Florida Democrats criticize DeSantis' claims of economic success, focusing on affordability issues while proposing reforms for insurance and housing.

Gender and age splits also cut against him. DeSantis is now underwater with women, while older voters and men continue to buoy his overall standing. Regionally, his strongest support comes from Republican strongholds in North Florida and Southwest Florida, helping offset weaker numbers in Southeast Florida.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (foreground) delivers his State of the State address as Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, listens during the first day of the legislative session at the Florida State Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Tallahassee, Florida. Photo by Matias J. Ocner [email protected]

Gov. Ron DeSantis delivered his last State of the State speech on Jan. 13, the start of the 60-day legislative session.

Democratic leaders criticized the Governor’s emphasis on property taxes following the speech. State Sen. Shevrin Jones dismissed the rhetoric as “something to go on billboards and bumper stickers,” not a real way to help rural communities. It’s a perspective he said people share across the aisle.

Gov. Ron DeSantis suggested Monday that Florida’s school districts could come under state control if they’re operating in ways his administration doesn’t condone. “There’s a handful of spots around the state where maybe thrusting these entities into receivership might be the best way to go forward,