DeSantis Highlights Six Years of Accomplishments in State of the State Address

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—In his penultimate State of the State Address to a joint session of the state Legislature on March 4, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis highlighted the achievements of his administration over the last six years while acknowledging the ongoing challenges that remain in the final regular session of his term.

“We opted for freedom instead of fear; education over indoctrination; and law and order rather than chaos and unrest,” he stated. “We take pride in our state’s accomplishments while recognizing the work that still lies ahead.”

“We can—and we must—continue to lead,” he emphasized.

The governor commended Florida’s leadership in areas such as immigration, economic growth, business, education, environmental preservation, and tax reforms.

He praised the Legislature for several significant achievements over the years, including the prohibition of communist China from acquiring land in the state, the establishment of a digital bill of rights and parental rights in education, safeguarding Floridians against a central bank digital currency, divesting from China-based banks, and passing the pro-life heartbeat bill.

Nevertheless, he urged fellow lawmakers to address ongoing projects that remain unfinished for Floridians. He pointed out that these pending tasks primarily affect their homes, environment, education, protection of Second Amendment rights, and petition reform.

Petition reform was initially set to be addressed in a special session called earlier this year but was postponed to the regular session due to uncovering extensive petition fraud related to efforts to gather sufficient signatures for two initiatives on the November 2024 ballots: constitutional amendments regarding abortion access and the legalization of recreational marijuana.

“We need to eradicate petition fraud and bring order to this chaotic amendment process, and you and the Legislature have the chance to do so and safeguard Florida’s Constitution once and for all,” he urged.

The governor reiterated his call for the Legislature to address the concerns of Florida’s condominium owners as assessment costs continue to rise.

He also expressed support for the elimination of the tax on business rent and for proposed legislation aimed at removing property taxes via a ballot amendment.

“You purchase a home, pay off a mortgage—and yet you still have to pay a check to the government annually just to occupy your own property,” he remarked. “Is the property truly yours, or are you simply renting from the government?”

In line with his appeal to enhance Floridians’ living conditions, he also called for completing ongoing efforts to improve their shared natural environment.

He emphasized the need to finalize Florida’s Everglades restoration project and noted that the Trump administration is willing to provide the necessary funding directly to Florida instead of channeling it through the Army Corps of Engineers.

“We pledged to leave Florida to God in a better state than we found it, and we are indeed doing that,” he stated.

“Florida operates at a faster pace than the Army Corps of Engineers,” he added.

The governor then urged the Legislature to expand laws that protect residents’ Second Amendment rights. While permitless concealed carry is permitted in the state, constitutional open carry laws are still lacking.

He proposed a Second Amendment-specific tax holiday, which would allow Floridians to stock up on firearms, ammunition, and related items.

Regarding his momentum for continued reform, DeSantis lauded the ongoing work to reduce property insurance rates and assist Floridians in recovery from devastating hurricanes.

“The truth is that the Legislature has invested more time and effort into insurance reforms over the past few years than ever before in Florida’s history,” he noted. “I hope the Legislature continues these efforts by allocating funding for those on the My Safe Florida Home waitlist—these grants have aided tens of thousands in fortifying their homes and reducing their insurance rates.”

The governor also commended the ongoing education reforms throughout the state and encouraged the Legislature to further enhance initiatives to recruit new teachers.

“Our universal school choice program is effective—families and students are reaping the benefits, and academic standards have improved statewide,” he remarked.

This regular session follows a special session that resulted in the passage of anti-illegal immigration legislation, which was referenced by the governor, the Speaker of the House, and the Senate President in their opening statements.

“No state has achieved more, and no state acted sooner than Florida has,” DeSantis asserted. “Thanks to recent legislation, it is now a crime to enter Florida illegally; the era of catch and release has ended, and all state and local law enforcement agencies are obligated to assist in enforcing immigration laws.”

“The voters have voiced their opinions—and Florida has responded. We will play a role in solving the problem, not contributing to it.”

However, not everyone was convinced. Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo offered an off-the-cuff response immediately following DeSantis’s address, questioning why, after over 30 years of Republican control over the legislature and executive branches, social issues such as DEI, ESG, immigration, and infrastructure have suddenly become pressing problems.

“I am curious how, with over 30 years of majority control, these issues have festered without resolution until now,” he stated. “Or rather, how did a cycle of Republican predecessors allow us to reach this point?”

Pizzo highlighted that he was the first state senator to propose a bill aimed at expanding e-verify measures to apply to all employees in the state, a proposal his Republican colleagues neglected to include in the bill that was advanced during the special session.

E-verify mandates that private employers with 25 or more employees verify the immigration status of new hires.

“You cannot claim to be serious about addressing legal immigration if you continue to bow to donor influences and ignore the concerns of our citizens,” he remarked.

Nevertheless, the senator concluded his brief address on a hopeful note for legislative unity, affirming his willingness to support the agenda outlined by Senate President Ben Albritton, which will emphasize families, economic growth, protecting Florida’s children, and ensuring efficiency in government spending.

“I give my full commitment that if we can concentrate on this agenda, there will be no ideological divide or aisle that separates us,” he concluded.