Highlights:
Memo From DeSantis’ Political Committee Laid Out Plan For Donors To Pay Thousands To DeSantis’ Political Committees For “Intimate” Events With The Governor, Including A Round Of Golf And Meals. According to the Tampa Bay Times, “It was DeSantis' first public comment since the Tampa Bay Times published internal documents from his political committee outlining how Florida's rich and powerful could pay for access to the governor. The documents listed prices for certain activities with DeSantis, including $25,000 to golf with him and $250,000 for a one hour ‘intimate and high dollar’ gathering.” [Tampa Bay Times, 9/25/19]
Private Events With DeSantis Would Range From $25,000 To $250,000. According to the Miami Herald, “Other documents reviewed by the Times established prices donors could pay to interact with DeSantis or his wife, Casey. Golf in a foursome? $25,000. Golf one-on-one with DeSantis? $100,000. A 10- to 15-minute meeting? $25,000. A dinner event? $150,000. One hour of an ‘intimate and high dollar’ gathering? $250,000.” [Miami Herald, 9/12/19]
DeSantis And His Wife Approved The Fundraising Plan. According to the Tampa Bay Times, “In the Jan. 20 memo to Strum, Wiles said that DeSantis and the first lady approved the ‘aggressive’ fundraising plan. Casey DeSantis, a key member of DeSantis' inner circle, intended to play ‘an integral role in many of these activities,’ Wiles added, including events for supporters at the governor's mansion and dedicated time for thank you calls. Meanwhile, DeSantis has kept his golf game sharp while meeting with lobbyists, business leaders and donors on the course, just as the fundraising plan suggested.” [Tampa Bay Times, 9/15/19]
According To Emails, DeSantis Golfed With Duke Energy Lobbyists After The Company Committed $100,000 In Contributions. According to the Tampa Bay Times, “According to emails obtained by the Times, DeSantis golfed with three lobbyists for Duke Energy in February after the Florida utility company committed $100,000 in contributions.” [Tampa Bay Times, 9/25/19]
Days After The Golf Outing, Duke Energy Donated $75,000 To The Republican Party Of Florida, Which Was Viewed As An Extension Of The DeSantis Political Committees. According to the Miami Herald, “The round of golf was scheduled at exclusive Indian Creek Country Club overlooking Biscayne Bay. Three Duke Energy lobbyists were to join Gov. Ron DeSantis in mid-February, a precious opportunity for the utility to get face time with Florida's new governor weeks after he took office. Internal documents obtained by the Tampa Bay Times reveal that Duke's lobbyists didn't just request the governor's time. They were supposed to pay for it, too. ‘Is this the one that is $25k per?’ asked the chair of DeSantis' political committee, Susan Wiles, in February emails referencing the upcoming round of golf. ‘A little more -- Duke is going to do $100k,’ responded the committee's finance consultant, Heather Barker. Days after the golf outing, Duke made a $75,000 donation to the Republican Party of Florida, which Wiles described in a memo as ‘interchangeable’ with DeSantis' political committee.” [Miami Herald, 9/12/19]
DeSantis Political Committee Staffers Were Explicit In Internal Communications About The Connection Between Political Donations And Private Golf Outing. According to the Miami Herald, “Three Duke Energy lobbyists were to join Gov. Ron DeSantis in mid-February, a precious opportunity for the utility to get face time with Florida's new governor weeks after he took office. Internal documents obtained by the Tampa Bay Times reveal that Duke's lobbyists didn't just request the governor's time. They were supposed to pay for it, too. ‘Is this the one that is $25k per?’ asked the chair of DeSantis' political committee, Susan Wiles, in February emails referencing the upcoming round of golf. ‘A little more -- Duke is going to do $100k,’ responded the committee's finance consultant, Heather Barker.” [Miami Herald, 9/12/19]
A Duty Free Store Contractor 3Sixty Duty Free Met With DeSantis Appointees To Talk About Lackluster Sales Since COVID. According to Seeking Rents , “In some cases, DeSantis donors need something from his appointees. For instance, records maintained by Orlando International Airport show that representatives for a duty-free store contractor met in March with Carson Good, a Winter Park real-estate investor and DeSantis fundraiser whom DeSantis put on the board of the agency that runs OIA shortly after taking office. Good said the company — Miami-based 3Sixty Duty Free, which operates two duty-free stores at OIA — wanted to give him an update on how its business is faring at the airport, where international traffic has yet to recover to pre-COVID levels.” [Seeking Rents, 5/24/22]
The Appointee Stated After The Meeting: “I Suppose If Sales Stay Slow, There May Be An Ask For Relief In The Future.” According to Seeking Rents , “During the worst of the pandemic travel slump, airport leaders waived or reduced fees several times for vendors, including 3Sixty Duty Free. But while domestic travel has since rebounded, international traffic continues to lag, which is prompting duty-free vendors like 3Sixty to seek more breaks. ‘As I recall, there was no specific ‘ask,’ but they were saying their sales were still off,’ Good said when asked about his March meeting with the company. ‘I suppose if sales stay slow, there may be an ask for relief in the future.’” [Seeking Rents, 5/24/22]
3Sixty Met With Three Other DeSantis Appointees And Donated $25,000 To DeSantis’s Political Committee. According to Seeking Rents , “Airport records show 3Sixty followed up its meeting with Good with additional meetings with three more of DeSantis’ appointees on the seven-member Orlando airport board. In between those meetings, records show, the company wrote a $25,000 check to DeSantis’ political committee.” [Seeking Rents, 5/24/22]
DeSantis And His Political Committee Accepted $10,000 In Donations From AE Engineering. According to the Intercept, “AE Engineering […] Donations to DeSantis $10,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
AE Engineering Received $43.4 Million In Contracts With The State Of Florida Under DeSantis. According to the Intercept, “AE Engineering […] Contracts under DeSantis $43,400,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
DeSantis And His Political Committee Accepted $3,000 In Donations From Ajax Building Company. According to the Intercept, “Ajax Building Company […] Donations to DeSantis […] $3,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
Ajax Building Company Received $161.4 Million In Contracts With The State Of Florida Under DeSantis. According to the Intercept, “Ajax Building Company […] Contracts under DeSantis […] $161,400,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
DeSantis And His Political Committee Accepted $10,000 In Donations From AUM Construction. According to the Intercept, “AUM Construction, Inc. […] Donations to DeSantis […] $10,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
AUM Construction Received $30.5 Million In Contracts With The State Of Florida Under DeSantis. According to the Intercept, “AUM Construction, Inc. […] Contracts under DeSantis […] $30,500,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
DeSantis And His Political Committee Accepted $3,000 In Donations From Certified Thermographic Service. According to the Intercept, “Certified Thermographic Service […] Donations to DeSantis […] $3,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
Certified Thermographic Service Received $500,000 In Contracts With The State Of Florida Under DeSantis. According to the Intercept, “Certified Thermographic Service […] Contracts under DeSantis […] $500,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
DeSantis And His Political Committee Accepted $1,000 In Donations From Chinchor Electric. According to the Intercept, “Chinchor Electric, Inc. […] Donations to DeSantis […] $1,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
Chinchor Electric Received $64.4 Million In Contracts With The State Of Florida Under DeSantis. According to the Intercept, “Chinchor Electric, Inc. […] Contracts under DeSantis […] $64,400,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
DeSantis And His Political Committee Accepted $30,000 In Donations From DNA Comprehensive Therapy Services. According to the Intercept, “DNA Comprehensive Therapy Services […] Donations to DeSantis […] $30,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
DNA Comprehensive Therapy Received $4.3 Million In Contracts With The State Of Florida Under DeSantis. According to the Intercept, “DNA Comprehensive Therapy Services […] Contracts under DeSantis […] $4,300,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
DeSantis And His Political Committee Accepted $3,000 In Donations From Earthscpaes Unlimited. According to the Intercept, “Earthscapes Unlimited […] Donations to DeSantis […] $3,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
Earthscapes Unlimited Received $6.3 Million In Contracts With The State Of Florida Under DeSantis. According to the Intercept, “Earthscapes Unlimited […] Contracts under DeSantis […] $6,300,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
DeSantis And His Political Committee Accepted $5,000 In Donations From Emerald Coast Striping. According to the Intercept, “Emerald Coast Striping […] Donations to DeSantis […] $5,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
Emerald Coast Striping Received $17.5 Million In Contracts With The State Of Florida Under DeSantis. According to the Intercept, “Emerald Coast Striping […] Contracts under DeSantis […] $17,500,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
May 27, 2021: DeSantis And His Political Committee Accepted $100,000 From Companies Connected To Full Sail University. According to Seeking Rents, “The tax break for Full Sail University was slipped into a long piece of tax legislation near the end of the 2021 legislative session. Lawmakers spent less than 30 seconds — House and Senate combined — publicly explaining it before they passed it. DeSantis signed the measure into law on May 24, 2021. Three days later, companies connected to Full Sail and its owners gave $100,000 to the governor’s political committee, records show.” [Seeking Rents, 7/21/22]
May 24, 2021: DeSantis Signed Legislation Which Would Save Full Sail University $1.3 Million In Property Taxes This Year. According to Seeking Rents, “A for-profit university owned by prominent political donors will save more than $1.3 million in property taxes this year, thanks to a tax break from Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature. That’s the equivalent of 20 or so public-school teachers. The tax break for Full Sail University was slipped into a long piece of tax legislation near the end of the 2021 legislative session. Lawmakers spent less than 30 seconds — House and Senate combined — publicly explaining it before they passed it. DeSantis signed the measure into law on May 24, 2021.” [Seeking Rents, 7/21/22]
Language In The Bill Was Written To Specifically Describe And Benefit Full Sail University. According to Seeking Rents, “Emails obtained by the Orlando Sentinel after the session ended showed that this language was written specifically to describe Full Sail. And after it passed, Full Sail and the companies it leases land from used it to apply for exemptions on nine new parcels around the Full Sail campus. The Orange County Property Appraiser’s Office signed off on these new exemptions earlier this month. That means those nine parcels — which had a combined tax bill last year of just over $1.3 million — will now be removed from the tax rolls.” [Seeking Rents, 7/21/22]
DeSantis And His Political Committee Accepted $10,000 In Donations From Hale Contracting. According to the Intercept, “Hale Contracting […] Donations to DeSantis […] $10,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
Hale Contracting Received $12.4 Million In Contracts With The State Of Florida Under DeSantis. According to the Intercept, “Hale Contracting […] Contracts under DeSantis […] $12,400,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
DeSantis And His Political Committee Accepted $18,5000 In Donations From Halley Engineering. According to the Intercept, “Halley Engineering […] Donations to DeSantis […] $18,5000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
Halley Engineering Received $481,700,000 In Contracts With The State Of Florida Under DeSantis. According to the Intercept, “Halley Engineering […] Contracts under DeSantis […] $481,700,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
Shortly After The Legislation Was Signed, The Billionaire Owner Of The Hard Rock Stadium Gave DeSantis $100,000 After The Session Ended, But Before DeSantis Acted On The Tax Break. According to Seeking Rents, “Earlier this month, DeSantis staged a signing ceremony at a Walmart in Ocala for HB 7071, $1.2 billion package of various tax breaks. Standing in front of television cameras with boxes of Huggies piled high behind him, DeSantis told the crowd about some of the tax breaks he was about to sign into law — like a temporary tax break on baby diapers. But the governor didn’t say a word about some of the other tax breaks he was approving at the same time — like a permanent tax break on tickets to Formula One Grand Prix races, which will cost the state $6 million a year in lost revenue in order to subsidize an annual Formula One race at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Lawmakers stuffed that tax break into their tax package as a favor for Steve Ross, the billionaire real-estate developer who owns the Miami Dolphins — and Hard Rock Stadium. […] Ross, who has been a generous donor to legislators in Tallahassee, made sure to show DeSantis some love, too. Shortly after the session ended, and before the governor acted on Ross’ tax break, records show Ross gave DeSantis $100,000.” [Seeking Rents, 5/24/22]
DeSantis Signed A $1.2 Billion Tax Package That Included A $6 Million Tax Break To Formula One Races At Hard Rock Stadium In Miami. According to Seeking Rents, “Earlier this month, DeSantis staged a signing ceremony at a Walmart in Ocala for HB 7071, $1.2 billion package of various tax breaks. Standing in front of television cameras with boxes of Huggies piled high behind him, DeSantis told the crowd about some of the tax breaks he was about to sign into law — like a temporary tax break on baby diapers. But the governor didn’t say a word about some of the other tax breaks he was approving at the same time — like a permanent tax break on tickets to Formula One Grand Prix races, which will cost the state $6 million a year in lost revenue in order to subsidize an annual Formula One race at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Lawmakers stuffed that tax break into their tax package as a favor for Steve Ross, the billionaire real-estate developer who owns the Miami Dolphins — and Hard Rock Stadium.” [Seeking Rents, 5/24/22]
DeSantis’ Political Groups Accepted $350,000 In Donations From Herzog Contracting. According to the Intercept, “The railroad company, Herzog Contracting, only received $115,000 in contracts under former Republican Gov. Rick Scott and did not donate to his campaign. Since the 2018 gubernatorial race, by contrast, the firm has given $350,000 to DeSantis or his state committee and has so far received $32.7 million in contracts from the Florida Department of Transportation, including work on a commuter rail project.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
Herzog Contracting Received $32.7 Million In Contracts With The State. According to the Intercept, “The railroad company, Herzog Contracting, only received $115,000 in contracts under former Republican Gov. Rick Scott and did not donate to his campaign. Since the 2018 gubernatorial race, by contrast, the firm has given $350,000 to DeSantis or his state committee and has so far received $32.7 million in contracts from the Florida Department of Transportation, including work on a commuter rail project.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
DeSantis And His Political Committee Accepted $44,300 In Donations From Holland & Knight.. According to the Daily Beast, “According to data with the Center for Responsive Politics, DeSantis’ old firm of Holland & Knight was the third-largest corporate source of campaign funds during his 2011-2018 congressional tenure. The company contributed a total $44,300 in employee and PAC donations—more than Koch Industries—and threw another $50,000 behind DeSantis’ 2018 gubernatorial bid.” [Daily Beast, 10/27/22]
Holland & Knight Received Over $3 Million In State Contracts Under DeSantis. According to the Daily Beast, “Until that year, Holland & Knight had pocketed only $2,750 in contracts with the state of Florida, per FACTS data. But in 2018, the firm developed what Law.com called ‘a new revenue stream’—‘defending state agencies and DeSantis in lawsuits, sometimes involving controversial legislation.’ According to the report, the firm raked in nearly $3 million between 2018 and 2020 while defending the state in three legal matters: a lawsuit over inadequate foster home care (which the state settled), the voting rights for felons case, and a 2020 suit regarding mail-in voting restrictions.” [Daily Beast, 10/27/22]
DeSantis’ Political Groups Accepted More Than $125,000 From IGT Global Solutions. According to Seeking Rents, “One of the largest lottery vendors in the world, IGT Global Solutions Plc has been very good to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis: Records show the company has given the governor more than $125,000 — including another $25,000 check cut just this past June.” [Seeking Rents, 10/18/22]
IGT Global Solutions PLC Was Sole Bidder On $18 Million Florida Lottery Contract. According to Seeking Rents, “One of the largest lottery vendors in the world, IGT Global Solutions Plc has been very good to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis: Records show the company has given the governor more than $125,000 — including another $25,000 check cut just this past June. The DeSantis administration has been very good to IGT, too. The Florida Lottery, which is run by a DeSantis appointee, in July awarded an $18 million contract to IGT to install a new prize payment system. IGT, which is already one of the Florida Lottery’s biggest vendors, was the only bidder for the new deal.” [Seeking Rents, 10/18/22]
Florida Lottery Was Run By A DeSantis Appointee. According to Seeking Rents, “The Florida Lottery, which is run by a DeSantis appointee, in July awarded an $18 million contract to IGT to install a new prize payment system. IGT, which is already one of the Florida Lottery’s biggest vendors, was the only bidder for the new deal.” [Seeking Rents, 10/18/22]
February - April 2021: JM Family Donated $200,000 To DeSantis’ Political Committee. According to Seeking Rents, “This wasn’t even the first example involving JM Family, a privately held company based in Deerfield Beach that does $18 billion a year in sales. JM Family first donated to DeSantis’ political committee on March 10, 2021, giving the governor $100,000 […] Records show JM Family gave $100,000 to ‘Friends of Ron DeSantis’ on Feb. 24. […] JM Family, which will pay for the other half itself, then gave DeSantis another $100,000 on April 13.” [Seeking Rents, 5/24/22]
April 2021: DeSantis’ Administration Awarded JM Family Enterprise A $16.5 Million Grant To Pay For A New Facility. According to Seeking Rents, “Earlier this year, the administration of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis did a big favor for one of Florida’s largest companies, when it awarded a $16.5 million grant to help pay for a new vehicle-processing facility for JM Family Enterprises at the port of Jacksonville.” [Seeking Rents, 5/24/22]
Weeks Later, JM Family Enterprises Gave DeSantis’ Fundraising Committee Another $200,000. According to Seeking Rents, “A few weeks later, JM Family did a big favor for Ron DeSantis, when it donated $200,000 to the governor’s political fundraising committee.” [Seeking Rents, 5/24/22]
DeSantis And His Political Committee Accepted $10,000 From Johnson Bros. According to the Intercept, “Johnson Bros. Corporation […] Donations to DeSantis […] $10,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
Johnson Bros. Received $696,900,000 In Contracts With The State Of Florida Under DeSantis. According to the Intercept, “Johnson Bros. Corporation […] Contracts under DeSantis […] $696,900,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
DeSantis And His Political Committee Accepted $200,000 In Donations From Kane Financial Services. According to the Intercept, “Kane Financial Services […] Donations to DeSantis […] $200,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
Kane Financial Services Received $211,000 In Contracts With The State Of Florida Under DeSantis. According to the Intercept, “Kane Financial Services […] Contracts under DeSantis […] $211,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
DeSantis And His Political Committee Accepted $22,500 In Donations From M Of Tallahassee. According to the Intercept, “M of Tallahassee […] Donations to DeSantis […] $22,500.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
M Of Tallahassee Received $74 Million In Contracts With The State Of Florida Under DeSantis. According to the Intercept, “M of Tallahassee […] Contracts under DeSantis […] $74,000,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
DeSantis And His Political Committee Accepted $31,000 In Donations From Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough. According to the Intercept, “Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough […] Donations to DeSantis […] $31,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough Received $1.2 Million In Contracts With The State Of Florida Under DeSantis. According to the Intercept, “Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough […] Contracts under DeSantis […] $1,200,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
DeSantis And His Political Committee Accepted $150,000 In Donations From Nomi Health. According to Politico’s Florida Playbook, “Some of the bigger contributors this past week include Standard Industries ($100,000) as well as Nomi Health ($50,000), a company that has received millions of dollars in state contracts for Covid-19 testing and vaccine work. Nomi Health gave $100,000 to DeSantis’ political committee in 2021.” [Politico –Florida Playbook, 7/5/22]
Nomi Health Received Millions In Contracts With The State Of Florida Under DeSantis. According to Politico’s Florida Playbook, “Some of the bigger contributors this past week include Standard Industries ($100,000) as well as Nomi Health ($50,000), a company that has received millions of dollars in state contracts for Covid-19 testing and vaccine work. Nomi Health gave $100,000 to DeSantis’ political committee in 2021.” [Politico –Florida Playbook, 7/5/22]
DeSantis And His Political Committee Accepted $82,500 In Donations From Palm Beach Aggregates. According to the Intercept, “Palm Beach Aggregates, LLC […] Donations to DeSantis […] $82,500.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
Palm Beach Aggregates Received $30 Million In Contracts With The State Of Florida Under DeSantis. According to the Intercept, “Palm Beach Aggregates, LLC […] Contracts under DeSantis […] $30,000,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
DeSantis And His Political Committee Accepted $400,000 In Donations From John Rood. According to Seeking Rents, “Rood, who was once made ambassador to The Bahamas by former President George W. Bush, is one of the biggest Republican donors in Florida. Campaign-finance records show that Rood and his companies have given nearly $400,000 to DeSantis and the Republican Party of Florida in the four years DeSantis has served as governor. (DeSantis has also called Rood a personal friend.)” [Seeking Rents, 9/12/22]
Public Records Showed DeSantis Aides Tried Helping Mega Donor And Real Estate Developer John Rood Pass A Bill Making It Easier To Turn Affordable Housing Into High-Cost Apartments. According to Seeking Rents, “Top aides to Gov. Ron DeSantis tried to help an apartment company run by a big campaign contributor pass legislation that could have forced thousands of Floridians living in affordable apartments out of their homes. The emails show that senior staffers to DeSantis worked with lobbyists for The Vestcor Companies on a proposal during the 2022 legislative session that would have made it easier for apartment developers like Vestcor to convert rent-controlled, affordable-housing units that were built with public subsidies into higher-priced, market-rate apartments and condos. DeSantis aides also met to discuss the proposal with John Rood, the founder and chairman of Vestcor, according to the Florida Times-Union.” [Seeking Rents, 9/12/22]
DeSantis And His Political Committee Accepted $10,000 In Donations From Ryan Inc., Southern. According to the Intercept, “Ryan Inc., Southern […] Donations to DeSantis […] $10,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
Ryan Inc., Southern Received $8.3 Million In Contracts With The State Of Florida Under DeSantis. According to the Intercept, “Ryan Inc., Southern […] Contracts under DeSantis [...] $8,300,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
DeSantis And His Political Committee Accepted $4,000 In Donations From Visualscape. According to the Intercept, “Visualscape […] Donations to DeSantis [...] $4,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
Visualscape Received $19.4 Million In Contracts With The State Of Florida Under DeSantis. According to the Intercept, “Visualscape […] Contracts under DeSantis […] $19,400,000.” [Intercept, 9/27/22]
DeSantis’ Political Groups Accepted More Than $20 Million In Donations From The Republican Governors Association, Making Them DeSantis’ Biggest Donor. According to Florida Politics, “In the buildup to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ landslide re-election in November, he saw nearly 66,000 donations roll in from across the country. […] The biggest donor to the campaign was the Republican Governors Association, which spent $20,950,000 propping up one of the nation’s most prominent Governors.” [Florida Politics, 12/13/22]
The RGA Accepted $270,000 In Donations From AshBritt. According to the Tallahassee Democrat “Centene has given RGA $1.9 million since 2020, while The GEO Group gave RGA $1 million. Other RGA donors with Florida ties have given smaller amounts since 2020, including $225,000 from Publix, $200,000 from Florida East Coast Industries, $105,000 from the massive Central Florida retirement community The Villages and $270,000 from AshBritt, a Florida disaster recovery company that does extensive work in the state, especially following hurricanes.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 6/23/22]
Ashbritt Received Contracts With The State Of Florida For Providing Meals For State Workers At COVID-19 Testing Sites. According to the Tallahassee Democrat “AshBritt is among a number of RGA donors that have received COVID-19 contracts in Florida. The company provided meals for state workers at COVID-19 testing sites.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 6/23/22]
According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “CDR Maguire has donated $105,000 to RGA since 2020.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 6/23/22]
CDR Maguire Received A State Contract To Give Out COVID-19 Vaccines. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Another RGA donor, Miami-based CDR Maguire Inc, received a state contract to give COVID-19 vaccines to assisted living residents.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 6/23/22]
The RGA Accepted $1.9 Million In Donations From Centene. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Behind RGA’s contributions to DeSantis are an array of other donors, some who would rank among DeSantis’ top campaign contributors if they donated to him directly. […] Centene has given RGA $1.9 million since 2020, while The GEO Group gave RGA $1 million. [Tallahassee Democrat, 6/23/22]
Centene Had Contracts To Provide Health Contracts For More Than 70 Detention Facilities In Florida. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Centene has big contracts in Florida to provide health coverage for Medicaid patients and inmates in more than 70 detention facilities, while The GEO Group operates four detention facilities in Florida.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 6/23/22]
The RGA Accepted Donations From Duke Energy. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Behind RGA’s contributions to DeSantis are an array of other donors, some who would rank among DeSantis’ top campaign contributors if they donated to him directly. They include the parent company of Florida Power & Light, Florida-based prison contractor The GEO Group, Duke Energy, Florida Medicaid and prison healthcare contractor Centene and Brightline train operator Florida East Coast Industries. Some of these entities stand to make a lot of money off DeSantis’ policies.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 6/23/22]
DeSantis Appointed Members Of The Florida Public Service Commission Who Approved Duke Rate Hikes. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “DeSantis appoints members of the Florida Public Service Commission, who have approved FPL and Duke rate hikes.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 6/23/22]
The RGA Accepted Donations From Florida Power & Light. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Behind RGA’s contributions to DeSantis are an array of other donors, some who would rank among DeSantis’ top campaign contributors if they donated to him directly. They include the parent company of Florida Power & Light, Florida-based prison contractor The GEO Group, Duke Energy, Florida Medicaid and prison healthcare contractor Centene and Brightline train operator Florida East Coast Industries. Some of these entities stand to make a lot of money off DeSantis’ policies.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 6/23/22]
Florida Power & Light Parent Company NextEra Energy And FPL Gave DeSantis’ PAC $37,000 And The RGA $1.8 Million Since 2020. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “NextEra Energy, FPL’s parent company, and FPL contributed $37,000 combined to DeSantis’ PAC. NextEra has been much more generous with the RGA, giving $1.8 million since 2020.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 6/23/22]
DeSantis Appointed Members Of The Florida Public Service Commission Who Approved FPL Rate Hikes. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “DeSantis appoints members of the Florida Public Service Commission, who have approved FPL and Duke rate hikes.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 6/23/22]
Florida Power & Light Convinced DeSantis And The State Legislature To Give A New Tax Break On Hydrogen Power Equipment. According to Seeking Rents, “(Section 23, HB 7071, 2022) Last year, as part of an agreement allowing it to raise rates by more than $1.5 billion over the next four years, Florida Power & Light won approval to build a ‘green hydrogen’ power plant in Okeechobee County. A few months later, the giant utility persuaded DeSantis and the Legislature to create a new tax break on machinery and equipment used in the construction of green hydrogen power plants.” [Seeking Rents, 7/21/22]
The RGA Accepted $1 Million In Donations From The GEO Group. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Behind RGA’s contributions to DeSantis are an array of other donors, some who would rank among DeSantis’ top campaign contributors if they donated to him directly. […] Centene has given RGA $1.9 million since 2020, while The GEO Group gave RGA $1 million. [Tallahassee Democrat, 6/23/22]
GEO Group Earned Over $110 Million In Florida Contracts After Giving The Republican Governors Association A $150,000 Donation. According to Seeking Rents, “Now, there’s no way to know much of the money from GEO was passed on to DeSantis. But it’s a good bet that some of it was. That’s because Florida is the most important state in the country for GEO, which is based in Boca Raton and made more than $110 million last year from Florida contracts, according to investor filings. GEO’s donations to the RGA included $150,000 given in mid-August — less than two weeks before the DeSantis administration renewed the company’s contract to run the 1,948-bed South Bay Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility in Palm Beach County. GEO has already banked more than $320 million on that contract since it was first signed in 2009. GEO is not the only private-prison contractor pouring money into the RGA. Tennessee-based CorCivic Inc., which manages the 893-bed Lake City Correctional Facility in north Florida, has given the Republican governors group at least $320,000 so far this year.” [Seeking Rents, 11/6/22]
The GEO Group Operated Four Detention Facilities In Florida. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Centene has big contracts in Florida to provide health coverage for Medicaid patients and inmates in more than 70 detention facilities, while The GEO Group operates four detention facilities in Florida.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 6/23/22]
The RGA Accepted $2 Million From The Seminole Tribe. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed through a blockbuster gambling deal last year that gave a big prize to the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which secured exclusive rights to offer sports betting in the state. Now DeSantis is running for re-election and the Seminole Tribe is making a $2 million contribution that could help the governor secure another term. The $2 million doesn’t show up in state campaign finance reports, though. It didn’t go into DeSantis’ political committee. Instead, the Tribe gave the money to the Republican Governors Association, which has been writing big checks to DeSantis’ committee, acting as a pass through that allows some of the largest special interests in Florida to funnel money to the governor without as much scrutiny. […] Sports betting is estimated to be a multi-billion market in Florida, so securing exclusive access to it could be extremely lucrative for the Seminole Tribe, although the deal currently is tied up in court.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 6/23/22]
The Donation Came After DeSantis Pushed Through A Gambling Deal In 2021 That Gave The Seminole Tribe Exclusive Rights To Sports Betting. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed through a blockbuster gambling deal last year that gave a big prize to the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which secured exclusive rights to offer sports betting in the state. Now DeSantis is running for re-election and the Seminole Tribe is making a $2 million contribution that could help the governor secure another term. The $2 million doesn’t show up in state campaign finance reports, though. It didn’t go into DeSantis’ political committee. Instead, the Tribe gave the money to the Republican Governors Association, which has been writing big checks to DeSantis’ committee, acting as a pass through that allows some of the largest special interests in Florida to funnel money to the governor without as much scrutiny. […] Sports betting is estimated to be a multi-billion market in Florida, so securing exclusive access to it could be extremely lucrative for the Seminole Tribe, although the deal currently is tied up in court.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 6/23/22]
DeSantis Accepted Nearly $3.3 Million In Campaign Donations From Around 250 Appointees. According to the Miami Herald, “Since assuming office in 2019, DeSantis has accepted roughly $3.3 million in campaign donations from about 250 people he selected for leadership roles — a 75% increase in the number of donors appointed compared to former Gov. Rick Scott’s first term in office, and over 10 times the amount of money. That’s based on an analysis by American Bridge 21st Century, a Democrat super PAC specialized in opposition research. The group, which shared its analysis with the Miami Herald, scrutinized contributions to the governor’s 2018 and 2022 campaign funds, as well as his associated political action committee, Friends of Ron DeSantis, and his congressional campaign funds.” [Miami Herald, 10/19/22]
DeSantis Appointed 75% More Donors Than Scott. According to the Miami Herald, “Gov. Ron DeSantis’ war chest is almost bottomless. And it’s padded with donations from officials he appointed to positions throughout the state. While it’s common for governors to stack commissions, boards and task forces with their supporters, DeSantis has done so at a significantly higher rate than his predecessor, according to an analysis of campaign contributions and political appointments. Since assuming office in 2019, DeSantis has accepted roughly $3.3 million in campaign donations from about 250 people he selected for leadership roles — a 75% increase in the number of donors appointed compared to former Gov. Rick Scott’s first term in office, and over 10 times the amount of money. That’s based on an analysis by American Bridge 21st Century, a Democrat super PAC specialized in opposition research. The group, which shared its analysis with the Miami Herald, scrutinized contributions to the governor’s 2018 and 2022 campaign funds, as well as his associated political action committee, Friends of Ron DeSantis, and his congressional campaign funds.” [Miami Herald, 10/19/22]
DeSantis Appointed Political Backers To New Disney Oversight Board. According to Politico, “Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday appointed members to a new board that oversees much of Disney World’s operations, settling a long-running conflict with the entertainment giant over Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law. DeSantis announced the five appointees, all political donors and loyalists, at a ceremony where he signed legislation that, in large part, creates a board to run the special district that previously granted Disney a wide range of freedom to self-govern. Florida’s GOP-dominated Legislature approved the bill during a special session earlier this month.” [Politico, 2/27/23]
Americans For Prosperity Was Political Arm Of Network Developed By The Koch Brothers To Influence US Politics, Was Driving Force Behind Major Conservative Legislation Nationwide. According to The Guardian, “Yet events in Wisconsin are crucial to understanding how a little-known, billionaire-funded organization, called Americans for Prosperity (AFP), has tilted American politics to the right. It is intertwined with, and rivals in size, the Republican party itself. […] Instead, to understand what happened in Wisconsin – and what is happening in states across the country – we need to look to the underappreciated organization that is at the center of the political network created and directed by the billionaire conservative industrialists, Charles and David Koch. We are a group of Columbia and Harvard-based researchers who for the past five years have been investigating precisely how the Koch brothers work to influence US politics and the role played by AFP. In recent years, AFP has quietly pushed behind the scenes for many of the most important conservative victories across the nation, including the anti-union bills that passed in former union strongholds such as Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio.” [Guardian, 9/26/18]
2022: Americans For Prosperity Endorsed DeSantis For Re-Election. According to The Capitolist, “The political arm of Americans for Prosperity backed Governor Ron DeSantis‘ re-election bid on Monday. Americans for Prosperity Action (AFP Action) announced today that it is officially endorsing DeSantis’ gubernatorial re-election campaign, promising to leverage its grassroots outreach and resources to ensure that he secures a second term as governor. ‘Gov. DeSantis has been a champion for Floridians through difficult and challenging times, and he has succeeded with his economic freedom-oriented approach,’ said AFP Action Senior Advisor Skylar Zander. ‘His support for policies— from reducing spending to expanding school choice — have caught the attention of people across the country who want to live in a state where the government respects and empowers its people. AFP Action volunteers across the state are ready to turn out to support his reelection.’” [The Capitolist, 5/2/22]
2021: Americans For Prosperity Spent Six Figures On Ad Campaign Supporting DeSantis’ Education Policies. According to Florida Politics, “Americans for Prosperity-Florida has launched an ad campaign praising Gov. Ron DeSantis for signing a recent school choice expansion. The ad, a 30-second video airing on television and online, thanks DeSantis for signing the school voucher bill (HB 7045) and encourages him to continue supporting school choice. AFP-FL, the state branch of a libertarian advocacy group, spent six figures on the ad, which is running statewide.” [Florida Politics, 5/25/21]
2018: DeSantis Was Given A 100% Rating From Americans For Prosperity. According to the Tampa Bay Times, “DeSantis is a creature of the Washington beltway, a darling of conservative interest groups like Americans for Prosperity and the American Conservative Union, and a fixture on Fox News. […] Americans for Prosperity and the American Conservative Union give him 100 percent ratings.” [Tampa Bay Times, 1/7/18]
2018: DeSantis Had An Americans For Prosperity Lifetime Rating Of 98%. According to VoteSmart, then-Rep. DeSantis had a 98% score from Americans for Prosperity for 2018, the last year he was in Congress. [VoteSmart, “Americans for Prosperity – 2018 Ratings,” accessed 3/8/23]
AFP Said That DeSantis “Truly Earned Their 100 Rating On Our AFP Scorecard” According to AFP Website, “A Republican from Florida’s 6th district, Ron DeSantis consistently votes to protect the American dream and the economic freedoms which allow Americans to be successful and achieve their goals. He has worked hard and voted in accordance with these ideals and has successfully aided several major bills which advance these ideals. […] This individual has truly earned their 100 rating on our AFP scorecard. They have been dedicated to freedom from day 1 and their voting record proves it. We are proud to award them this distinction and hope they continue to promote the great ideas which have fought back against government overreach and allowed their districts economies to flourish.” [AFP Website, 7/21/14]
DeSantis Attended A Koch Brothers Retreat In Palm Springs, California. According to Florida Politics, “U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis loves to travel. And travel he did this weekend, to Palm Springs for a Koch brothers retreat. The Freedom Partners event dealt with fundraising and fund expenditure. The hope is to funnel up to $900 million into this campaign, reports The Desert Sun. The Hill’s Jonathan Swan tweets that DeSantis was there, along with Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse, Texas Lt. Gov. Jeb Hensarling, and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.” [Florida Politics, 1/31/16]
DeSantis Would Seek To Benefit From The Koch Conservative Network With “Hefty Advertising Support” By Those Attending The Weekend Retreat. According to The Guardian, “DeSantis is seeking to replace senator and presidential candidate Marco Rubio – who is not running for re-election to the Senate in 2017 – and faces a GOP primary in August. As an invitee to the Koch confab, DeSantis has a good shot at benefitting from what the conservative network specializes in: hefty advertising support from the tax-exempt nonprofits that industrialists Charles and David Koch and their wealthy allies underwrite via unlimited and dark money. DeSantis and other congressional guests are also hoping to see Super Pacs that support them receive checks that donors, thanks to the Citizens United decision, can write with no upper limit.” [Guardian, 1/29/16]
DeSantis Attended The FreedomWorks 912 Grassroots Summit In Orlando, FL. According to a press release by FreedomWorks via Plus Media Solutions, “FreedomWorks ‘Back Stage with Congressman Ron DeSantis FL-6th District.’ As he sits down back stage at FreedomWorks 912 Grassroots Summit in Orlando, FL to discuss The US House of Representatives and the up hill battles that he fights against on a daily basis.” [FreedomWorks via Plus Media Solutions, 10/6/15]
DeSantis Spoke At A FreePAC Florida Event. According to a press release by FreedomWorks via PR Newswire, “Grassroots event will feature activist training and speakers including Matt Kibbe, Glenn Beck, Connie Mack and Ron DeSantis[.] The following is being released by FreedomWorks: Thousands of conservatives from across the country will gather in Florida for a massive grassroots activist training and a lineup of impressive speakers from the limited-government movement at FreePAC Florida in the greater Orlando area. The event will begin with grassroots training on a variety of topics, including yard sign blitzing, phone banking, roll call vote research, old and new media strategy, and door-to-door outreach. The evening rally will be headlined by (in no specific order): Matt Kibbe, FreedomWorks president Glenn Beck, media entrepreneur and founder of The Blaze Rep. Connie Mack (FL-14) Ron DeSantis, former federal prosecutor and Navy veteran Trey Radel, businessman and conservative spokesperson Rep. Tim Scott (SC-1) Rep. Jim Jordan (OH-4) Deneen Borelli, FreedomWorks Outreach Director Rev. CL Bryant, FreedomWorks Fellow and star of the ‘Runaway Slave’ documentary Dana Loesch, nationally syndicated radio host.” [FreedomWorks via PR Newswire, 10/11/12]
DeSantis Will Be Hosting A Town Hall With Koch-Funded Concerned Veterans For America. According to a Concerned Veterans for America press release obtained via Concerned Veterans for America’s website, “Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) is coming to Tampa for a ‘Veterans and Military Town Hall’ with Congressman Ron DeSantis Friday, May 20, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Cuban Club of Tampa (2010 N Avenida Republica de Cuba). The event is part of CVA’s ‘Defend and Reform’ Policy Series. Representative DeSantis, Dan Caldwell, CVA’s vice president of political and legislative action, and Diego Echeverri, CVA’s Florida state director, will join local veterans to talk about the critical issues facing Florida veterans, military families, and—by extension—all Americans. […] Caldwell issued the following statement regarding the event: ‘This town hall will give veterans and their families the chance to make their voices heard on the important issues of our day, issues which are of special importance to those who have worn the uniform and served our country. They deserve to know what national policymakers will do to keep our country safe, ensure those who have served are treated with the highest standard of dignity, and care and restore fiscal responsibility in our nation’s capital.” [Concerned Veterans for America, 5/18/16]
DeSantis Planned To Attend A Town Hall Hosted By Koch–Backed Veterans Group, Concerned Veterans For America. According to the Tampa Bay Times, “U.S. Senate hopeful Ron DeSantis is back in Tampa on Friday, aiming to build up support within the region’s military and veterans community. […] Tonight, he speaks to a veterans groups that has been highly critical to President Barack Obama’s policies and has ties to the Koch brothers. The Concerned Veterans for America said the event at the Cuban Club in Ybor City is not a campaign event for DeSantis, but instead a town hall meeting to discuss ‘critical issues facing Florida veterans, military families and -- by extension -- all Americans.’ […] Concerned Veterans for American is classified as a non-partisan, non-profit group, but has been flagged by groups like SourceWatch for having ties to the politically active Koch Brothers.” [Tampa Bay Times, 5/20/16]