Ron DeSantis launches DOGE task force for Florida

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the creation of a Florida-based Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) task force, which aims to further eliminate “waste” within state government.

Newsweek has contacted DeSantis’ office for comment via email.

Why It Matters

The Florida DOGE task force will work similarly to the department created by President Donald Trump and headed by tech billionaire Elon Musk, which has overseen major federal cuts and the gutting of federal agencies since January 20.

DeSantis, who will leave office in January 2027, has taken a number of steps in an apparent attempt to rebuild ties with Trump and his loyal supporters after the pair’s once strong relationship fell apart during the 2024 GOP primary campaign. These moves come as DeSantis considers his political future, including a potential White House bid in 2028.

Ron DeSantis in Florida — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks during a news conference at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on August 8, 2024.

CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP/Getty Images

What to Know

DeSantis’ office announced the creation of the DOGE task force on Monday, aiming to save taxpayers money and “ensure accountability” in Florida.

The Florida State DOGE task force will utilize technology such as AI to reduce “bureaucratic bloat” and find ways to identify additional unnecessary spending.

The team hopes to abolish 70 boards and commissions this year as part of cost-cutting measures. During a press conference on Monday, DeSantis said the task force will review about 900 state positions to determine if they can be eliminated.

DeSantis said Florida’s DOGE task force will also identify potential wasteful spending in college and university operations. DeSantis had signed a law in 2024 that banned public colleges from using state funds and taxpayer money to promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

The governor said the DOGE team will be a continuation of the cost-cutting measures he has overseen during his six years in office. DeSantis said Florida saved $3.8 billion in last year’s budget and has paid down 41 percent of state debt since 2019.

“Florida was DOGE before DOGE was cool,” DeSantis posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday.

The creation of the Florida DOGE task force was condemned by Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried.

In a statement, Fried suggested DeSantis was just trying to appease Trump, who recently endorsed Representative Byron Donalds in the 2026 Florida gubernatorial race.

Donalds has not confirmed his intention to replace DeSantis when his second and final term ends but has teased an upcoming announcement. First lady Casey DeSantis is also rumored to be considering running for office to replace her husband as Florida governor.

DeSantis has pushed to promote Trump’s agenda since the president returned to office on January 20. This includes advocating for hard-line immigration policies and making Florida the first state to recognize Trump’s executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

What People Are Saying

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in a Monday post on X:“In just one month since President Trump’s inauguration, DOGE has exposed wasteful spending, tackled the entrenched bureaucracy, and challenged the way the federal government operates. We’ve been doing these things in Florida since I took office, but today, we are formalizing a Florida DOGE task force to go even further.”

Manny Diaz Jr, Florida Department of Education commissioner, during Monday’s press conference: “While Florida has made great strides in refocusing our higher education system on educating students for their future, we must continue to dive into administrative spending and reduce bloat so our record of success may continue. It is a great time to review higher education spending with a fine-tooth comb, particularly when it comes to programs that do not contribute to students’ future success in the job market.”

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried in a statement: “We all know this isn’t about reining in spending — it’s about Trump endorsing Byron Donalds instead of Casey DeSantis. Maybe Ron should have considered the political consequences before he decided to run against the leader of his party for president.”