Florida DOGE puts boots on the ground in Gainesville and Broward County

Press release from the Office of Governor Ron DeSantis

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Today, two teams from the Florida Department of Government Efficiency arrived in Broward County and the City of Gainesville to make good on Governor Ron DeSantis’ promise to ensure transparency and accountability in government. These teams will closely analyze local government spending, with team members from the Department of Financial Services, Department of Revenue, Department of Transportation, Department of Commerce, and Department of Education. 

“Florida is the model for fiscal responsibility at the state level, and we will utilize our authority to ensure local governments follow suit,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida’s DOGE efforts are owed to the taxpayer and yet another way their state is pursuing fiscal responsibility.” 

Over the last five years, the taxpayers of Broward County have watched as the county government has increased burdens on property owners to the annual tune of over $450 million dollars in additional ad valorem tax collections. This has been part of a spending spree that has seen Broward County’s annual operating budget expand by over $1.2 billion, during a time when the county’s population has grown by less than 5%. 

This year—and for every year to come, unless it cuts spending—the City of Gainesville will spend at least $90 million more than it did four years ago. This increase in spending is now levied in part on Gainesville property owners, who are expected to pay 85% more in property taxes than what they paid in 2020. This is due to both a rate increase and to rising property values that should be, but have not been, offset by a corresponding cut in taxes.

“We’re ushering in a new era of transparency and accountability in Florida,” said Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia. “For years, I’ve called out reckless local spending, often on things taxpayers would never support if they knew the full story. As local budgets grow, we must ask whether these increases are truly justified. Too often, we see spending far outpacing what Floridians can actually afford. I’m focused on making life more affordable — especially when it comes to housing, insurance, and taxes — and that starts with right-sizing government. Through the authority of my office and Governor DeSantis’ Florida DOGE initiative, we’re opening the books, demanding answers, and bringing fiscal sanity back. Florida’s taxpayers should know that this CFO has their back!” 

Additionally, letters of intent to visit have been sent to Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Orange counties as well as the city of Jacksonville to prepare for on-site visits from DOGE teams.

Governor Ron DeSantis created the Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) through Executive Order 25-44 in February 2025 to ensure government efficiency, transparency, and accountability at all levels of government, including state agencies, state colleges and universities, and local governments. 

Having entrusted their governments with the power to tax, the citizens of Florida have a right to expect that their elected officials will spend the collected funds responsibly. Throughout his tenure, Governor DeSantis has made clear his commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficiency. Florida has paid down nearly 50% of the State’s total historic tax-supported debt and has maxed out the state’s rainy-day fund during his tenure. Additionally, the Governor’s signing of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget marks the second consecutive year of a year-over-year reduction in state spending.  

For updates on the Florida DOGE initiative, visit @DOGEfla on X.