Fact-Checking DeSantis’s Claims in Florida
WLRN Public Media has partnered with PolitiFact to examine statements made by Florida politicians. The goal is to present the facts, free from bias. This report analyzes claims made by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis in his annual address to the Florida Legislature, covering topics such as insurance rates, education, and gun laws.
During his address, DeSantis highlighted Florida’s perceived leadership in the economy, education, and immigration. He restated that Florida is a leader in entrepreneurship, new business formation, and gross domestic product growth among large states, claims PolitiFact previously reviewed. He also addressed immigration, aligning himself with President Donald Trump’s agenda.
“Thanks to recent legislation, it is now a crime to enter Florida illegally, the days of catch and release are over, and all state and local law enforcement have a duty to assist in interior immigration enforcement efforts,” DeSantis said.
PolitiFact examined DeSantis’s statements concerning Florida’s insurance rates, education policy, the workforce, and gun laws, as well as state Senator Jason Pizzo’s (D-Hollywood) comments on law enforcement salaries, human trafficking, and homeowners insurance.
Homeowners Insurance
DeSantis stated that S&P Global rated Florida as having the lowest homeowners insurance increase of all 50 states. However, the analysis needs context. The report showed Florida with a 1% effective rate change in 2024, the lowest of any state, but it excluded changes from Citizens Property Insurance Corp., Florida’s state-run insurer. Citizens became Florida’s largest homeowners insurer in 2023.
Education
DeSantis said, “We are the top state in America for school choice.” This statement references rankings from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which works with Republican state legislators. ALEC’s “Index of State Education Freedom” ranks states based on the availability of educational options and funding. Florida received an A+ grade and ranked first overall. DeSantis’s office also cited other sources, including Heritage Foundation and U.S. News & World Report.
However, some public school districts have closed schools due to declining enrollment due to the increase in school choice programs.
Workforce
DeSantis claimed, “We have the lowest number of state government workers per capita in the country.” This statement is mostly true. A 2021-22 workforce report from the Florida Department of Management Services indicated that Florida had the lowest rate of state government workers per 10,000 residents. Counting both state and local government workers, Florida ranked third-lowest nationally. DeSantis recently signed an executive order to eliminate waste within state government and save taxpayer money which may decrease these numbers further.
Gun Laws
DeSantis addressed the state’s “red flag” law, passed after the Parkland school shooting, which allows law enforcement to bar individuals deemed dangerous from possessing or buying guns. DeSantis argued the law doesn’t follow due process since it puts the burden on the individual to prove they aren’t a threat, but courts have upheld the law’s constitutionality.
Senator Pizzo’s Statements
State Senator Jason Pizzo countered some of the Governor’s assertions.
Regarding law enforcement salaries, Pizzo is correct in stating that certain law enforcement positions are among the lowest-paid nationally when looking at starting salaries.
“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.”- State Sen. Jason Pizzo, D-Hollywood
When considering all law enforcement positions like state police and sheriff’s officers, Florida’s annual mean wage was better than most states. Pizzo also pointed out Florida’s high ranking in human trafficking cases. Pizzo sent PolitiFact a bill analysis citing Florida as the third-highest state for reported human trafficking cases, according to data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Pizzo is also correct that Florida ranks near the top of states in homeowner insurance premiums.
Senate President Ben Albritton, right, and House Speaker Rep. Daniel Perez, left, react as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gives his State of the State address to a joint session on the opening day of the 2025 legislative session, Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the state capitol in Tallahassee, Fla.
In conclusion, PolitiFact’s review of DeSantis’s statements reveals nuances in certain claims, particularly regarding insurance rates. While some statements hold up under scrutiny with caveats, others are more straightforward. The analysis highlights the importance of context and source verification in evaluating political assertions.
