TALLAHASSEE — Today, lame duck Governor Ron DeSantis took a break from posting on social media and traveling for sporting events or beach vacations with his insurance industry donors to fulfill his statutorial duty to release his budget recommendations ahead of Florida’s 2026 legislative session.
As working Floridians and seniors head into this holiday season in the midst of Florida’s ongoing affordability crisis, the plans outlined today by the Governor fail to address the top issue of rising costs impacting people from the Panhandle to the Keys.
In response, DeSantis Watch Communications Director Anders Croy released the following statement:
“Ron DeSantis’ legacy as Governor is the state’s affordability crisis that has left people from all walks of life questioning whether they can continue to live in Florida.
“Under the Governor’s ‘Florida Blueprint,’ the ultrawealthy and multinational corporations have thrived while working families and seniors have been priced out as the cost of housing, insurance, health care, and everyday goods like groceries have skyrocketed.
“When Ron DeSantis slinks out of office next year for his new career as a bottom-tier podcast host for Blaze Media, these last eight years will be remembered as the final act of the Florida Dream of an affordable paradise. This finale was written by a self-serving politician who consistently prioritized the increasing wealth of his corporate donors over the needs of working Floridians.”
The Facts on Florida’s Affordability Crisis
- Under Governor Ron DeSantis, rents increased by 40% from 2019-2023
- Under Governor Ron DeSantis, property insurance costs increased by 47% from 2019-2024
- Under Governor Ron DeSantis, more than 1-in-3 Florida households are defined as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed by the United Way
- Under Governor Ron DeSantis, almost half of Floridians have considered leaving the state due to the rising cost of living