Fact-checking Governor DeSantis’ Claims
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, in his annual address to the state legislature, highlighted what he presented as the state’s leading position in the U.S. on economic and social issues. PolitiFact examined his assertions about insurance rates, education policy, and gun laws.
Homeowners Insurance
DeSantis stated that Florida leads the nation in low homeowners insurance increases. However, this claim requires further context.
- The Claim: “S&P Global rated Florida as having the lowest (homeowners insurance) increase in all 50 states.”
- The Facts: While an S&P Global report indicated a 1% effective rate change in 2024, the lowest in the country, this analysis excluded changes from Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state-run insurer. Citizens has become the largest homeowners insurer in Florida, which complicates the overall assessment.
Education
DeSantis also asserted the state’s leadership in school choice initiatives.
- The Claim: “We are the top state in America for school choice.”
- The Facts: A DeSantis spokesperson cited rankings from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which ranked Florida first in its “Index of State Education Freedom.” This index assesses school choice programs, charter schools, and other educational environments. However, the governor’s school choice policies have also led to the closure of schools in some districts due to declining enrollment.
Workforce
- The Claim: “We have the lowest number of state government workers per capita in the country.”
- The Facts: This is mostly true. According to a 2021-22 workforce report, Florida had the lowest rate of state government workers per 10,000 residents. However, when including local government workers as ALEC does, Florida has the third-lowest number of state and local employees per capita.
Gun Laws
DeSantis addressed concerns about Florida’s “red flag” law.
- The Claim: Florida’s red flag law doesn’t follow “due process.”
- The Facts: DeSantis argued that the law shifts the burden of proof unfairly. However, Florida courts have upheld the law, stating that petitions for orders must provide “clear and convincing” evidence of danger, and that individuals are afforded due process.
Response from State Senator Jason Pizzo
State Senator Jason Pizzo responded to DeSantis’ statements.
- The Claim: “The only rankings we’ve held steady on during the last six years are nearing the bottom in law enforcement salaries and near the top in insurance premiums and human trafficking.”
- The Facts: Pizzo is correct on some of these claims. While the mean wage for state police and sheriff’s officers puts Florida in the better half of states, he is correct that Florida ranks near the top in the nation in human trafficking. Florida also ranks near the top in the cost of homeowner insurance premiums.
PolitiFact examined the context and data to evaluate the governor’s statements and those made by state leaders.
