DeSantis Warns of Budget Vetoes, Addresses Security Funding Request
Governor warns of budget vetoes while addressing Legislature’s refusal to fund post-office security for his family.
TAMPA, FLORIDA — Governor Ron DeSantis thanked the Florida Legislature Wednesday for completing the state budget but warned that vetoes are forthcoming, while also addressing lawmakers’ refusal to fund post-office security for his family.
Speaking at a press conference in Tampa where he announced plans for a special session on property taxes next week in Tallahassee, DeSantis commented on the Legislature’s decision not to include funding for security protection for him, First Lady Casey DeSantis, and their children for up to one year after he leaves office.
Security Concerns and Political Violence
“We’ve seen we’re in an era of some pretty disturbing political violence and it’s kind of going in one direction, by and large, unfortunately,” DeSantis said. “And so, I think that there’s concern from [the Florida Department of Law Enforcement] what that looks like going forward. But you know they, the Legislature got to do what they got to do. So, you know.”
The governor clarified that he did not personally request the security funding, stating the proposal originated from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, an agency he shares oversight of with Florida Cabinet members. DeSantis said he has maintained around-the-clock security since his election in 2018.
Scope of Proposed Protection
The proposed taxpayer-funded security detail would not have been as extensive as the protection DeSantis and his family currently receive, according to the governor. “I think that they [FDLE] believes that if I’m doing certain types of functions, if I’m speaking, if I’m doing that, that having folks there to be able to assist would be justified based on the types of threats they get,” DeSantis explained.
“But, you know, the Legislature’s go to do — you know, got to do — what they they got to do. And they can make those judgments accordingly,” he added.
Budget Process and Special Session
The security funding request was initially suggested by Senate President Ben Albritton during the early days of the special session. However, the House ultimately refused to include the provision in the nearly $114.5 billion state budget.
DeSantis acknowledged the Legislature for completing what he called “the only must-pass piece of legislation of the year” but indicated he plans to exercise his veto power on certain budget items. The upcoming special session on property taxes will mark the third such session this year.
The governor’s comments come as Florida continues to navigate budget priorities and security considerations for elected officials in an increasingly polarized political climate.
