Governor Ron DeSantis reaffirmed his strong stance against illegal immigration this Tuesday during his annual State of Florida address, delivered from the House of Representatives in the state Capitol in Tallahassee.
In his remarks, DeSantis made it clear that Florida will continue to be a state with strict immigration policies and will not offer refuge to undocumented immigrants.
“The days of catching and releasing are over. Voters have spoken, and we will be part of the solution, not part of the problem,” declared DeSantis. “We are not a sanctuary state; we are a state of law,” he added.
Economic and fiscal policies
Beyond immigration, the governor highlighted Florida's achievements in economic and fiscal matters, emphasizing the state's sustained growth.
"We have one of the five best tax environments in the country," he stated.
"We do not have an income tax and we have approved billions of dollars in tax breaks over the past six years," he added.
According to DeSantis, Florida's economy has led the nation for the past two years, with unemployment below the national average for over 50 consecutive months.
It also highlighted that tourism remains a key driver for the state, with over 142 million visitors in 2024, including 3.3 million Canadian tourists.
Regarding fiscal policies, the governor assured that in 2025 there will be no increase in state taxes and emphasized that Florida will continue to prioritize tax relief for residents.
Among its proposals is the elimination of the business tax and new tax exemptions for marine fuel, benefiting sailors and fishermen.
Additionally, he addressed concerns about property taxes, stating that "people are being harmed by these taxes," and proposed the possibility of including a constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot to provide relief to taxpayers.
In the field of education, DeSantis stated that Florida ranks first in the country and praised the expansion of the Florida Choice program. He also highlighted the investment of $4.6 billion in teacher salaries.
In the environmental realm, he mentioned that the Florida Wildlife Corridor spans 18 million acres and highlighted the funds allocated for the conservation of species such as the Florida panther and the restoration projects for the Everglades.
The governor also referred to the legislation implemented under his administration, including the establishment of the death penalty for pedophiles. He also mentioned the strengthening of protections for human life and the elimination of gender ideology in schools.
Regarding social policies, the Hope Florida program stood out, having helped nearly 30,000 people reduce their dependence on government assistance, resulting in more than $108 million in annual savings for taxpayers.
Critique of the insurance industry
DeSantis announced an investigation into property insurance companies, noting that there is evidence they have diverted billions of dollars in profits while claiming losses to lawmakers to support reforms in their favor.
Additionally, he stated that automobile insurance rates will decrease by between 6% and 10.5% in 2025.
With a speech that reaffirms his conservative stance and his commitment to the economy, security, and education, DeSantis assured that Florida will continue to be a "taxpayer-friendly" state and distanced from permissive immigration policies.
Frequently asked questions about Ron DeSantis' stance on illegal immigration in Florida
What is Ron DeSantis's stance on illegal immigration in Florida?
Ron DeSantis maintains a firm stance against illegal immigration in Florida, emphasizing that the state will not provide shelter to undocumented immigrants and will strengthen immigration laws at both the state and local levels. He has clearly stated that Florida will not be a sanctuary state, but rather a state of law, and has implemented measures to put an end to the capture and release of illegal immigrants.
What measures has Florida taken to strengthen the enforcement of its immigration policies?
Florida has signed agreements that grant greater authority to state law enforcement agencies to enforce immigration laws, in addition to implementing the 287(g) program, which allows full collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The state has also passed laws that criminalize illegal entry and have established harsher penalties for undocumented immigrants who commit crimes.
What impact does the 287(g) program have on Florida's immigration policy?
The 287(g) program allows state and local law enforcement to take on immigration enforcement functions delegated by ICE, which is essential for fulfilling the immigration policy of the Trump administration. This program, reinvigorated under Trump's administration and supported by DeSantis, strengthens Florida's role in identifying and detaining immigrants who are in the country illegally.
How has DeSantis's stance on illegal immigration affected the immigrant community in Florida?
The stance of DeSantis has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear among the immigrant community in Florida. The measures implemented have led to raids and detentions, particularly affecting sectors that rely on immigrant labor. The social impact includes family separations and a decrease in workers in essential industries.
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