With Uncertain Future And Bumpy Session Ahead, Desantis Touts 'results' In Final State Of The State

TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Gov. Ron DeSantis, whose own political future remains up in the air, gave a sweeping farewell “State of the State” Tuesday that summarized his past seven years in office while exhorting legislators to act on property taxes and artificial intelligence.

DeSantis, who is term-limited, enters his final year in office as ambitious and combative as ever. He peppered his 30-minute speech with familiar refrains and stanzas similar to those used in speeches he gave on the campaign trail — including his bid for president.

The Republican governor’s clout has waned amid clashes with House Republicans, but he used his remarks to highlight his legislative record, including pushing contentious laws on gender identity, race and immigration, while expanding private school vouchers and pushing to cut taxes and the state’s debt.

“We recognize that while words can be meaningful, it is deeds that are ultimately the most powerful,” DeSantis said. “Results are what matter the most and we, more than any other state, have delivered those big results.”

DeSantis’ remarks kicked off the scheduled 60-day session of the Florida Legislature. They come amid ongoing tension between him and House Republicans, as well as lingering questions on whether the House and Senate will manage to reach agreement on congressional redistricting and a property tax overhaul. Last year, lawmakers clashed over state spending and taxes, needing overtime to complete their annual session.

State House Speaker Daniel Perez — in his opening day remarks — acknowledged the unsettled situation.

“Honestly, I don’t know what’s going to happen this session. And that’s OK,” Perez said. “Because the journey is the best part of the story.”

Perez sat next to DeSantis as he gave remarks. But the governor did not shake his hand or interact with him, which was noticed by legislators in the chamber.

“It’s his last speech as governor, and I don’t think he’ll be missed by some of my colleagues,” said Republican state Rep. Juan Carlos Porras of Miami.

DeSantis was first elected in 2018 and became a rising conservative star due to his response to the Covid-19 pandemic. DeSantis was reelected by nearly 20 points, then mounted a run for president in 2024 that ended after he came in second to President Donald Trump in Iowa.

He used his farewell speech to once again contrast Florida with blue states and cities such as Chicago and San Francisco. He even included a jab at Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City.

“Even as we cheer the removal of a Marxist dictator in Venezuela, we saw the election of a Marxist mayor in our nation’s largest city,” DeSantis said. “Yet here in Florida, there is cause for optimism. We are showing it can be done.”

DeSantis called on legislators to produce a property tax overhaul even though he has yet to release his own detailed plan on what should be sent to voters later this year. He also once again stressed the need to address artificial intelligence and said it could “upend key parts of the economy” if left unaddressed.

The governor did not mention redistricting, but he said he was ready to sign bills on immigration enforcement and to lower the age to buy a rifle from 21 to 18. Florida raised the age to buy a rifle following the 2018 shooting in Parkland, in which 17 people were killed. He also promised to support the “rural renaissance” legislation being pushed by state Senate President Ben Albritton.

“My message is simple, get the bills to my desk,” DeSantis. “In the spirit of 1776, I’m happy to put my John Hancock on those pieces of legislation.”

Democrats, who remain in a super minority in the Legislature, railed against the governor. State Democratic Leader Lori Berman said DeSantis “was out of touch with reality” and that he has failed to address the state’s affordability crisis.

House Democratic leader Fentrice Driskell said that during his time in office, DeSantis has “been focused on culture wars, grabbing headlines and an ever-growing list of grievances meant to keep people distracted and angry so that we won’t notice that Florida is becoming too expensive for too many Floridians. That’s his legacy: Division, meanness and a growing affordability crisis.”

Kimberly Leonard contributed to this report.