TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gave his last State of the State address in Tallahassee on Jan. 13, the start of Florida's 60-day legislative session.
During a joint session of the Florida legislature, the governor talked about the state’s economy over the past seven years since he took office.
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“Seven years ago, Florida's economy was roughly $1 trillion. Today, it is approaching $1.8 trillion, an increase of close to 80%,” said DeSantis
DeSantis announced Florida’s high school graduation rate reached a record-breaking 92.2% for the 2024-25 school year.
DeSantis also said the state has improved its response to natural disasters, increased public safety, accelerated transportation projects and increased funding for Everglades restoration.
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“In short, we've held true to Benjamin Franklin's admonition that well done is better than well said. These results are what matter and are what set Florida apart, “ said DeSantis.
The governor then spoke about the start of Florida’s 2026 legislative session, which started on Tuesday and ends on March 13.
“Legislators have proposed eliminating DEI and local governments, further disincentivizing illegal immigration, expanding Second Amendment rights, and blocking the creep of Sharia,” said DeSantis.
DeSantis was elected governor in 2018 and reelected in 2022. A governor can only serve two consecutive four-year terms under Florida law.
This is a developing story. Tampa Bay 28 will provide more details as they become available.
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