMS FMAP; USASpending.gov — Florida
1
Program eligibility verification
Strong eligibility verification. SB 1718 (2023) mandates E-Verify for all employers with 25+ employees. State benefits programs require legal residency documentation. AHCA Medicaid managed care has standard compliance reviews. Hospitals must collect immigration status data under SB 1718.
FL DCF; FL AHCA Program Records; SB 1718 (2023)
3
Signature legislation enacted
Prolific but polarizing. Signed: HB 1557 Parental Rights in Education (Mar 2022), SB 1718 immigration enforcement (May 2023), HB 543 constitutional carry (Apr 2023), SB 300 6-week abortion ban (Apr 2023), HB 1 universal school choice (Mar 2023), HB 3 anti-ESG (May 2023), SB 2-A insurance tort reform (Dec 2022). Stop WOKE Act ruled unconstitutional by 11th Circuit.
FL Legislature Bill Tracking; Governor's Signing Records
2
Veto override rate
Zero vetoes overridden through 2024. R supermajority (85-35 House, 28-12 Senate) fully aligned. However, FL House launched review of $949.6M in FY2024-25 line-item vetoes in Feb 2025 — rare pushback from same-party legislature. Override attempts pending.
FL Legislature Journal; Governor's Veto Records; FL House Veto Review Feb 2025
3
Bipartisan bills signed
FL legislature R supermajority (85-35 House, 28-12 Senate). HB 1557 passed 22-17 Senate, 69-47 House — near party-line. SB 300 (abortion) 26-13 Senate, 70-40 House. Insurance reform SB 2-A had broader support but Ds opposed tort reform provisions (84-33 House). Almost zero bipartisan outreach on culture war bills.
FL Legislature Vote Records
1
Special sessions called
Called special session Dec 2022 for insurance reform (SB 2-A passed — eliminated one-way attorney fees, banned AOBs, $1B reinsurance). Called special session to pass congressional redistricting map after vetoing legislature's plan — map helped Rs go from 16 to 20 US House seats. Disney retaliation also via special session.
FL Legislature Special Session Records
2
Executive orders — legal challenges
Extensive legal losses. Stop WOKE Act (HB 7) permanently blocked by 11th Circuit as unconstitutional First Amendment violation (Mar 2024). Disney sued — settled Mar 2024 after years of costly litigation. Congressional redistricting map initially ruled unconstitutional by circuit judge (later upheld by DeSantis-appointed FL Supreme Court). Book ban policies challenged federally. Trans healthcare ban under challenge.
Disney v. DeSantis settlement; 11th Circuit WOKE Act ruling; Federal Court Records
1
Line-item veto usage
Aggressive line-item veto usage. FY2024-25: vetoed $949.6M (~700 items, 86% increase over prior year). FY2025-26: vetoed $567M. Higher education and local infrastructure projects bore brunt of vetoes. FL House pushed back with veto override proceedings (Feb 2025).
FL Constitution; Governor's Budget Actions; FL Legislature Veto Review
2
Regulatory burden change
Reduced business regulations (permitting, licensing), making FL consistently top-5 in business climate rankings. But massively increased social regulation: education content restrictions (HB 1069 book review mandates), DEI bans (SB 266 banned DEI offices at public universities), gender-affirming care bans, immigration employer mandates (E-Verify). Net regulatory burden mixed.
FL Administrative Code; HB 1069; SB 266
2
Budget negotiation success
Budgets pass on time every year. R supermajority (85-35 House) adopts governor's agenda. FY2025-26 final budget was only $10M above governor's original recommendations — near-total executive control of budget process. Legislature acts as rubber stamp on most priorities.
FL Legislature Session Records
3
Bill signing rate on popular legislation
Insurance reform SB 2-A (Dec 2022) widely needed but hasn't lowered premiums — Citizens grew from 420K to 1.3M+ policies. Universal school choice (HB 1) popular with parents. HB 1557 popular with R base (62% FL support in some polls) but divisive. 6-week abortion ban unpopular statewide — Amendment 4 won 57% but fell short of 60% threshold.
FL Legislature Records; FL Polling Data; FL Division of Elections
2
Legislative relationship
Dominated legislative sessions 2019-2024 with R supermajority. Among highest volume of signature legislation of any governor nationally. Relationship strained late 2024-2025 as House launched veto override proceedings ($949.6M vetoed) and some Rs pushed back on state parks development plan.
FL Legislature Records; FL House Veto Override Proceedings 2025
3
Voter-approved measures implementation
Effectively neutered voter-approved Amendment 4 (2018 felon voting rights, 64.5% support) by signing SB 7066 requiring full payment of fines/fees before restoration — called a 'modern poll tax' by opponents, upheld by 11th Circuit. Amendment 4 abortion (2024) won 57.01% but failed 60% supermajority threshold required by FL Constitution.
FL Division of Elections; 11th Circuit SB 7066; Jones v. DeSantis
1
Task force follow-through
Insurance reform SB 2-A implemented (tort reform, AOB ban) but premiums still rising — $14,140 avg (2024), highest in nation. Education reforms fully implemented (universal choice, curriculum standards). Resilient Florida ($1.8B, 351 projects) implemented effectively. State parks 'Great Outdoors Initiative' scrapped after outcry.
FL Governor's Policy Records; SB 2-A Implementation; Resilient Florida
2
Policy reversals under pressure
Major reversals: (1) 'Great Outdoors Initiative' to build golf courses, pickleball courts, and hotels in 9 state parks — reversed after 8 days of bipartisan backlash, then signed SB banning the development he proposed (May 2025). Blamed 'left-wing group' but PolitiFact confirmed plans were far advanced. (2) Disney feud settled Mar 2024 after years of litigation — Disney scrapped planned $17B investment and 2,000+ Orlando jobs during dispute.
State Parks Bill May 2025; Disney v. DeSantis Settlement Mar 2024; PolitiFact
1
Appointee criminal/ethics issues
No major criminal charges among appointees. However, suspended elected State Attorney Andrew Warren (Aug 2022) — a twice-elected Hillsborough County prosecutor — for signing pledge not to enforce abortion/trans healthcare bans. Warren's challenge ongoing in courts. Appointment of Surgeon General Ladapo drew controversy for anti-vaccine statements.
FL Commission on Ethics; Warren v. DeSantis; Court Records
3
Agency head vacancy rate
Agency head positions generally filled throughout tenure. Replaced New College of FL president Patricia Okker (fired 'without cause' Jan 2023) with political ally Richard Corcoran. Appointed 6 new trustees to New College including Christopher Rufo. Florida DOGE task force (Feb 2025) proposed eliminating 700+ state positions.
Governor's Office Appointment Records; New College Board Actions Jan 2023
2
State employee turnover
State employee turnover moderate overall but spiked at targeted institutions. New College of FL lost 40% of faculty by fall 2023 and 12.5% of students transferred after DeSantis board takeover. FL DOH experienced some turnover related to controversial Surgeon General positions. DOGE task force proposed cutting 900 total positions.
FL DMS Personnel Data; New College Faculty Data 2023
2
Diversity of appointments
Florida is highly diverse (27% Hispanic, 17% Black, 23.4M population). Judicial and board appointments skew heavily conservative/ideological. Eliminated majority-Black congressional district 5 via gerrymandered redistricting map. Signed SB 266 banning DEI offices at all 12 state universities. New College board appointments were ideological culture warriors (Rufo, Spalding).
Governor's Appointment Records; Census ACS FL Demographics; SB 266 (2023)
1
Judicial appointment quality
Appointed 3 FL Supreme Court justices in first week of office (Jan 2019) — shifted court decisively conservative. DeSantis-appointed court upheld his controversial congressional redistricting map that lower court ruled unconstitutional. All judicial appointments through Federalist Society-aligned nominating commissions. Generally qualified but ideologically selected.
FL Judicial Nominating Commissions; FL Supreme Court Redistricting Ruling 2024
2
State workforce pay competitiveness
Invested $4B+ in teacher pay since 2019, raising starting salary by ~$10K to ~$48K (2022-23). Proposed additional $1.25B increase. But FL teacher pay still ranks 48th-50th nationally when adjusted for cost of living. State employee pay moderate — housing/insurance costs erode real wages. Minimum wage rising to $15/hr via voter-approved Amendment 2.
FL DMS Compensation Data; FL DOE Teacher Salary Data; Amendment 2
2
Whistleblower protection
No formally documented systemic whistleblower retaliation. However, suspended elected State Attorney Andrew Warren for policy disagreement (Aug 2022). Former FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen resigned under pressure. DEP employees leaked state parks plans through FOIA because administration avoided public input. Chilling effect concerns from ideological enforcement culture.
FL Commission on Ethics; Warren Suspension; DEP State Parks Leak
3
Inspector General independence
FL Auditor General operates independently under legislative branch — not under governor's direct control. Inspector General reports published. CONNECT UI system IG report revealed system 'designed to fail' — only tested for 4,200 concurrent users. IG independence generally maintained but some concerns about ideological pressure on health-related agencies.
FL Auditor General; CONNECT IG Report; FL IG Reports
2
State employee morale
No systemwide morale crisis. But New College lost 40% of faculty in one year after board takeover. University DEI staff eliminated statewide under SB 266. Education agencies impacted by book review mandates (700+ books removed statewide 2023-24, one Clay County resident challenged 287 books alone). State parks staff morale impacted by 'Great Outdoors Initiative' controversy.
FL DMS Employee Data; New College Faculty Exodus; FL DOE Book Removal Data
2
Nepotism/cronyism
No documented nepotism violations. However, board and agency appointments skew heavily toward political allies. Richard Corcoran (former FL House Speaker and DeSantis ally) installed as New College interim president. Political loyalty appears to be primary appointment criterion for key positions, though this falls under cronyism rather than formal nepotism.
FL Commission on Ethics; Governor's Appointment Records
3
Senior staff criminal charges
No senior staff criminal charges. Former presidential campaign staff faced no charges. Key staff transitions during/after presidential campaign (dropped out Jan 21, 2024) but no legal issues. Surgeon General Ladapo's altered vaccine study data drew scrutiny but no criminal referral.
Court Records; Campaign Finance Records
3
Agency performance accountability
Performance accountability systems in place. Education accountability rigorous — FL school grading system, A-F ratings. NAEP results tracked closely (4th grade math ranked 3rd nationally). Created FL DOGE task force (Feb 2025) to audit all state agencies and local governments using AI. Proposed eliminating 70 boards/commissions that haven't met in years.
FL OPPAGA; Governor's Performance Reports; FL DOGE Task Force Feb 2025
2
Disaster declaration timeliness
Timely emergency declarations for 5 major hurricanes: Ian (Cat 4, Sep 2022, $112B damage, 149 deaths), Nicole (Nov 2022), Idalia (Cat 3, Aug 2023), Helene (Sep 2024), Milton (Cat 5 peak, Oct 2024, $34B+ damage, 42 deaths). Pre-landfall state of emergency declared for Ian on Sep 24 — 4 days before landfall. Also declared for Surfside condo collapse (Jun 2021, 98 deaths).
FL DEM Emergency Records; FEMA Declarations — Florida; NOAA NHC
3
FEMA assistance secured
Secured billions in FEMA aid: Ian ($112B total damage, massive federal disaster declaration), Idalia, Helene, Milton. Despite ideological conflicts with Biden administration, successfully obtained full FEMA major disaster declarations. Activated $50M Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan for Milton. Received $500K Florida Disaster Fund for muck-and-gut operations.
FEMA PA Records — Florida; FL Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan
3
Emergency reserve adequacy
$17B total reserves: $4.4B Budget Stabilization Fund (tripled during tenure, hit legal max), $7.8B unallocated general revenue, $2.2B reinsurance programs. Provides among strongest emergency financial cushion of any state. Citizens Property Insurance maintains $15B in reserves but warned it was 'not solvent' for a major Cat 5 direct hit.
FL DEM; FL Comptroller; Citizens Property Insurance
3
Lives lost — preventable from state failure
Hurricane Ian (Sep 2022): 149 direct deaths, 84 indirect — most in Lee County (Fort Myers area). Over 2,500 people rescued. Some criticism of evacuation timing in Lee County but that was local decision, not state-level failure. Milton (Oct 2024): 15 direct, 27 indirect deaths despite Cat 5 peak intensity — effective evacuation coordination. Surfside collapse (Jun 2021): 98 deaths — structural failure not state responsibility but response was adequate.
FL DEM After-Action Reports; FEMA; FL Medical Examiners Commission
3
Post-disaster recovery timeline
Hurricane Ian recovery still ongoing 3+ years later — 5,000+ homes destroyed, hundreds of thousands damaged in Fort Myers/Cape Coral area. Multiple major hurricanes in rapid succession (Ian 2022, Idalia 2023, Helene/Milton 2024) compounded recovery timelines. Signed condo safety legislation after Surfside requiring statewide recertification of buildings 3+ stories.
FEMA PA Records — Florida; FL Condo Safety Law 2022
2
Public health emergency response
COVID response deeply polarizing. FL among first states to reopen (Sep 2020). Per capita death rate rose from 26th to 10th nationally during Delta wave. 58% of FL's total COVID deaths occurred AFTER vaccines were available (vs 33% in NY). FL has 2nd highest share of seniors nationally — disproportionately vulnerable. Surgeon General Ladapo (appointed Sep 2021) advised against mRNA vaccines for under-65, contradicting CDC consensus.
CDC COVID Data Tracker — Florida; FL DOH; Frontiers in Public Health 2024
1
Infrastructure failure prevention
No Texas-style grid failures. Power restored relatively quickly after hurricanes given damage scale. Water systems maintained. Post-Surfside collapse (98 deaths, Jun 2021), signed mandatory condo recertification law for buildings 3+ stories — proactive infrastructure safety measure. $1.8B Resilient Florida program hardens coastal/flood infrastructure statewide.
FL DEM; FL PSC; Resilient Florida Program; Surfside Condo Safety Law
3
National Guard deployment
FL National Guard deployed appropriately for Hurricanes Ian, Idalia, Helene, Milton — search and rescue, evacuation support, distribution centers. Also deployed FL Guard to Texas-Mexico border for immigration enforcement (non-emergency use). 2,500+ rescues during Ian alone. Guard activation timely for all major disasters.
FL National Guard Records; Governor's Border Deployment Orders
3
Emergency communication
Emergency communications effective for hurricane season — DeSantis held frequent press conferences during Ian, Milton. Extensive evacuation coordination with 67 counties. Some criticism that Lee County evacuation orders for Ian came late (local, not state, decision). Milton evacuation communications praised — millions evacuated Tampa Bay area safely despite Cat 5 threat.
FL DEM Communications; Hurricane Ian/Milton After-Action Reports
2
Interagency coordination
Interagency hurricane coordination effective across FL DEM, FDOT, FHP, National Guard, FEMA, and 67 county emergency management offices. FDOT removed 2,280+ tons of debris at Surfside. Coordinated with FEMA on 5 major disaster declarations in 3 years. Political tensions with Biden administration did not impede federal coordination during emergencies.
FL DEM After-Action Reports; FEMA Coordination Records
2
Pandemic response metrics
FL COVID death rate rose from 26th to 10th nationally per capita during Delta wave. 60% higher per capita death rate than WI, 160% higher than CA when controlled for demographics. Reopened Sep 2020 — among earliest. Surgeon General Ladapo recommended against mRNA vaccines for under-65 (Oct 2022, Sep 2023) contradicting CDC. FL DOH reported nearly 900 COVID deaths in first half of 2025 alone while state lauded federal vaccine policy shifts.
CDC COVID Data Tracker; CDC Vaccination Data; FL DOH 2025; FactCheck.org
1
Disaster preparedness & emergency infrastructure
Excellent disaster preparedness. Resilient Florida program: $1.8B total invested, 320+ vulnerability assessments, 351 hardening projects for flood/storm surge. Initial $640M was largest state resilience investment in FL history (SB 1954, signed May 2021). Comprehensive statewide hurricane preparedness maintained. Rapid response to 5 major hurricanes in 3 years. $311M in 2025 for 37 communities.
FL DEM; Resilient Florida Grant Program
3
FOIA compliance rate
Sunshine Law compliance deteriorated. DEP state parks 'Great Outdoors Initiative' plans for 9 parks were hidden from public — leaked via FOIA because administration avoided public input (had planned meetings, documents, and formal plans despite DeSantis calling it 'half baked'). Presidential campaign period (2023-24) worsened record request responsiveness. First Amendment Foundation repeatedly criticized governor's office.
FL Sunshine Law; First Amendment Foundation Reports; PolitiFact Aug 2024
1
Governor schedule availability
Governor's travel and schedule not transparently disclosed during presidential campaign (May 2023-Jan 2024). Blurred lines between official state travel and campaign activity. Signed 6-week abortion ban in closed-door ceremony with select attendees only (Apr 2023). Signed constitutional carry (HB 543) in private event with only NRA and bill sponsors. Pattern of avoiding public signing ceremonies for controversial bills.
Governor's Office; Media Reports; NBC News
1
Campaign finance compliance
No formal campaign finance violations found. Presidential campaign and super PAC Never Back Down spent combined ~$160M ($53M campaign + ~$131M PAC). Super PAC handled most campaign operations (travel, staff, ads) in unusual outsourcing arrangement that drew FEC scrutiny but no formal violations charged. Campaign dropped out Jan 21, 2024 after 2nd place Iowa finish (21.2%).
FL Division of Elections; FEC Records; Campaign Finance Filings
3
Financial disclosure completeness
Financial disclosures filed as required under FL law. Annual Form 6 (full financial disclosure) submitted. Net worth modest for governor — no significant private wealth or business interests. Book deal ('The Courage to Be Free') income disclosed. No hidden conflicts identified.
FL Commission on Ethics Financial Disclosure
2
Open meetings compliance
State parks 'Great Outdoors Initiative' planning raised serious Sunshine Law concerns — DEP developed detailed plans for golf courses/hotels in 9 parks without required public notice. Plans leaked by employees via public records request. DeSantis claimed they were 'not ready for prime time' but PolitiFact confirmed formal meeting schedules and planning documents existed. No formal violation charges filed.
FL AG Sunshine Law Records; PolitiFact Aug 2024
2
Open data portal
Florida maintains data.florida.gov open data portal with state agency datasets. OPPAGA (Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability) publishes performance reports. Budget transparency tools available through FL Legislature website. However, DOH under Ladapo restricted some public health data release and altered a vaccine study before publication.
data.florida.gov; FL OPPAGA; FL DOH Data Controversy
2
Budget transparency
Budget documents published online via FL Legislature appropriations website and OPPAGA. FY2024-25 ($116.5B) and FY2025-26 ($117.4B) fully detailed. $949.6M in line-item vetoes (FY2024-25) publicly documented with county-level impact maps. Budget Stabilization Fund balance ($4.4B) publicly reported. Standard transparency for budget process.
FL OPPAGA; FL Legislature Budget Tools; FL Policy Institute
2
Lobbying disclosure enforcement
Standard lobbying disclosure requirements enforced through FL Commission on Ethics. Lobbyist registration and reporting maintained. No major lobbying disclosure scandals. Insurance industry lobbying heavily influenced SB 2-A tort reform provisions but through standard channels.
FL Commission on Ethics Lobbying Records
3
IG report publication
FL Auditor General and agency IG reports publicly available. CONNECT UI system IG report (Mar 2021) published revealing 'designed to fail' system tested for only 4,200 concurrent users. Auditor General remains legislatively independent. Reports published on schedule covering state agencies and local governments.
FL Auditor General; FL IG Reports; CONNECT IG Report Mar 2021
2
Legislative audit cooperation
Generally cooperative with legislative audits. OPPAGA and Auditor General access maintained. No documented obstruction of audit processes. However, DOH under Surgeon General Ladapo altered a vaccine study analysis before publication — drew criticism from scientific community but was not an audit obstruction per se.
FL Auditor General; OPPAGA; FactCheck.org Ladapo Analysis
2
Press conference accessibility
Governor's office restricts media access — certain outlets excluded from events and press conferences. Bill signings for controversial legislation held in private (6-week abortion ban signed behind closed doors with select guests, constitutional carry signed with NRA only). Preference for friendly media appearances on Fox News. First Amendment Foundation and FL Capitol Press Corps have documented pattern of access restrictions.
FL Capitol Press Corps Reports; First Amendment Foundation; NBC News
1
Contract transparency
Standard contract transparency through FL DMS procurement system. Major contracts publicly searchable. Vertol Systems ($1.56M) contract for Martha's Vineyard migrant flights drew scrutiny but was publicly documented. SB 2-A insurance reform $1B reinsurance subsidy contracts disclosed. No documented contract concealment.
FL DMS Procurement; Vertol Systems Contract Records
3
Court order compliance on transparency
Generally complied with court orders, though Disney litigation required settlement after years of legal battles. Complied with 11th Circuit ruling blocking Stop WOKE Act enforcement provisions. Congressional redistricting map initially ruled unconstitutional by circuit court but appealed and ultimately upheld by FL Supreme Court (DeSantis-appointed majority). No contempt findings.
Court Records; Disney Settlement Mar 2024; 11th Circuit Stop WOKE Ruling
2
Personal criminal charges
No criminal charges against DeSantis personally. Former Navy JAG officer (served at Guantanamo Bay and Iraq). Clean criminal record. No federal or state investigations targeting governor personally.
Court Records; Military Service Records
3
Ethics complaints substantiated
No formally substantiated ethics complaints through FL Commission on Ethics. Ethics complaints filed regarding Disney retaliation (using state power against corporation for political speech) but commission did not act. Use of state funds for Martha's Vineyard flights investigated by US Treasury but no ethics finding against governor personally.
FL Commission on Ethics Records; US Treasury ARPA Investigation
3
Gift/travel disclosure
Gift and travel disclosures filed per FL law. Presidential campaign (May 2023-Jan 2024) blurred official/campaign travel lines — campaign outsourced most operations to Never Back Down super PAC ($131M spent) which handled travel arrangements. Book tour for 'The Courage to Be Free' (Feb 2023) mixed promotion with official appearances. Some gift disclosure ambiguity during campaign period.
FL Commission on Ethics; FEC Filings; Campaign Finance Records
2
Conflict of interest
No documented financial conflicts of interest. DeSantis has no significant private business holdings. Book deal income ('The Courage to Be Free') was personal/campaign-related, not state business. Anti-ESG legislation (HB 3) applied to state pension but DeSantis has no personal financial stake in outcomes. Disney feud was political, not financial.
FL Commission on Ethics; Financial Disclosure Forms
3
State resources for politics
Used state platform extensively for presidential campaign (May 2023-Jan 2024, ~$160M total spent). Flew 50 migrants from San Antonio TX to Martha's Vineyard MA (Sep 2022) using $1.56M from $12M state appropriation sourced from ARPA COVID relief interest — migrants were not even in FL. US Treasury investigated use of federal funds. Super PAC Never Back Down spent $131M handling campaign functions. State-funded travel vs campaign travel lines blurred throughout campaign.
FL Comptroller; FEC Records; Martha's Vineyard Flight Records; US Treasury Investigation
1
Truthfulness in official statements
No official body finding of false statements. However, PolitiFact documented multiple misleading claims: called state parks plans 'half baked' when formal documents and meeting schedules existed; claimed FL hadn't 'banned a single book' while 700+ were removed under his law (HB 1069); overstated FL COVID metrics relative to other states. Claims within aggressive political norms but not always accurate.
Governor's Office Statements; PolitiFact FL Fact-Checks
2
Ethics infrastructure protection
FL Commission on Ethics continues to operate. Financial disclosure requirements maintained. Lobbying registration enforced. However, DeSantis has not strengthened ethics infrastructure — no new ethics reform legislation. Commission did not investigate Disney retaliation or Warren suspension despite public concern. Ethics infrastructure maintained but not enhanced.
FL Commission on Ethics; FL Legislature Ethics Records
2
Emoluments/self-dealing
No documented self-dealing or emoluments violations. DeSantis has no significant private business interests that intersect with state policy. Book deal income was personal. No properties benefiting from state actions. Disney feud was political retaliation, not financial enrichment. Clean record on financial self-dealing.
FL Commission on Ethics Financial Disclosures
3
Donor-to-contract pipeline
No documented systematic donor-to-contract pipeline. Insurance industry heavily supported R legislative campaigns and SB 2-A tort reform benefited insurers, but this is standard lobbying influence rather than direct quid pro quo. Campaign donors did not receive documented preferential treatment in state contracts. Clean on formal metrics.
FL Commission on Ethics; Campaign Finance Records; SB 2-A Lobbying
3
Foreign influence
No foreign influence concerns. DeSantis served as Navy JAG officer — security-cleared background. No FARA registrations connected to governor or staff. Anti-ESG legislation (HB 3) included restrictions on China-linked investments in state pension funds — actively anti-foreign influence stance on investment policy.
DOJ FARA Database; HB 3 China Investment Restrictions
3
Sexual harassment claims
No sexual harassment claims against DeSantis or senior staff. Clean record on workplace misconduct. No Me Too-era allegations. No settlements or NDAs related to harassment in governor's office.
FL DMS Records; Court Records
3
Records preservation
No documented records destruction. FL State Archives retention schedules followed. However, state parks 'Great Outdoors Initiative' documents were not proactively released — obtained only through employee FOIA requests. DOH vaccine study data altered before publication raised records integrity questions but was not destruction per se.
FL State Archives; DEP FOIA Records; FL DOH Vaccine Data Controversy
3
Revolving door
No major revolving door violations. Richard Corcoran (former FL House Speaker) moved to New College interim president — political appointment but not private sector revolving door. Standard post-employment restrictions observed. No documented cases of former staff receiving state contracts after departing.
FL Commission on Ethics Records; Post-Employment Restriction Compliance
3
Fraud losses
Pandemic UI fraud below national average despite CONNECT system failures. FL DEO estimated ~$300M in fraudulent pandemic UI claims — significant but below national proportional average. No major non-pandemic state program fraud identified. Anti-fraud controls upgraded post-pandemic with identity verification improvements.
FL Auditor General; DOL OIG; FL DEO Fraud Data
2
Program integrity — eligibility verification
Robust eligibility verification. E-Verify mandate for employers with 25+ employees (SB 1718, Jul 2023). SB 1718 also requires hospitals accepting Medicaid to collect immigration status data. AHCA managed care eligibility reviews standard. DCF benefits verification includes legal residency documentation. Strictest eligibility framework among large states.
FL AHCA; FL DCF Program Records; SB 1718 Provisions
3
IT system modernization
CONNECT UI system catastrophically failed during pandemic — built by Deloitte under Gov. Rick Scott (2013), tested for only 4,200 concurrent users. By Apr 2020, only 6% of applicants received benefits. DeSantis admitted system was 'designed to create pointless roadblocks.' 0.1% of phone calls answered at peak. System remains in use — not replaced despite years of acknowledged failure. FL DOGE task force (2025) focused on efficiency but CONNECT replacement still not prioritized.
FL DEO CONNECT Reports; IG Report Mar 2021; NPR Aug 2020
1
Permit processing timeliness
Business permitting efficient — FL consistently ranked top-5 nationally for business climate (CNBC, Tax Foundation). No state income tax, streamlined licensing. DBPR processing times reasonable. However, SB 1718 E-Verify mandate adds compliance burden for 25+ employee businesses. Insurance regulatory permitting for new carriers simplified under SB 2-A to attract market entrants.
FL DBPR; Permitting Records; Tax Foundation Business Climate Rankings
2
Child welfare system
DCF meets most federal CFSR standards but ongoing foster care challenges. FL has ~22,000 children in out-of-home care. Foster parent recruitment remains difficult given housing costs ($14,140/yr insurance premiums compound challenge). DCF leadership has been stable. No federal consent decree. Federal CFSR Round 4 results pending.
ACF CFSR Results — Florida; FL DCF Reports; Foster Care Data
2
Medicaid program management
Florida has NOT expanded Medicaid despite being 3rd most populous state (23.4M). ~800K-1M adults fall in coverage gap — earn too much for Medicaid, too little for ACA subsidies. Estimated $4B-6B/yr in uncaptured federal matching funds. AHCA managed care contracts operate within existing framework. Uninsured rate among highest nationally at ~12%. Surgeon General Ladapo's anti-vaccine positions compound public health access concerns.
CMS Medicaid Reviews — Florida; KFF Uninsured Data; Census ACS
1
Environmental program
DEP meets most EPA standards. Resilient Florida ($1.8B, 351 projects) is nationally significant climate resilience investment. Everglades restoration ongoing with $3.3B commitment (Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan). But red tide and water quality issues persist in SW FL. 'Great Outdoors Initiative' (golf/hotels in 9 state parks) was environmental misstep — reversed after backlash, signed bill banning such development (May 2025).
EPA State Program Evaluations — FL; FL DEP; Resilient Florida; State Parks Bill 2025
2
Transportation project delivery
Record $15.5B transportation investment in FY2024-25 — largest in FL history. FL DOT projects at scale: I-4 Beyond the Ultimate, Turnpike widening, port expansions. $450M toll relief program (50% discount for SunPass frequent commuters). FY2025-26 includes additional major FDOT allocations. Broadband expansion via BIL federal funds. FL infrastructure spending among highest per capita nationally.
FL DOT Project Status; Governor's Transportation Budget; BIL Allocations
3
Unemployment insurance system
CONNECT system catastrophe: built by Deloitte (2013 under Scott), tested for 4,200 users, crashed during pandemic. Only 6% of applicants received benefits by Apr 2020. $275/week max — among lowest nationally. DeSantis admitted system had 'pointless roadblocks' and was 'designed to fail' but has NOT replaced it after 6+ years. FL unemployment 4.3% (Dec 2025), slightly above national average. System 'designed' to minimize claims to lower corporate unemployment tax rates.
FL DEO CONNECT; BLS LAUS; IG Report Mar 2021; ITEP Analysis
1
Veterans services
FL has ~1.5M veterans — 3rd largest veteran population nationally. No state income tax benefits all veterans. FL DVA operates 7 state veterans' nursing homes. FY2025-26 budget includes dedicated veterans' services funding. Homestead tax exemption for disabled veterans. DeSantis (Navy veteran, JAG officer, Iraq deployment) has personal connection to veterans' issues.
FL DVA; VA State Grant Data; Census ACS Veteran Data
2
Housing program effectiveness
HOUSING AND INSURANCE CRISIS. Avg homeowners insurance $14,140 (2024), projected $15,460 (2025) — 148% above national average, HIGHEST in nation. Premiums doubled since DeSantis took office. 12+ insurers insolvent since 2017. Citizens (state insurer) grew from 420K to 1.3M+ policies — DeSantis warned it's 'not solvent' for major catastrophe. FL accounts for 8% of claims but 80% of all insurance lawsuits. SB 2-A tort reform (Dec 2022) eliminated one-way attorney fees but premiums still rising. $600M My Safe Florida Home program treats symptoms not root cause.
Insurify FL Insurance Data; BLS CPI; Census ACS Housing; Citizens Property Insurance
0
Corrections system
FL DOC stable — no DOJ investigation or federal consent decree. ~80,000 inmates in state prison system. Corrections officer recruitment and retention challenging statewide (low pay vs. high cost of living). No major prison riots or scandals during tenure. Standard challenges with recidivism and overcrowding in some facilities. Death penalty actively used — FL executes more inmates than most states.
FL DOC Reports; BJS NPS — Florida; DOC Annual Reports
2
Federal funding captured
Refused Medicaid expansion — estimated $4B-6B/yr in uncaptured federal matching funds for ~800K-1M adults in coverage gap. Rejected federal education funds over CRT/DEI requirements. BUT captured billions in FEMA disaster aid (5 major declarations in 3 years). Received $8.8B in ARPA COVID relief. Mixed — ideological rejections vs. practical disaster funding capture.
CMS FMAP; USASpending.gov — Florida; FEMA Disaster Records; ARPA Allocations
1
Federal corrective action plans
No major federal funding suspensions or corrective action plans. US Treasury investigated ARPA interest funds used for migrant flights ($600K+) but no federal funding was suspended. FEMA disaster aid flowing normally. Federal highway and BIL infrastructure funds being deployed. Standard Single Audit compliance maintained.
Federal Audit Clearinghouse — Florida; US Treasury ARPA Investigation
3
Interstate cooperation
Active in Southern/R governors' cooperation on immigration enforcement. Deployed FL National Guard to TX border. Led multistate opposition to Biden immigration policies (filed multiple federal lawsuits with TX, other R states). Left ERIC voter roll compact (Mar 2023) citing integrity concerns. Sent migrants to Martha's Vineyard (MA) — strained relations with D-governed states. Strong cooperation with R governors, confrontational with D states.
Interstate Compact Records; FL AG Multistate Litigation; ERIC Withdrawal
2
Local government relations
AMONG MOST AGGRESSIVE LOCAL PREEMPTION NATIONALLY. Preempted local mask mandates, vaccine requirements, gun regulations, rent control, and immigration policies. Dissolved Disney's Reedy Creek Improvement District (Apr 2022) as political retaliation for opposing HB 1557 — settled Mar 2024. Seized control of special district board. Disney scrapped $17B investment plan and 2,000+ Orlando jobs during feud. Suspended twice-elected State Attorney Warren (Aug 2022). FL League of Cities has documented unprecedented preemption of local authority.
FL Preemption Laws; Disney v. DeSantis Settlement; FL League of Cities; Warren Suspension
0
Federal litigation costs
Exceptionally high federal litigation costs. Stop WOKE Act permanently enjoined by 11th Circuit (First Amendment violation, Mar 2024). Disney lawsuit settled Mar 2024 after years of costly litigation. Congressional redistricting map litigated through 3 courts. Trans healthcare ban challenged. Book policies challenged. Martha's Vineyard migrant flights generated multiple lawsuits. FL AG among most active in filing multistate suits against Biden administration. Cumulative legal costs in tens of millions.
Federal Court Records; FL AG Litigation Budget; 11th Circuit Rulings
1
Constituent response
Governor's constituent services office maintains standard response operations for 23.4M-population state. Casework handled through traditional channels. Hurricane response communications were strong — DeSantis personally visible during Ian, Milton. But controlled media environment and limited town halls reduce direct constituent access compared to some peer governors.
Governor's Office Internal Records; FL Constituent Services
3
Town halls held
Very few traditional open town halls across 7-year tenure. Strong preference for controlled press conferences at favorable venues (Fox News appearances, friendly crowds). Presidential campaign period (May 2023-Jan 2024) further reduced in-state constituent engagement. Signed major bills in closed-door ceremonies. After campaign failure, returned to more public in-state events but still controlled format.
Governor's Office Schedule; Media Appearance Records
1
Constituent satisfaction
Approval rebounded from campaign-era lows: Morning Consult Jan 2025 showed 53% approve/42% disapprove (+11 net). FL Chamber poll (2025): 54% approve. But down sharply from peak 63% approve/25% disapprove (Q1 2020). Ranked 6th most unpopular governor by disapproval rate nationally despite net positive. Presidential campaign failure (Jan 2024) damaged standing significantly before partial recovery.
Morning Consult Governor Approval Tracker; FL Chamber Poll 2025; AIF Poll
1
ADA compliance
Standard ADA compliance across state facilities and programs. No DOJ ADA enforcement actions against FL state government during tenure. State websites and buildings meet accessibility requirements. No documented ADA complaints resulting in federal findings against the state.
DOJ ADA Reviews; FL DMS Accessibility Records
3
Electoral accountability
Won 2022 reelection with 59.4% vs Charlie Crist (19.4-point margin) — historic GOP victory in FL, flipped Miami-Dade County. Carried all but 5 counties. Term-limited for Jan 2027. But approval dropped sharply during failed $160M presidential campaign (dropped out Jan 2024 after 2nd-place Iowa, 21.2%). Recovery to 53-54% approve but well below 2022 mandate.
FL Division of Elections — 2022 General Election; Morning Consult 2025
2

Section B — State Outcomes 515/975

13 categories measuring real-world outcomes: economic performance, population trends, fiscal health, public safety, education, healthcare, infrastructure, cost of living, transparency, controversy, historical context, constituent satisfaction, and immigration compliance.

BEA: FL real GDP growth 3.6% (2024) — among highest nationally. Employment projected to grow from 10M to 10.9M by 2030. BLS: unemployment 4.3% (Dec 2025), slightly above national but up from 3.4% in 2024. No state income tax. Strong population-driven growth. 972 people/day moving to FL (2024). Diverse economy: tourism, finance, tech, healthcare.
Census: FL population 23,372,215 (2024), grew 2.0% — double national rate. Added 467,347 people in 2024, second only to Texas (562,941). 8.24% growth since 2020 — fastest-growing state over 4 years. Dramatic migration shift: net international migration 411,322 (largest of any state) but net domestic migration collapsed from 317,923 (2022) to just 63,346 (2024) — an 80% drop attributed to housing/insurance costs. Natural decrease: FL had 7,321 more deaths than births (3rd highest natural decrease nationally), driven by 2nd-oldest median age in US. FL Demographic Estimating Conference declined to update population forecasts (Feb 2025) due to 'emerging and evolving changes' to federal/state immigration policies. Population growth drives housing demand but cost-of-living crisis ($14,140/yr avg insurance) is slowing domestic in-migration.
AAA credit rating from all agencies. $17B in budgetary reserves. Paid down 36% of state debt. No state income tax. $116.5B budget (reduced from prior year). $1.5B in tax relief. Conservative fiscal management with massive reserves. Among strongest fiscal positions nationally.
FBI UCR 2024: Florida violent crime rate 267/100K — 25.6% below national average, ranked 31st. Property crime 1,420/100K, ranked 35th — 19.3% below national. Violent crime dropped 8.7% year-over-year. Composition: 73.8% aggravated assault, 14.3% robbery, 10.5% rape, 1.4% murder. Florida ranks #12 for overall safety (safest first). Property crime rose 6% in 2024 (driven by 80.6% larceny-theft). FL DOC manages ~80,000 inmates. Constitutional carry signed (HB 543, Apr 2023). $100M+ in law enforcement funding increases over tenure. DeSantis suspended Hillsborough SA Andrew Warren (Aug 2022) for enforcement stance disagreements. UPDATE (Apr 2026): DeSantis signed legislation allowing Florida to designate domestic and foreign terrorist organizations — a first-of-its-kind state-level national security tool.
NAEP 2024: 4th grade math RANKED 3rd nationally (excellent). 4th grade reading above national average. BUT: 8th grade math ranked 41st — score DECLINED significantly. 8th grade reading ranked 44th — below national average. No college tuition increase during entire tenure (positive). $28.4B K-12 funding. Stark split between strong 4th grade and weak 8th grade.
Florida has NOT expanded Medicaid — ~800K+ in coverage gap. Among highest uninsured rates nationally. Surgeon General Ladapo made controversial, anti-consensus public health statements. COVID death rate above national average for elderly. Insurance premiums highest in nation. Healthcare access poor for low-income Floridians.
Record $15.5B transportation investment. Major highway and bridge improvements. $450M toll relief (50% for frequent commuters). BIL federal funds being deployed. Broadband expansion advancing. Aggressive infrastructure spending.
INSURANCE CRISIS: homeowners insurance $14,140/year average (HIGHEST in nation), doubled since DeSantis took office. 12+ insurers became insolvent. Among top 5 highest housing costs. No income tax offsets some cost but housing and insurance costs devastating. BEA RPP rising rapidly. Housing affordability deteriorating fast despite no income tax.
Center for Public Integrity: Florida received C- grade (ranked 15th nationally) for transparency; 'access to information' scored D+ (67/100) citing lengthy delays, prohibitive costs, and 1,100+ statutory exemptions to FL Sunshine Law. MuckRock compliance rate dropped to 35% (Feb 2025). First Amendment Foundation director Bobby Block: 'There was a time when Florida set the gold standard for open government. Those days are over.' State parks 'Great Outdoors Initiative' plans for 9 parks hidden from public — leaked via employee FOIA. DEP had formal meeting schedules and planning documents despite DeSantis calling plans 'half baked' (PolitiFact confirmed). Press access restricted — certain outlets excluded; controversial bills signed in closed-door ceremonies (6-week abortion ban, constitutional carry). Presidential campaign period (May 2023-Jan 2024) worsened transparency. data.florida.gov portal maintained but DOH under Ladapo restricted public health data.
Disney feud — retaliated against corporation for political speech (Reedy Creek dissolution), settled in 2024 after years of costly litigation. Martha's Vineyard migrant flights ($12M state funds). Failed presidential campaign. State parks golf/pickleball fiasco — reversed after bipartisan backlash. Book bans/removal policies. CONNECT UI system 'designed to fail.' Homeowners insurance crisis. Surgeon General anti-vaccine statements. Immigration law partially enjoined. Amendment 4 (felon voting) implementation criticized.
Against FL's prior governors: fiscal management among strongest in state history — AAA credit maintained all 7 years, $17B reserves ($4.4B BSF tripled to legal max), $7.3B+ state debt retired (41% reduction), $250M/yr minimum repayment mandated in perpetuity. Record $15.5B transportation investment (FY2024-25). $1.8B Resilient Florida program (351 projects) — largest state resilience investment in FL history. 4th grade NAEP math ranked 3rd nationally. Won 2022 reelection 59.4% (19.4-pt margin, flipped Miami-Dade — historic R victory). BUT: homeowners insurance crisis — premiums doubled from $7K to $14,140/yr (highest nationally), 12+ insurers insolvent; failed $160M presidential campaign (dropped out Jan 2024); Disney feud cost $17B planned investment; Stop WOKE Act permanently enjoined by 11th Circuit (Mar 2024); state parks controversy reversed after 8 days; 8th grade NAEP declined to 41st-44th. Term-limited Jan 2027.
Won 2022 with 59.4% (historic margin). But approval has collapsed to 45-47% approve, 45-52% disapprove. Among highest disapproval ratings nationally. Failed presidential campaign damaged standing. Term-limited. Legacy contested between fiscal/economic supporters and culture war critics.
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Section C — Oath Fidelity +187 (-378 to +378)

126 items scored -3 to +3 measuring fidelity to constitutional oath. Grounded in Supreme Court precedent and constitutional text.

+3Exemplary +2Strong +1Adequate 0Neutral -1Concerning -2Failing -3Hostile

Protection of Life

Declaration of Independence; 5th/14th Amendments
Score: 36 Range: -93 to 93 Items: 31
Violent crime rate trend
FL violent crime rate declined ~25% under DeSantis (2019-2024). UCR data shows 384/100K (2019) down to ~300/100K (2024). Among largest declines of any major state.
FBI UCR/NIBRS; FDLE annual reports
+2
Homicide rate relative to national average
FL homicide rate ~5.5/100K (2023), slightly below national ~6.3. Improved from ~6.2 (2019). Large-state performance — 23M+ population makes this meaningful.
FBI UCR; CDC WONDER
+1
Homicide clearance rate
FL homicide clearance rate ~45-50%, near national average. Large urban areas (Miami-Dade, Jacksonville, Orlando) drag average. FDLE reports consistent with national norms.
FBI UCR Supplementary Homicide Reports; FDLE
0
Law enforcement staffing adequacy
FL law enforcement staffing near 2.3/1,000. Some agency vacancies in South Florida post-COVID but DeSantis signed $5,000 recruitment bonuses and out-of-state officer recruitment. Stable overall.
FBI LEOKA; BJS CSLLEA; FL legislature bonuses
+1
Drug overdose death rate trend
FL overdose deaths ~36/100K, slightly above national ~33. Fentanyl increasingly dominant. DeSantis signed multiple opioid response bills. Rate not declining despite investments.
CDC WONDER; NCHS; FL Medical Examiner reports
0
Emergency management preparedness
FL DEM is EMAP-accredited and a national model. Managed Hurricanes Ian (2022, Cat 4, $113B damage), Nicole (2022), Idalia (2023, Cat 3), Helene (2024), Milton (2024, Cat 3) — 5 major hurricanes. Rapid deployment, pre-positioning, and recovery.
FEMA SPR; FL DEM; EMAP accreditation
+3
Preventable mass-casualty event response
Hurricane Ian: rapid evacuation and federal coordination despite 150+ deaths (barrier island casualties). Milton: 1.6M evacuated, 24 deaths (vs. 150+ projections). Surfside condo collapse (2021) — state response rapid, led to mandatory building recertification law.
FEMA after-action; FL DEM; Surfside inquiry
+2
Infrastructure safety — bridge and road conditions
Record $15.5B transportation investment FY2024-25. Structurally deficient bridges ~3%. I-75/I-95/Turnpike major improvements. $1.8B Resilient Florida program (351 projects). Bridge and road conditions improving.
FHWA NBI; ASCE FL; FL DOT
+2
Water and dam safety compliance
FL water systems mostly compliant. Piney Point phosphate reservoir breach (2021) prompted reforms. Red tide and nutrient runoff ongoing concerns. Everglades restoration funded ($485M). Lake Okeechobee management improved.
EPA SDWIS; FL DEP; Piney Point response
+1
Healthcare access — uninsured rate
FL uninsured rate ~12-13%, among highest nationally. Has NOT expanded Medicaid — 3rd largest state without expansion, ~800K in coverage gap. Emergency Medicaid only for indigent. Rural health access poor.
Census ACS; KFF; CMS
-1
Maternal mortality rate
FL maternal mortality rate ~25-30/100K, near national average. Higher than some comparable large states. Race disparities significant. Some improvement in postpartum coverage extension (12 months).
CDC WONDER; NCHS; FL DOH
0
Infant mortality rate
FL infant mortality ~6.0/1,000 live births, near national average. Race disparities (Black IMR nearly double White). Healthy Start program operational. Average performance.
CDC WONDER; NCHS; FL DOH
0
Self-defense rights — Castle Doctrine / Stand Your Ground
FL has strong Castle Doctrine + Stand Your Ground + no duty to retreat + civil immunity (FL Stat. §776.012-776.032). Florida pioneered modern SYG law (2005). Full protections maintained.
FL Stat. §776.012-776.032; NRA-ILA
+3
Death penalty procedural safeguards
FL lowered death penalty jury threshold from unanimity to 8-4 (2023, SB 450) — among least protective nationally. Full appellate review maintained. Post-conviction DNA access exists. Clemency Board includes governor. Active executions resumed.
DPIC; SB 450 (2023); FL Stat. §921.141
+1
Suicide prevention program funding and outcomes
FL suicide rate ~14-15/100K, near national average. 988 integration completed. DCF-funded prevention programs. Baker Act reform signed (2024). Average outcomes.
CDC WISQARS; AFSP FL; FL DCF
+1
911/emergency response time adequacy
FL urban EMS generally meets NFPA standards. Statewide coverage adequate for population density. Some rural coverage gaps in North Florida Panhandle. Above-average overall.
NFPA; FL EMS registry
+1
Opioid/fentanyl interdiction and treatment funding
DeSantis signed opioid response legislation. PDMP operational. Interdiction on I-95/I-75 corridors ongoing. FL AG active in opioid settlement ($3.2B). Overdose deaths not declining significantly despite efforts.
SAMHSA; CDC WONDER; FL AG opioid settlement
+1
Veteran suicide and healthcare access
FL has 1.5M+ veterans (2nd most nationally). Strong state veteran services. 7 state veterans nursing homes. FL VALOR program. VA healthcare system extensive across state. DeSantis expanded veteran benefits and property tax exemptions.
VA SAIL; FL FDVA; HUD PIT count
+2
Food safety and foodborne illness enforcement
FL Dept of Agriculture food safety program meets federal standards. No major outbreaks linked to state inspection failures. Large food service sector (tourism) requires significant oversight — adequately managed.
FDA Conformance; FL DACS
+1
Workplace fatality rate
FL workplace fatality rate ~3.0-3.5/100K FTE, below national average. Construction sector (strong in FL) is primary risk area. OSHA state plan compliance adequate.
BLS CFOI; OSHA
+1
Domestic violence fatality rate and funding
FL DV fatality review board operational. State-funded DV shelters and programs. Marjory Stoneman Douglas Act included DV protections. DV services adequate for large-state population.
NNEDV; FL DCF; FL Coalition Against DV
+1
Correctional facility death rate and conditions
FL DOC houses ~80,000 inmates. In-custody death rate near national average. Staffing challenges at some facilities. Sentinel Events protocol for investigations. No active DOJ CRIPA investigation but conditions concerns persist.
BJS Mortality in Prisons; FL DOC
0
Pollution-related mortality and environmental health
FL meets most NAAQS. Everglades restoration funded. Blue-green algae and red tide remain seasonal challenges. Air quality generally good. DEP enforcement adequate. $485M Everglades investment is historically significant.
EPA Green Book; FL DEP; Everglades Foundation
+1
Pedestrian and traffic fatality rate
FL has among HIGHEST pedestrian fatality rates nationally. ~3,600 traffic deaths/yr. Fatality rate ~1.6-1.8/100M VMT. FL consistently ranks #1 or #2 for pedestrian deaths. Despite $15.5B infrastructure investment, road design remains car-centric.
NHTSA FARS; GHSA; FL DOT
-1
Sanctity of life legislative framework
DeSantis signed most comprehensive pro-life framework of any major state: SB 300 (6-week Heartbeat Act, 2023) + prior HB 5 (15-week, 2022) + clinic safety regulations + informed consent + state-funded pregnancy resource centers + adoption tax credits. FL Supreme Court upheld 6-1 (Apr 2024).
Guttmacher; SB 300; FL Supreme Court Planned Parenthood v. State
+3
Homeless mortality — exposure deaths, overdoses in encampments, violence
DeSantis signed HB 1365 banning public camping statewide before Grants Pass. Created designated camps with security and behavioral health services.
HB 1365 (2024)
+2
Population loss impact on services — EMS/hospital closures, tax base erosion
Florida added 467,347 new residents 2023-2024. However, domestic migration has slowed dramatically (from 310K to 22K).
Census Bureau population estimates
+1
Police staffing/funding — governor's direct actions on law enforcement
DeSantis signed anti-defund-the-police legislation. Created Office of Election Crimes and Security. Hired 50 new state officers for immigration enforcement.
Anti-defund legislation; SB 2-C
+2
Criminal recidivism from early release — parole/clemency, no-cash-bail
DeSantis has pursued tough-on-crime posture but vetoed bipartisan criminal justice reform bills. No major early release programs.
DeSantis criminal justice vetoes Summer 2024
+1
Prison/shelter housing — biological males in women's facilities
Florida maintains policy of housing inmates based on biological sex. Signed Fairness in Women's Sports Act (2021).
Fairness in Women's Sports Act (2021); FL DOC policies
+2
Mental health crisis system — involuntary commitment reform, crisis intervention
DeSantis signed SB 1620 and SB 168 providing more mental health and substance abuse treatment resources. HB 1365 requires behavioral health services.
SB 1620, SB 168 (2025); HB 1365
+2

Constitutional Rights

Bill of Rights (I-X); 14th Amendment
Score: 52 Range: -87 to 87 Items: 29
Second Amendment — right to carry status
DeSantis signed constitutional carry HB 543 (Apr 2023). Permitless concealed carry for all legal gun owners. Strong 2A posture throughout tenure.
HB 543 (2023); FL Stat. §790; NRA-ILA
+3
Second Amendment — semi-automatic rifle restrictions
No semi-auto restrictions beyond federal law. However, Red Flag law (2018, signed by predecessor Scott after Parkland) remains in effect — DeSantis has not sought repeal.
FL Code; NRA-ILA
+2
Second Amendment — magazine capacity restrictions
No magazine capacity restrictions in FL. No new restrictions enacted.
FL Code; NRA-ILA
+3
Second Amendment — Red Flag / ERPO due process
FL has Red Flag/Risk Protection Order law since 2018 (Marjory Stoneman Douglas Act, predecessor Gov. Scott). DeSantis inherited but has not sought repeal. RPOs issued with ex parte hearing, preponderance standard, 12-month duration. Limited due process protections vs. 2A.
FL Stat. §790.401; Marjory Stoneman Douglas Act
-1
First Amendment — campus free speech protections
DeSantis signed strongest campus free speech protections nationally: HB 233 (2021) intellectual freedom survey, SB 266 (2023) banned DEI offices at public universities, stopped compelled speech in hiring. FIRE ranked FL campuses improved. Anti-compelled ideology mandate.
HB 233; SB 266; FIRE rankings
+3
First Amendment — anti-SLAPP protections
FL has narrow anti-SLAPP protections (FL Stat. §768.295). Limited scope — covers homeowner association disputes and environmental petitions. Not comprehensive. DeSantis signed defamation reform reducing protections for public figures (2023) — raised 1A concerns.
FL Stat. §768.295; SB 1220 (2023) defamation reform
0
First Amendment — religious liberty protections
FL has state RFRA (FL Stat. §761.03). DeSantis aggressively protected religious exercise during COVID — houses of worship designated essential (EO 20-91). No documented restrictions on religious organizations. Faith-based partnerships maintained.
FL Stat. §761.03; EO 20-91; Becket Fund
+2
Fourth Amendment — warrant requirements for digital surveillance
FL relies on federal Carpenter standard. No comprehensive state electronic privacy statute enacted under DeSantis. Standard protections. ALPR deployment expanding without specific statutory framework.
FL Code; EFF
0
Fourth Amendment — civil asset forfeiture reform
FL requires conviction for forfeiture AND elevated burden of proof (clear and convincing). Pre-existing reforms adequate. No significant changes under DeSantis. Some reporting gaps.
FL Stat. §932; IJ Policing for Profit
0
Fifth Amendment — eminent domain protections post-Kelo
FL Constitution (Art. X, §6) prohibits economic development takings — adopted by constitutional amendment in 2006. Among strongest state-level Kelo protections. Maintained under DeSantis.
FL Constitution Art. X §6; IJ Castle Coalition
+2
Due process — regulatory takings and permitting timelines
DeSantis reduced business permitting timelines significantly. FL consistently ranked top-5 in business climate. Regulatory reform agenda reduced agency processing times. Some concerns about state parks plan secrecy (regulatory process bypassed).
FL business climate rankings; permitting data
+2
Tenth Amendment — federal overreach resistance
DeSantis was the national leader in 10th Amendment pushback: sued Biden admin on vaccine mandates, immigration, student loan forgiveness, Title IX. Filed more multistate lawsuits than any other governor. Signed multiple sovereignty bills. Other states followed FL model.
FL AG litigation docket; multistate suits
+3
Equal Protection — state contracting nondiscrimination
SB 266 (2023) banned DEI offices at all public universities. Race-neutral contracting mandated. SFFA-compliant admissions. DeSantis led nationally on post-SFFA race-neutral policy implementation. Proactive enforcement.
SB 266; FL Board of Governors; SFFA compliance
+3
Second Amendment — state preemption of local firearms laws
FL has among strongest 2A preemption nationally (FL Stat. §790.33). Penalties for noncompliant localities ($5,000 personal fine for officials). DeSantis supported enforcement. Cities sued for noncompliance.
FL Stat. §790.33; NRA-ILA
+3
First Amendment — government transparency and FOIA compliance
Center for Public Integrity: FL received C- grade. First Amendment Foundation: 'Florida no longer sets gold standard for open government.' 1,100+ exemptions to Sunshine Law. MuckRock compliance 35%. State parks plans hidden. Press access restricted. Certain outlets excluded from signings.
CPI; First Amendment Foundation; MuckRock
-1
Sixth Amendment — public defender funding adequacy
FL public defender offices chronically underfunded but not among worst nationally. Caseloads high (~200-250% of recommended). Some additional funding secured. Average performance for large state.
Sixth Amendment Center; FL public defender data
0
Eighth Amendment — bail reform and pretrial detention
FL maintains cash bail with standard reform provisions. Risk assessment tools used in some circuits. Violent offenders detained; nonviolent eligible for pretrial release. No extreme policy either direction. Standard system.
FL Stat. §903; pretrial justice data
+1
Property rights — regulatory burden and economic freedom
FL ranked #1 or #2 nationally in economic freedom (Fraser/Cato). No state income tax. Regulatory burden bottom quartile. Occupational licensing reforms enacted. DeSantis aggressively cut business regulations while increasing social regulation.
Cato/Fraser economic freedom; Pacific Research Institute
+3
Second Amendment — governor's litigation posture on firearms cases
FL AG filed pro-2A amicus briefs. Defended constitutional carry in court. DeSantis publicly champions 2A. No anti-2A litigation. AG joined pro-2A multistate briefs in Bruen and other cases.
FL AG amicus filings; Bruen briefing
+2
First Amendment — compelled speech protections
Stop WOKE Act (HB 7) attempted to ban compelled speech in workplace training — permanently struck down by 11th Circuit as 1A violation (Mar 2024). Intent was anti-compelled-speech but implementation unconstitutionally restricted employer speech. SB 266 DEI ban more targeted and survived.
11th Circuit; HB 7; SB 266
+1
Commerce Clause compliance — interstate trade barriers
FL has no significant interstate trade barriers. Universal license recognition for military spouses enacted. No protectionist regime. Open business climate. Disney retaliation raised some Commerce Clause questions but settled.
FL licensing reciprocity; Disney settlement
+2
Privileges and Immunities — occupational licensing reform
DeSantis signed occupational licensing reforms reducing barriers. Military spouse licensing expedited. Out-of-state license recognition expanded. Licensing burden reduced from prior administration.
FL licensing reform bills; IJ License to Work
+2
Contract Clause — state compliance with contractual obligations
FL pension funded ~82% and improving. AAA credit rating maintained. No documented contract impairments. Disney Reedy Creek dissolution raised Contract Clause concerns — settled Mar 2024 with new development agreement.
Pew pension data; S&P/Moody's/Fitch; Disney settlement
+2
Jury trial rights — civil and criminal jury access
FL jury trial access standard. Some administrative tribunal expansion (professional licensing) but jury rights generally maintained. No courthouse closures. Standard civil/criminal jury system.
FL court annual reports; NCSC
+1
Immigration law compliance — Supremacy Clause adherence
DeSantis signed SB 1718 (2023) — among strongest state immigration enforcement laws nationally. Anti-sanctuary statewide. E-Verify mandate (25+ employees). Full ICE cooperation. 270 287(g) agreements (43% of national total). No benefits to illegal aliens. Invalidated out-of-state undocumented DLs.
SB 1718; 8 USC §1373; ICE 287(g) data
+3
Qualified immunity / due process for officers
Florida maintains qualified immunity protections for police officers. Signed anti-defund legislation.
Florida Statutes; Anti-defund legislation
+2
Voter ID and ballot chain-of-custody
SB 7050 tightened drop box monitoring. Created Office of Election Crimes and Security. Mail-in ballot restrictions strengthened.
SB 90, SB 7050; Election Crimes and Security Office
+3
Non-citizen voting prevention
Florida Legislature passed SAVE Act-style proof-of-citizenship bill (March 2026). 198 non-citizens identified and referred for prosecution.
Florida proof-of-citizenship bill March 2026
+3
Women's sports / Title IX — biological sex protections in state-funded athletics
DeSantis signed the Fairness in Women's Sports Act on the first day of Pride Month 2021. One of the earliest governors to act.
Fairness in Women's Sports Act (SB 1028, 2021)
+3

Child Welfare & Parental Rights

Meyer v. Nebraska (1923), Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925), Troxel v. Granville (2000)
Score: 37 Range: -75 to 75 Items: 25
Parental rights legislation — statutory recognition
DeSantis signed Parental Rights in Education Act (HB 1557, Mar 2022) — FIRST in nation restricting classroom instruction on sexual orientation/gender identity in K-3 (expanded to K-12 via HB 1069, 2023). Comprehensive parental notification requirements.
HB 1557; HB 1069; FL Stat. §1001.42
+3
Education choice — school choice programs
DeSantis signed universal school choice (HB 1, Mar 2023) — ALL 2.8M FL K-12 students eligible for ESA/voucher ($8,000+). Largest universal school choice program in nation. Family Empowerment Scholarship, Step Up For Students, Gardiner. 400K+ students using vouchers.
HB 1 (2023); FL DOE; EdChoice
+3
Parental notification/consent for medical procedures on minors
FL requires parental consent for virtually all non-emergency medical procedures on minors. SB 254 (2023) added criminal penalties for providers performing gender transition procedures on minors. Strongest parental consent framework of any major state.
SB 254; FL Stat. §383; Guttmacher
+3
Gender-transition procedures for minors — restrictions
DeSantis signed SB 254 (May 2023) banning puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical procedures for minors. Felony for providers. Among most restrictive nationally. Also banned Medicaid coverage for adult transition procedures.
SB 254 (2023); FL Board of Medicine
+3
Child abuse and neglect — substantiated case rate trend
FL child maltreatment rate near national average. ~37,000 verified findings (2023). DCF reforms ongoing after prior systemic failures. Rate stable — not meaningfully improving or worsening under DeSantis.
ACF NCANDS; FL DCF data
0
Foster care — CFSR conformity assessment
FL achieved conformity on ~4 of 7 CFSR outcomes in most recent review. Privatized child welfare system (Community-Based Care lead agencies). Average performance — strengths in some permanency outcomes, gaps in safety.
ACF CFSR; FL DCF Annual Progress Report
0
Foster care — permanency outcomes
FL foster care median time ~20-22 months. ~22,000 children in out-of-home care. Reunification rate ~55%. 2024 legislation modernized dependency system. Near-average permanency outcomes for large-state system.
ACF AFCARS; FL DCF
0
Child trafficking prevention and prosecution
FL has comprehensive trafficking statute + funded ICAC task force + safe harbor for minor victims + AG active prosecution program. FL among top states for trafficking reports (due to tourism/ports) but enforcement strong. DeSantis signed enhanced penalties.
Polaris Project; Shared Hope; FL AG
+2
Education outcomes — 4th grade NAEP reading proficiency
FL 4th grade NAEP reading: 38% proficient (2022), ranked ~4th nationally. Among strongest large-state performances. Consistent high performance across DeSantis tenure. Achievement gaps narrowing.
NCES NAEP 2022
+2
Education outcomes — 8th grade NAEP math proficiency
FL 8th grade NAEP math: ~26% proficient (2022), ranked ~25th-30th nationally. Significant decline from prior years. While 4th grade excels, 8th grade performance is mediocre and declining.
NCES NAEP 2022
0
Parental curriculum transparency
HB 1557 and HB 1069 require full curriculum transparency + textbook adoption with public comment + parental opt-out rights + online posting of materials. FL pioneered parental curriculum transparency nationally. Parents can object to specific materials.
HB 1557; HB 1069; FL DOE textbook adoption
+3
Social media — minor protections
DeSantis signed HB 3 (2024) banning social media accounts for children under 14 and requiring parental consent for 14-15. Age verification required. Among strongest state social media protections for minors nationally.
HB 3 (2024); FL Stat. §501
+3
Juvenile justice — age-appropriate treatment
FL juvenile jurisdiction to 18. DJJ maintains rehabilitation-focused approach. Some mandatory transfer for violent felonies. Civil citation diversion programs operational. Average juvenile justice framework.
FL DJJ; JJDPA compliance; FL Stat. §985
+1
Child poverty rate and state response
FL child poverty rate ~15-17%, near national average. No state income tax offsets some burden. TANF cash assistance modest ($303/month max for family of 3). Housing costs increasingly impact families.
Census ACS SAIPE; KIDS COUNT
0
Adoption and permanency — adoptive family support
FL has subsidized adoption + recruitment programs. HB 1439 (2024) streamlined TPR proceedings. Faith-based agency protections maintained. 2025 treatment foster care pilot (HB 879) for high-acuity youth. Good adoption support framework.
ACF AFCARS; FL DCF; Dave Thomas Foundation
+2
Homeschool rights and protections
FL homeschool law requires notification + annual evaluation (portfolio review or standardized test). No curriculum mandates. Diploma recognition. Sports access via Tim Tebow Act. Moderate regulation — not most permissive but protective of parental choice.
HSLDA; FL Stat. §1002.41
+2
Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) enforcement
FL ICAC task force funded and active. FL AG has proactive CSAM prosecution program. Mandatory reporting compliance high. DeSantis signed enhanced penalties for online exploitation. Strong enforcement posture.
ICAC; NCMEC; FL AG
+2
School safety — violence prevention and incident response
Post-Parkland: Marjory Stoneman Douglas Act (2018, predecessor) created school safety framework. DeSantis expanded: $180M+ annual school safety funding, mandatory SROs, threat assessment teams, school hardening grants, Coach Aaron Feis Guardian Program (armed staff). National model.
Marjory Stoneman Douglas Act; FL OSSS; Guardian Program
+3
Children's mental health services access
FL school counselor ratio ~420:1 (improving). Baker Act reform signed (2024). DCF children's mental health programs funded. Crisis services expanding. Some improvements but large state creates access challenges.
ASCA; FL DCF; Baker Act data
+1
Childhood vaccination — parental choice protections
FL has religious + medical exemptions for school vaccinations. DeSantis Surgeon General Ladapo issued controversial guidance questioning mRNA vaccines for young males. DeSantis empaneled Grand Jury on vaccine manufacturer accountability. Strong parental choice posture — critics say anti-vaccine.
FL DOH; Surgeon General advisories; Grand Jury
+2
Child care affordability and access
FL child care subsidy eligibility at ~150% FPL. Moderate waitlists. School Readiness program operational. Child care costs high in South Florida urban areas. Average performance — no major expansion or cuts.
ACF CCDF; FL OEL
0
Education — teacher quality and retention
FL teacher vacancy rate ~5-8%. Average salary ~$53,000 (improved from $47,000 — $800M teacher pay raises 2020-2022). Retention ~85-88%. Emergency certifications rising in STEM/special ed. Improved but still average.
NCES; FL DOE educator data; NEA salary rankings
0
Child nutrition — food insecurity rate
FL child food insecurity ~15-16%. School meal participation adequate. Summer EBT programs operational. No major policy changes. Average for large state.
USDA ERS; Feeding America
0
Custody and family court — due process in child removal
FL family court system has clear statutory criteria + 24-hour shelter hearing requirement + appointed counsel for parents in TPR. Guardian ad Litem program. 2024 dependency reform legislation improved due process. Above average.
FL Stat. §39; ABA Center on Children and Law
+1
Children with disabilities — IDEA compliance
FL OSEP determination: 'Needs Assistance' with improvement plan on track. Most districts compliant. McKay Scholarship (now Family Empowerment) gives special-needs families choice. Above-average for large state.
OSEP determinations; FL DOE ESE; Family Empowerment Scholarship
+1

Faithful Discharge of Duties

Sworn oath: 'faithfully discharge the duties of office'
Score: 62 Range: -123 to 123 Items: 41
Budget balance — structural surplus/deficit
FL has maintained structural surplus every year under DeSantis. $17B total reserves. No one-time revenue gimmicks. No state income tax. Year-over-year spending cut achieved (FY2024-25 below FY2023-24). National model fiscal management.
FL CAFR; NASBO; Volcker Alliance
+3
State credit rating stability
FL maintains AAA from S&P, Moody's, and Fitch — highest possible. Held throughout entire 7-year tenure. Among only 13 states with triple-AAA. Stable/positive outlook. No downgrades.
S&P; Moody's; Fitch
+3
Rainy day / budget stabilization fund adequacy
Budget Stabilization Fund tripled to $4.4B (hit legal maximum). Total reserves $17B. $7.8B unallocated general revenue surplus. Among largest state reserves nationally. Statutory protections against raids.
FL BSF; Governor's Budget; NASBO
+3
Pension system funding responsibility
FRS funded ratio improved from ~78% (2019) to ~82% (2025). 100% ARC/ADC payments made. Unfunded liability decreased $2.6B. Above national average. Not fully funded but trajectory positive.
Pew pension data; FRS actuarial reports
+2
State debt burden
DeSantis retired $7.3B+ in state debt — 41% reduction. Lowest per capita state debt in America. $830M accelerated paydown in FY2025-26. $250M/yr minimum repayment mandated in perpetuity. National model.
FL Bond Finance; Bloomberg; state treasurer
+3
Government efficiency — state employee headcount per capita
FL state employee headcount below national median per capita. Workforce relatively stable. DOGE task force (Feb 2025) to audit local government spending. Efficiency reforms ongoing.
Census ASPE; FL DOGE
+2
Inspector General / state auditor independence
FL Auditor General operates independently (legislative appointee). DeSantis generally responsive to findings. Some concerns about transparency (Sunshine Law exemptions). Recommendations implemented at reasonable rates.
FL Auditor General; ALGA
+1
Ethics violations and personal scandals
Martha's Vineyard migrant flights ($12M state funds) — Treasury investigated use of COVID relief interest for political stunt. Failed $160M presidential campaign while governor (May 2023-Jan 2024). Disney retaliation raised political vendetta concerns. State parks golf/pickleball plan reversed after backlash. No criminal charges but multiple controversies.
US Treasury ARPA investigation; Disney settlement; state parks reversal
-1
Executive order restraint
DeSantis used EOs within FL constitutional bounds generally. COVID-era EOs (reopening) upheld. However, multiple legislative actions (not EOs) struck down: Stop WOKE Act permanently enjoined by 11th Circuit (2024). Disney Reedy Creek dissolution raised legal issues (settled). Volume above historical norms during presidential campaign period.
FL EO database; 11th Circuit WOKE ruling; court records
0
Emergency powers — adherence to statutory limits
DeSantis ended COVID emergency declarations relatively early (May 2021). Signed SB 2006 (2021) limiting future governor emergency powers to 28 days without legislative renewal. Proactively constrained executive emergency power. National model reform.
SB 2006 (2021); FL emergency statutes
+2
Legislative cooperation — veto override rate
Zero vetoes overridden through 2024 with R supermajority (85-35 House, 28-12 Senate). However, FL House launched unprecedented review of $949.6M in FY2024-25 line-item vetoes (Feb 2025) — rare same-party friction. Override rate: 0%.
FL Legislature records; NCSL veto data
+3
Judicial appointments — qualifications and process integrity
DeSantis appointed FL Supreme Court justices who reversed 1989 privacy-based abortion right (Apr 2024, 6-1). All appointees met ABA/FL Bar standards. Followed Judicial Nominating Commission process. Conservative judicial philosophy consistently applied. No appointees removed for cause.
FL JNC; FL Supreme Court; FL Bar
+2
Timely execution of laws — implementation of enacted legislation
Most legislation implemented within statutory timelines. SB 1718 immigration enforcement fully implemented. However, some laws struck down before full implementation (Stop WOKE Act). Selective enforcement concerns on book review mandates (HB 1069 overwhelming school districts).
FL agency rulemaking; legislative oversight
+1
Federal fund utilization — grant management
Federal grants generally managed adequately. ARPA funds deployed. FEMA disaster funds secured promptly for multiple hurricanes. Some concerns about ARPA interest used for migrant flights ($600K+ investigated by Treasury). Standard single audit compliance.
Federal Audit Clearinghouse; USAspending; Treasury ARPA investigation
+1
Public approval as competence indicator
DeSantis approval collapsed from ~60% (2022 reelection, 59.4% vote share) to 45-47% approve, 45-52% disapprove (2025). Failed presidential campaign damaged standing. Among highest disapproval ratings nationally for R governor. Term-limited Jan 2027.
Morning Consult; FL university polls
0
State IT security and data protection
FL CISO appointed. Cybersecurity budget adequate. No major breaches of state systems. CONNECT UI system (predecessor-era) was poorly designed but not a breach. Standard cybersecurity framework. data.florida.gov portal maintained.
NASCIO; FL state auditor IT findings
+1
Infrastructure spending — capital budget execution
Record $15.5B transportation investment FY2024-25. $1.8B Resilient Florida program (351 projects). $485M Everglades restoration. Capital execution rate strong — ASCE grade B for FL infrastructure. Backlog declining.
ASCE FL; FL DOT; Resilient Florida
+3
Disaster fund readiness
FL has among best disaster fund readiness nationally — necessity given hurricane exposure. FEMA cost-share always met. Pre-positioned resources. Multiple hurricane responses (Ian, Nicole, Idalia, Helene, Milton) funded without general fund raids. $2.2B reinsurance programs.
FEMA; FL DEM; FL reinsurance
+3
Workforce development — unemployment system integrity
CONNECT UI system (Deloitte-built, $77M, predecessor era) catastrophically failed during COVID — designed for only 4,200 concurrent users. DeSantis inherited but slow to fix. Trust fund solvent. Fraud below national average. Processing improved post-pandemic but system remains problematic.
DOL UI; FL DEO; CONNECT IG report
0
Medicaid program integrity
FL Medicaid managed care (Statewide Medicaid Managed Care program) operates with standard PERM compliance. Error rates below national average. No major sanctions. Has NOT expanded Medicaid but existing program managed adequately. ~$35B annual Medicaid spending.
CMS PERM; FL AHCA; state MFCU
+1
Election administration — constitutional compliance
FL overhauled election administration post-2000. Voter ID required. Paper ballot audit trail. Post-election audits. DeSantis created Office of Election Crimes and Security (2022). Voter roll citizenship verification via SAVE. Left ERIC (2023). 2024 election administered smoothly.
FL Division of Elections; EAC EAVS; Office of Election Crimes
+2
Transparency — state budget accessibility
FL maintains data.florida.gov and budget portal with aggregate spending data. Searchable contract data available. However, overall transparency declining per watchdog groups. Center for Public Integrity C- grade. Budget documents published but granularity could improve.
PIRG Following the Money; FL CFO portal
+1
Intergovernmental cooperation — federal compliance balanced with sovereignty
DeSantis balanced federal compliance with aggressive sovereignty defense. Full compliance with lawful requirements while leading multistate litigation on overreach (vaccine mandates, immigration, Title IX). Active NGA/CSG participation. Strong 10th Amendment posture.
Federal court records; NGA; multistate litigation
+2
Gubernatorial succession and continuity planning
LG Jeanette Nunez confirmed and active throughout tenure. COOP plan current and tested (multiple hurricane activations). Clear chain of succession. FL emergency management infrastructure well-established.
FL Constitution succession; FL DEM; COOP
+2
Anti-corruption — state procurement integrity
FL procurement generally meets competitive bidding standards. No major procurement scandals under DeSantis. Some concerns about no-bid contracts in emergency hurricane recovery (standard practice). $949.6M in line-item vetoes included some legislatively-directed spending.
FL DMS procurement; FL AG; state auditor
+1
Gas price burden — state gas taxes, refinery regulations, cap-and-trade
Florida gas tax is ~21.5 cents/gallon, below national average. No cap-and-trade equivalent.
FL Dept of Revenue fuel tax rates
+1
Energy affordability — residential electricity costs from state policy
Florida residential electricity rate ~15.1 cents/kWh, slightly below national average.
EIA Florida Electricity Profile
+1
Energy policy competence — forced mandates without infrastructure readiness
Florida has diversified energy portfolio. No forced transition mandates. Grid performed well during hurricanes.
Florida PSC energy data
+2
Property tax burden — effective rate vs national median
Florida effective property tax rate ~0.74%. DeSantis proposed $1,000 property tax rebate for 5.1M homesteaded properties.
FL Dept of Revenue property tax data
+1
Regulatory cost burden — permits, compliance costs per household/business
Florida consistently ranked among most business-friendly states. No state income tax. However, homeowners insurance market in crisis.
Tax Foundation business tax climate index
+2
Unfunded mandates on municipalities
DeSantis's property tax proposals would shift fiscal burden to municipalities. Mixed record.
HJR 201-213 analysis; Florida League of Cities
0
Cost of living trajectory — policy-driven affordability trend
Florida's cost of living has risen significantly. Homeowner insurance premiums highest in nation. Domestic migration decline (310K to 22K).
Florida Realtors; Insurance Information Institute
-1
Immigration fiscal burden — taxpayer cost of sanctuary/benefits policies
DeSantis spent $573M on immigration enforcement. Migrant relocation flights. E-Verify requirements signed.
SB 2-C; DeSantis immigration spending data
+2
Homelessness spending accountability — spending vs measurable outcomes
HB 1365 pairs encampment enforcement with mandatory behavioral health services. Private right of action for citizens if localities don't enforce.
HB 1365; HUD PIT Count Florida
+2
Encampment enforcement — response to SCOTUS Grants Pass ruling
DeSantis signed HB 1365 banning public camping BEFORE Grants Pass ruling. Enforcement began Oct 1, 2024. Private right of action Jan 1, 2025.
HB 1365 (March 2024); Grants Pass v. Johnson (June 2024)
+3
Net domestic migration trend — people leaving vs arriving
Florida's net domestic migration plummeted 93% — from 310,892 (2022) to 22,517 (2025). Fell from #1 to #8.
Census Bureau; American Prospect Jan 2025
0
Business exodus — corporate HQ and jobs relocating due to policy
Florida attracted Citadel, Elliott Management, hundreds of companies. Economy grew 65% to nearly $1.8 trillion.
Florida Commerce data; DeSantis claims
+2
DA accountability — governor's power to remove rogue prosecutors
DeSantis removed Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren for refusing to enforce state laws. Florida Supreme Court upheld. Also suspended Worrell.
Warren v. DeSantis; FL Constitution Art. IV
+3
Election infrastructure — ballot harvesting, drop box security, audit transparency
Signed SB 90 and SB 7050 tightening election procedures. However, used election police to investigate abortion amendment petition signers.
SB 90; SB 7050; Election Crimes office
+2
Weaponization of state agencies — using AG/regulatory bodies against political opponents
DeSantis has weaponized state agencies — used at least 6 state agency budgets to run ads opposing ballot amendments. Election police investigated petition signers.
Slate/Intercept; Election police investigations
-2
Foreign adversary protections — Chinese land, TikTok bans, Confucius Institutes
Signed SB 264 banning Chinese citizens from purchasing land. Banned TikTok on state devices. Prohibited universities from accepting CCP grants.
SB 264, SB 258, SB 846 (all 2023)
+3
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