DeSantis announces DOGE audits for Florida city, county governments accused by taxpayers of wasteful spending

DeSantis launches DOGE audits of city, county spending

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced on-site audits of city and county governments starting July 31, targeting areas with complaints from taxpayers of wasteful spending. The Florida governor specifically called out Broward County, saying it raised property taxes by nearly 50% since 2020, even though its population reportedly grew by less than 5%. DeSantis emphasized that these audits are now required by law and local governments must cooperate.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is cracking down on what he calls out-of-control local spending, launching audits of cities and counties.

He announced that starting July 31, Florida will begin Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) inspections and on-site audits of county and city governments that he said haven’t cooperated with the state. 

What we know:

He made the announcement alongside Blaise Ingoglia, Florida Department of Financial Services Chief Financial Officer, during news conferences in Broward County and Gainesville.

These audits, led by teams from various state agencies, will review how local governments spend money – especially in places where taxpayers have complained about wasteful spending.

‘Starting with those jurisdictions which have received a lot of complaints’

What they're saying:

"They will be using the authority that I mentioned to conduct reviews of the data systems, physical premises and personnel, of counties and cities that have thus far refused to cooperate with us to identify and report on any excessive spending patterns," DeSantis said. 

"And we'll be doing this through our new authority, as I mentioned, which includes granting access to spending records. And we will be starting with those jurisdictions, which have received a lot of complaints for their spending practices."

The Florida governor specifically called out Broward County, saying it raised property taxes by nearly 50% since 2020, even though its population reportedly grew by less than 5%.

"And so we're here in Broward County, and I think most people know there's some criticism of how the county government has operated." 

"And I think over the last five years, taxpayers here in Broward have watched, their county government has increased property tax burdens by the tune of $450 million in addition to ad valorem collections," he added.

Gov. DeSantis announces DOGE audit in Gainesville

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a press conference on Tuesday morning in Gainesville. During the press conference, DeSantis announced on-site audits of city and county governments starting July 31, targeting areas with complaints from taxpayers of wasteful spending. Over the last five years, DeSantis said taxpayers in Gainesville have watched as the local government has increased burdens on property owners. He said there was more than $30 million in additional ad valorem tax collections, which represents an increase of almost 86% since 2020. He said part of the increased spending is in the Gainesville operating budget, which has expanded by more than $90 million a year.

Over the last five years, DeSantis said taxpayers in Gainesville have watched as the local government has increased burdens on property owners. He said there was more than $30 million in additional ad valorem tax collections, which represents an increase of almost 86% since 2020. He said part of the increased spending is in the Gainesville operating budget, which has expanded by more than $90 million a year. 

"What has the city done with the money?" DeSantis asked. "They have things that, quite frankly, the taxpayers don't want to pay more property taxes to fund."

What's next:

DeSantis emphasized that these audits are now required by law and local governments must cooperate. 

He also noted that more audits will be announced in other areas soon.