When DeSantis got up on the House rostrum to address the Legislature, he shook the hand of the Senate president. He did not look at or shake the hand of House Speaker Daniel Perez, standing next to him. The three men are the top Florida Republicans aside from the president.

Political infighting among Florida's top Republicans was hard to ignore on the first day of the 2026 Legislative Session.

As Gov. Ron DeSantis’ final legislative session at the helm of Florida began on Tuesday, he spent most of his time looking back.

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

Under the bill, local governments must hold a public hearing to approve the project prior to the construction and operation of any hyperscale data center. Additionally, utility companies – in fixing rates for hyperscale data centers, would not be allowed to collect certain impact fees.

House Speaker Daniel Perez opened the 2026 Legislative Session by casting the chamber’s activities last year as a part of a necessary transition shaped by internal fights, bruising negotiations and a public rupture with Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis reflected on his last seven years in office in his final State of the State address. We fact-checked his statements about the state’s immigration efforts, economic standing and education rankings.