Florida Welcomes New Legislative Leaders: Will They Break With Ron DeSantis?
The newly appointed leaders refrained from directly criticizing the governor. However, this may signal the beginning of a new era for a legislature that previously complied with all of the governor's requests.
TroibNews 
TALLAHASSEE, Florida — New leadership, new speeches, and perhaps indications of a Florida Legislature moving away from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ overwhelming influence.
On Tuesday, the Republican-controlled Legislature appointed Daniel Perez as House speaker and Ben Albritton as Senate president, ushering in a new chapter where the GOP remains firmly in charge, yet DeSantis prepares for his lame-duck period over the next two years following an unsuccessful presidential campaign.
While Perez and Albritton did not overtly criticize DeSantis, they subtly indicated that lawmakers would demonstrate more independence. For instance, they stated they had no intention to convene a special session before the year's end to address amendments to a condominium law passed after the tragic Surfside disaster in 2021, which claimed 98 lives. This decision comes despite DeSantis' call for urgent legislative action.
Albritton, a Republican from Wauchula, expressed his opposition to altering Florida law to permit open carry of firearms, contrary to DeSantis' recent openness to the idea during a radio interview, emphasizing his stance was influenced by law enforcement opposition.
Perez raised concerns about the state’s spending levels under the GOP, indirectly referencing DeSantis. He criticized the state’s management of funds, particularly in failed information technology projects, stating, “State government has become so flush with cash that we have lost any sense of discipline. We make purchases following natural disasters with little to no inventory control. We buy land that we can't keep track of, much less manage competently.”
This leadership transition, however, does not signify a complete break from DeSantis' influence, as he is likely to maintain a significant role while seeking to rejuvenate his national aspirations. Both new leaders acknowledged DeSantis' contributions, with Albritton declaring that Florida is the “envy of America” thanks to the governor and expressing gratitude for his leadership in quashing two amendments related to marijuana and abortion. Albritton indicated he has no plans to pursue legislation on these issues despite their recent popularity.
For DeSantis, the upcoming two years are crucial. Though term-limited, he is expected to appoint the next senator to replace Marco Rubio, aiming to potentially support an ally which could significantly shape the race to succeed him in 2026.
In the recent elections, Florida Republicans solidified their supermajorities in both legislative chambers, even expanding their advantage in the House with a total of 85 seats out of 120. In the Senate, Republicans hold a 28-12 majority.
Many within the party celebrated this standing, with state Rep. Tom Fabricio, a Miami Republican, remarking that there’s nothing more satisfying than unseating a Democratic incumbent.
However, the new legislative leaders voiced concerns about pivotal issues for the next election cycle. Perez, at 37, pointed to an “affordability” crisis that could drive younger residents out of the state.
While addressing DeSantis and top state officials, both Albritton and Perez admonished insurance companies for not delivering results following recent legislative reforms, including a controversial law limiting lawsuits against insurers, which even former President Donald Trump criticized as a “bailout.” Albritton stated, “I’m not going to sit idly by if legitimate claims get denied while rates continue to rise. Period.”
Despite these concerns, neither leader outlined specific measures for prompting insurers to reduce rates. Albritton mentioned some insurers had sought lower rates, although these requests occurred before recent hurricanes.
They also approached the topic of changes for condominium owners cautiously. Following the Surfside disaster, significant new regulations have surfaced that may necessitate costly repairs for older condominiums, resulting in rising assessments for owners.
DeSantis previously held discussions on possible solutions such as zero-interest loans or modification of deadlines in the new law, but no consensus has emerged on actionable steps.
“The question shouldn’t be when, the question should be what,” Perez remarked to reporters, expressing a willingness to explore changes in the upcoming session that kicks off in March. Albritton echoed this sentiment. New Democratic leader Sen. Jason Pizzo, who has pushed for addressing the state’s condo issues, is optimistic that many condominiums will comply as long as they demonstrate “good faith” in meeting the new requirements.
Albritton detailed some legislative priorities for his tenure, emphasizing the necessity for a “rural renaissance” and enhanced data for guiding water improvement projects. Meanwhile, Perez, highlighting his dissatisfaction with insurance and spending, articulated a desire to avoid legislation that merely serves to “pat myself on the back” once passed. He aims for House members to direct the agenda rather than be dictated by those in the “corner office.”
“The time for talk is over,” Perez asserted. “I want to do things differently. I want to do things my way. And my way is the pulse of the people.”
Navid Kalantari contributed to this report for TROIB News
On Tuesday, the Republican-controlled Legislature appointed Daniel Perez as House speaker and Ben Albritton as Senate president, ushering in a new chapter where the GOP remains firmly in charge, yet DeSantis prepares for his lame-duck period over the next two years following an unsuccessful presidential campaign.
While Perez and Albritton did not overtly criticize DeSantis, they subtly indicated that lawmakers would demonstrate more independence. For instance, they stated they had no intention to convene a special session before the year's end to address amendments to a condominium law passed after the tragic Surfside disaster in 2021, which claimed 98 lives. This decision comes despite DeSantis' call for urgent legislative action.
Albritton, a Republican from Wauchula, expressed his opposition to altering Florida law to permit open carry of firearms, contrary to DeSantis' recent openness to the idea during a radio interview, emphasizing his stance was influenced by law enforcement opposition.
Perez raised concerns about the state’s spending levels under the GOP, indirectly referencing DeSantis. He criticized the state’s management of funds, particularly in failed information technology projects, stating, “State government has become so flush with cash that we have lost any sense of discipline. We make purchases following natural disasters with little to no inventory control. We buy land that we can't keep track of, much less manage competently.”
This leadership transition, however, does not signify a complete break from DeSantis' influence, as he is likely to maintain a significant role while seeking to rejuvenate his national aspirations. Both new leaders acknowledged DeSantis' contributions, with Albritton declaring that Florida is the “envy of America” thanks to the governor and expressing gratitude for his leadership in quashing two amendments related to marijuana and abortion. Albritton indicated he has no plans to pursue legislation on these issues despite their recent popularity.
For DeSantis, the upcoming two years are crucial. Though term-limited, he is expected to appoint the next senator to replace Marco Rubio, aiming to potentially support an ally which could significantly shape the race to succeed him in 2026.
In the recent elections, Florida Republicans solidified their supermajorities in both legislative chambers, even expanding their advantage in the House with a total of 85 seats out of 120. In the Senate, Republicans hold a 28-12 majority.
Many within the party celebrated this standing, with state Rep. Tom Fabricio, a Miami Republican, remarking that there’s nothing more satisfying than unseating a Democratic incumbent.
However, the new legislative leaders voiced concerns about pivotal issues for the next election cycle. Perez, at 37, pointed to an “affordability” crisis that could drive younger residents out of the state.
While addressing DeSantis and top state officials, both Albritton and Perez admonished insurance companies for not delivering results following recent legislative reforms, including a controversial law limiting lawsuits against insurers, which even former President Donald Trump criticized as a “bailout.” Albritton stated, “I’m not going to sit idly by if legitimate claims get denied while rates continue to rise. Period.”
Despite these concerns, neither leader outlined specific measures for prompting insurers to reduce rates. Albritton mentioned some insurers had sought lower rates, although these requests occurred before recent hurricanes.
They also approached the topic of changes for condominium owners cautiously. Following the Surfside disaster, significant new regulations have surfaced that may necessitate costly repairs for older condominiums, resulting in rising assessments for owners.
DeSantis previously held discussions on possible solutions such as zero-interest loans or modification of deadlines in the new law, but no consensus has emerged on actionable steps.
“The question shouldn’t be when, the question should be what,” Perez remarked to reporters, expressing a willingness to explore changes in the upcoming session that kicks off in March. Albritton echoed this sentiment. New Democratic leader Sen. Jason Pizzo, who has pushed for addressing the state’s condo issues, is optimistic that many condominiums will comply as long as they demonstrate “good faith” in meeting the new requirements.
Albritton detailed some legislative priorities for his tenure, emphasizing the necessity for a “rural renaissance” and enhanced data for guiding water improvement projects. Meanwhile, Perez, highlighting his dissatisfaction with insurance and spending, articulated a desire to avoid legislation that merely serves to “pat myself on the back” once passed. He aims for House members to direct the agenda rather than be dictated by those in the “corner office.”
“The time for talk is over,” Perez asserted. “I want to do things differently. I want to do things my way. And my way is the pulse of the people.”
Navid Kalantari contributed to this report for TROIB News
