—
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida taxpayers could be on the hook for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ security detail for up to a year after he leaves office under a proposal being discussed in the Florida Senate.
The plan, described as a budget proposal from Florida Senate President Ben Albritton, would fund security for DeSantis, first lady Casey DeSantis and their children for up to 12 months after he leaves office in January.
“In terms of my security I’ve let FDLE handle that they make assessments on all these things,” DeSantis said. “I tend not to think about it because I don’t think it really helps you to think about it. But I do know that it is not insignificant some of the incoming that they get about things that they are concerned about,” said DeSantis.
Reports put the cost of providing security for DeSantis between $8 million and $12 million a year in taxpayer money. The proposal would cover those expenses even after DeSantis is no longer on the state payroll.
Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia said he supports the idea, citing what he described as an increasingly dangerous political environment.
“I am absolutely 100% in favor of that in this heightened environment where you have political violence occurring,” Ingoglia said. “You know, you’ve had a, um, you had a president, uh, that had, uh, a three assassination attempts. You’ve had what happened with Charlie Kirk. You do not know what’s out there.”
Law enforcement officers contacted about the proposal also said security is important for high-profile public figures, even after they leave office.
“It’s very important that people whether we are dealing with politicians or musicians or any high profile individual it’s very important that they have some security around them, because security, it provides safety and everyone wants to feel safe,” said Wesley Bradshaw, identified as a Grady County sheriff’s deputy. He also said protection can help keep bystanders safe.
DeSantis said he has relied on law enforcement to determine the appropriate level of protection. “Just since I’ve been governor, I’ve kind of let them make the call on that, and if they believe that there’s threats, then we take that very, very seriously,” he said.
The proposal has been discussed in Senate budget talks, but it would still need approval by the Florida Legislature to take effect.
