It’s January 2026, and if you haven’t been watching the Tallahassee drama closely, you might think Florida’s governor has gone quiet. He hasn't. Not even close. Honestly, Ron DeSantis is currently navigating the most "lame duck" period of his life, but he’s doing it with a level of aggression that makes it clear he isn’t planning on a quiet retirement.
He’s basically at a crossroads. His term ends in January 2027, and Florida law says he can’t run again right now. So, what is Ron DeSantis doing now? He’s trying to cement a legacy that survives him while keeping his name at the top of the 2028 presidential conversation, even if he says he isn't thinking about it.
The Property Tax Crusade
The big thing right now is property taxes. If you live in Florida, you know the insurance and tax squeeze is real. DeSantis just gave his final State of the State address on January 13, 2026. He spent a massive chunk of that time talking about how Floridians are "locked in their homes" because they can’t afford the tax bill on a new place.
His big play? He wants a constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot to slash property taxes across the board.
It’s a smart move for a guy looking at a future national run. "The governor who killed the property tax" is a hell of a bumper sticker. But here’s the kicker: he’s fighting his own party to get it done. He’s been feuding with Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez. At the State of the State, DeSantis reportedly shook the Senate President’s hand but ignored Perez entirely. It’s that kind of petty political theater that shows he’s still got plenty of fight left.
The Budget and the "Floridians First" Plan
In December 2025, he rolled out a $117.4 billion budget proposal for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. He's calling it the "Floridians First" budget. Here’s a quick look at what’s actually in the pile of cash he's trying to move:
- $1.56 billion just for teacher pay increases.
- 5% raises for state law enforcement officers.
- $300 million set aside to help small counties that might lose money if his property tax cuts actually pass.
- $6 million to fight the federal government over oil drilling expansion near the Gulf Coast.
It’s a "greatest hits" budget. He’s doubling down on the stuff that made him popular with his base: cops, teachers (to an extent), and fighting the feds.
The 2026 Mid-Decade Redistricting Gamble
This is where things get kinda technical but really important for national politics. DeSantis is calling for a special session in April 2026 to redraw Florida’s congressional districts.
Why now?
Because the U.S. Supreme Court is about to rule on Louisiana v. Callais, which involves the Voting Rights Act. DeSantis wants to be ready to move the moment that ruling drops. He’s looking to carve out more Republican-leaning seats. If he succeeds, Florida could send even more Republicans to D.C. in the 2026 midterms. It’s a move that helps the national GOP and makes him a hero to the "Make America Great Again" crowd, even while he walks the tightrope of his relationship with the Trump administration.
Fighting the "Online Slop" (AI Regulation)
One of the more surprising things Ron DeSantis is doing now is taking a hard line on Artificial Intelligence. He’s pushing for an "AI Bill of Rights."
He’s worried about "online slop" and how AI could be used to manipulate reality. It’s a weirdly populist take for a conservative. He’s basically saying that if the state doesn't regulate how these models are trained and how they use our data, we're all in trouble. This actually puts him on a potential collision course with the Trump administration, which has been looking at federalizing AI regulation and stopping states from making their own rules.
DeSantis doesn't seem to care. He wants Florida to be the first state to set "moral and ethical" boundaries for AI.
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The 2028 Elephant in the Room
Every time a reporter asks him about 2028, he gives the same answer: "I'm not thinking about anything."
Don't believe it.
The political maneuvering he's doing right now is all about keeping the door open. He’s still appearing on Hannity and Fox Business to talk about illegal immigration and how Florida is "holding the line." Just recently, he was touting the arrest of a woman in Jacksonville who allegedly assaulted ICE agents, using it as a chance to contrast Florida’s "rule of law" with states like Minnesota or Oregon.
He’s keeping his national profile high. He knows his poll numbers aren't great right now—some surveys have him at 2% or 3% for the 2028 GOP primary—but he’s playing the long game. He’s 47 years old. He has time.
The Casey DeSantis Factor
There’s also the question of who comes after him in Tallahassee. His wife, Casey DeSantis, is consistently at the top of the polls for the 2026 gubernatorial race, even though she hasn't officially said she's running. If she runs and wins, the "DeSantis Era" in Florida doesn't end in 2027—it just enters a new phase.
What This Means for You
If you're a Florida resident or just someone watching the political landscape, the next 12 months are going to be loud. DeSantis is trying to finish his eight-year run with a "transformational" win on taxes and a win on redistricting.
He's not acting like a man who is retiring. He's acting like a man who is reloading.
What you should watch for next:
- The April Special Session: Watch the maps. If DeSantis gets his way on redistricting, it will change the balance of power in the U.S. House.
- The Property Tax Ballot Measure: This will be the biggest story of the 2026 election in Florida. If it makes it to the ballot, it needs 60% of the vote to pass.
- The AI Legislation: See if Florida actually passes laws that conflict with federal executive orders. It could lead to a massive legal battle over state versus federal rights.
Keep an eye on the friction between the Governor's office and the Florida House. That "fractured" relationship is going to determine how much of this agenda actually makes it across the finish line before he leaves office.
Practical Next Steps
- Check your voter registration: If you want a say in the property tax amendment or the 2026 gubernatorial primary (August 18, 2026), make sure your info is current at [YourLocalSOE].
- Track the bills: Use the Florida Senate or House websites to follow the specific progress of the "AI Bill of Rights" and property tax proposals during the 60-day session.
- Review your homestead exemption: If the property tax cuts do pass in November, they will most likely impact homesteaded properties first. Ensure your exemptions are filed correctly now to benefit later.