DeSantis decries Florida state House leadership; speaker Perez blasts governor

Florida Republicans are currently in the midst of a heated civil war, with Governor Ron DeSantis at odds with state House leadership. The governor has accused House leadership of betraying the voters who elected them and pursuing a “swamp-centric agenda.” In response, Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez has fired back, claiming that DeSantis himself has “become the swamp.”

Despite holding significant majorities in both chambers of the legislature and controlling the governorship, Republicans in Florida are facing internal strife. DeSantis recently took to X to criticize the House leadership, stating that they are undermining the conservative path that Florida has been on. He accused them of empowering the left and warned that their actions could turn Florida back into a swing state.

In a scathing interview with Fox News Digital, DeSantis lambasted the House leadership for their approach, claiming that they rule based on fear and retribution. He expressed concern that the House’s actions could erode the progress made in turning Florida into a solidly red state during his tenure.

Speaker Perez, however, pushed back against DeSantis’ claims, arguing that the governor has failed to address financial mismanagement within his own administration. Perez asserted that the House remains committed to conservative principles, pointing to their approval of a budget lower than the governor’s proposal and their efforts to pass bold conservative policies.

DeSantis, a former congressman and House Freedom Caucus member, has ambitious plans before leaving office. He is focused on seeking a constitutional amendment to lower or abolish property taxes, which he views as oppressive and ineffective. The governor believes that property taxes unfairly burden property owners and wants to give voters the opportunity to weigh in on the issue.

As the gubernatorial race heats up in Florida, DeSantis has thrown his support behind Rep. Byron Donalds. While he is not eligible to run for re-election in 2026, DeSantis remains a prominent figure in Florida politics and has indicated that he will be involved in the upcoming election.

The rift between DeSantis and House leadership highlights the challenges facing the Republican Party in Florida. As the party grapples with internal divisions, the future of conservative governance in the Sunshine State hangs in the balance. Only time will tell how this conflict will impact the political landscape in Florida and beyond.