DeSantis Touts Accomplishments, Boosted Economy to Corral Affordability Concerns

Gov. Ron DeSantis outlined several positive policies to help Floridians address their concerns about the cost of living in an exclusive interview with The Floridan at the state capitol this week.

The governor mentioned that the Sunshine State was ranked the #1 economy in the country for the third consecutive year by CNBC earlier this summer, which has helped the state attract more business and led to new business formations.

Gov. DeSantis also pointed out that Florida's economy remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic while other states remained on lockdown, leading to more businesses coming to Florida due to his pro-growth approach. Moreover, he blamed the Biden administration for contributing to the problem due to reckless federal borrowing and spending, which led to a record-high 9.1% inflation rate in June 2022.

So what has the governor done about it?

"Well, one, we have now made all baby items tax-free," DeSantis responded. "You know, it's hard raising kids. Sometimes people don't want to raise kids because they're worried about the financial. Wipes, diapers, all this stuff, all tax-free."

In addition, Gov. Ron DeSantis touted getting rid of the business rent tax, which Florida did this year. The Governor also noted strides in offering toll relief as a positive step.

A pressing concern for many young Floridians, DeSantis touted the state's effort to control in-state tuition, which he celebrated for not going up "one single penny" since becoming governor in 2019. He also claimed educational inflation has risen over the past 30 years nationwide.

DeSantis also mentioned the state's effort to work on hurricane preparedness under My Safe Florida Home.

While listing all his accomplishments, DeSantis "kept it 100" on one problem he wished he could fix: grocery costs. Prices have remained high nationwide for shoppers in 2025, and it could be another growing pain for shoppers during the holiday season.

"Man, I wish there was something a state government could do,  flip a switch and then have, you know, all of a sudden have grocery prices go down. I flip that switch," DeSantis said. "But we know that's a macro issue for the entire US economy, and it's not unique to Florida."

But DeSantis, who leaves office next year, boasted one nationwide problem he has been able to corral: insurance reforms. He also thanked the Florida Legislature for its work on the problem over the past several years.

Furthermore, the governor secured nearly $1 billion in premium credits and rebates for Progressive auto insurance policyholders in October.

"In 2024, Florida had the lowest increase of all 50 states. You know, it's going up 30% in some other states right now," DeSantis said. "So far this year, we've had 17 new companies join the market, and we've had, I think, about 40 rate filings for premium decreases."

To help further alleviate affordability costs, DeSantis also stressed trying to get rid of property taxes heading into 2026. The issue has been top of mind for Florida voters looking to save a few pennies.

"Well, there's a philosophical perspective of, do you really own your home if you have to keep paying the government? Because if you stop paying the tax, they can take your home," DeSantis said. "That's not really true home ownership. So I think, of all the taxes, I think it's one of the most ineffective ways to tax people."

He also blamed the issue on unrealized gains, which he says were ballooned by local government tax revenue from $32 million in 2019 to $56 billion in 2025. To counter the entire problem, DeSantis is planning to introduce a constitutional amendment on property taxes for the November 2026 ballot in the coming months.

"They'll go tell you, Oh, you may have bought your house for 400,000, we think it's worth a million now, and even if you have a homestead, it still goes up every year, and that's cumulative," DeSantis explained. "That's really pinched a lot of people."

In addition, DeSantis promised not to implement any new state taxes, including raising the sales tax or adding a tax on Airbnb's, to help offset potential revenue concerns. He also credited the state's DOGE effort under Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingolia, which has uncovered millions of dollars in reckless spending from local governments statewide, to nullify any potential concerns.

"There will not be any tax from the state of Florida. We don't need the revenue," DeSantis promised. "The young family is getting killed. I want young families to be able to succeed in Florida."