Governor DeSantis Touts Fiscal Discipline, Announces Audit at Manatee Performing Arts Center
Governor Ron DeSantis addressed a packed audience at the Manatee Performing Arts Center on Thursday, July 24, outlining Florida’s approach to fiscal conservatism and announcing a new effort to hold local governments accountable for taxpayer spending.
Joined by Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, DeSantis highlighted the state's economic accomplishments, including having no income tax, the smallest state government per capita in the country, two consecutive years of reduced spending, and a nearly 50% reduction in Florida’s all-time debt. He credited these policies with making Florida a national model for fiscal responsibility.
During the event, DeSantis announced that Manatee County would be one of the first local governments to be subject to the state’s new DOGE (Division of Governmental Efficiency) audit initiative. The audit program will dispatch teams across Florida to examine how local governments are managing surging property tax revenues, particularly as residents face increasing financial pressures.
The governor emphasized that while the state has maintained a taxpayer-friendly approach, it is crucial that counties and municipalities adopt the same discipline to protect homeowners and working families.
The announcement drew both interest and concern from local officials and residents, with many awaiting further details on the scope and timeline of the DOGE audit in Manatee County.
