Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis last State of the State: Full speech video

DeSantis touts record, renews property tax push in address

Florida’s annual legislative session opened Tuesday with Gov. Ron DeSantis delivering his final State of the State address, highlighting his administration’s accomplishments while calling on lawmakers to put a proposal to cut property taxes before voters.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis delivered his final State of the State address on Tuesday morning, where he laid out some of his accomplishments over the last 7 years, and listed his priorities for his last year as governor.

Looking ahead to the 2026 legislative session – which runs January 13 to March 13 – DeSantis mentioned A.I. regulations and protection for Floridians, as well as property tax relief and reform. You can watch his full speech in the player above. 

How long has Ron DeSantis been governor?

DeSantis was elected as Florida's 46th governor in 2018, and was re-elected in 2022. His current term will end in January 2027 due to term limits.

He was born in Jacksonville and graduated from Dunedin High School. He attended Yale University and Harvard University. He served in the United States Navy from 2004-2010, and has been part of the U.S. Navy Reserve since, according to his online bio.

Florida State of the State: Gov. DeSantis' full speech

Gov. Ron DeSantis delivered his final State of the State address in front of Florida lawmakers on Tuesday. He touted his accomplishments over his last two terms and set some of his goals for the next year: property tax relief and A.I. restrictions and regulation. Here is his full remarks.

He served in the U.S. House of Representatives (FL - 6th District) from 2013-2018. He resigned to run for governor.

He is married to Casey DeSantis, a former news anchor. Both share three children, according to the online bio.

2026 Election: Florida Governor candidates

Several candidates have either announced their candidacy or filed their paperwork to run for governor in the 2026 general election:

- Lt. Governor Jay Collins

- Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings

- Florida Rep. Byron Donalds

- Former Florida Rep. David Jolly

- Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner

As of Tuesday morning, 35 people have filed candidacy paperwork to run for governor, according to the state's election website.