TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — As Florida’s legislative session for 2025 commenced on Tuesday, attention was notably turned towards the future political paths of Gov. Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump. Both figures, highly influential in the state, were central to discussions during the session’s ceremonial beginnings.
Governor DeSantis, nearing the conclusion of his second term, has been indicating that his potential successor might be his wife, Casey DeSantis. Meanwhile, DeSantis has found himself at odds with some Trump allies within the state legislature, as he seeks to pave the way for his political future, while navigating the legislative landscape shaped by Trump and his supporters who aim to realize Trump’s campaign initiatives.
In his address to a joint session of the Florida Legislature, DeSantis highlighted recent legislation aimed at curbing illegal immigration. These laws were passed after contentious special sessions, which saw the governor clashing with legislative leaders over whose policies more closely aligned with Trump’s vision.
Despite previous tensions, DeSantis offered praise to the legislative leaders for their efforts on immigration reform. He asserted, “No state has done more and no state did it sooner than we did in the free state of Florida. We can and we must continue to lead.”
As the legislative session proceeds, DeSantis has urged lawmakers to contemplate proposals such as eliminating state property taxes, revising gun legislation enacted after the 2018 Parkland school shooting, and overhauling the citizen-led ballot initiative process. Last November, this process was used to propose measures such as the legalization of recreational marijuana and the expansion of abortion rights, though these proposals did not achieve the necessary majority for passage.
DeSantis criticized what he deemed a problematic amendment process. Citing alleged petition fraud, he stated, “We saw how that constitutional amendment process was perverted. We need to clean up this out-of-control amendment process.”
Nonetheless, not all leaders are in agreement. Republican Senate President Ben Albritton expressed skepticism about reversing the gun reforms post-Parkland, noting that law enforcement officials have reported the efficacy of the state’s red flag laws.
In addition to these issues, the legislative agenda includes addressing challenges such as the aftermath of hurricanes, escalating costs in property insurance and housing, as well as climate change and sea-level rise concerns.
Lawmakers are also set to deliberate on requests from Trump, such as banning fluoride in public water systems — an initiative supported by Trump’s Health and Human Services Secretary — and instituting changes based on Trump’s directive renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.”
House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell voiced concerns over the influence Trump holds over Republican leaders in the state. “It seems like they all want to please him,” she remarked, highlighting worries over federal impact in state legislative decisions.
In his comments, Albritton emphasized the urgency of bolstering government efficiency as efforts are underway to streamline the federal workforce during the Trump administration. “Now is the time to do it,” Albritton asserted regarding the modernization of Florida’s accountability mechanisms.
Historically, Florida’s legislative leaders have swiftly advanced DeSantis’s agenda, bolstering his reputation as a decisive leader in conservative circles nationally. Nevertheless, recent months have seen a challenge to his dominance, with lawmakers initially opposing his demands for a special session on illegal immigration. Additionally, bills have been introduced to counter some initiatives of the DeSantis administration, including adjustments to the oversight of state university presidential appointments.
Republican House Speaker Daniel Perez encouraged lawmakers to confront the current turbulent times with optimism and readiness to embrace necessary changes. “We can’t be afraid to break the status quo,” Perez urged, recognizing the potential for progress.
