3 explanations for DeSantis' beef with the Legislature

[Zorro]

The relationship between Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republican leaders of the Florida Legislature has devolved into open hostility.

In social media posts and public pronouncements this week, DeSantis has accused legislators of sabotaging his plans for strong immigration enforcement. The House speaker and Senate president, who passed their own immigration plan they are calling the “TRUMP” Act, say, essentially, that DeSantis is a lying control freak.

There are genuine policy differences between the governor and Republican lawmakers. Chief among them: DeSantis abhors the legislators' proposal to name Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson the state’s chief immigration officer. DeSantis has already said he’ll veto the bill.

“I’ve never seen a more negative response from the public to the Legislature,” DeSantis said Wednesday. “... They think if they put Trump’s name on it that somehow that’s going to pull the wool over people’s eyes.”

But one policy disagreement does not explain the current state of affairs in Tallahassee. There’s more going on beneath the surface.

https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2025/01/31/3-explanations-desantis-beef-with-legislature/