DeSantis Utilized “Sweet Florida,” A Paean To DeSantis’ Record In Florida, At An Official Bill-Signing Ceremony, And Promoted The Song’s Website. According to Politico, “Last week, the governor and his reelection campaign touted ‘Sweet Florida,’ a song performed by Johnny and Donnie Van Zant that is a paean to the Republican governor’s stewardship of the state. ‘Our governor is red, white and blue,’ the Van Zant brothers sing at one point. The tune got its debut on Fox News and then later that same day got a shoutout and even some joking by both the governor and Moody at a bill-signing ceremony for the new measure that provides incentives to police officers to move to Florida. Free Bird — DeSantis at one point during the event said ‘yes, you can go to SweetFloridasong.com. I think people like it. I like it.’ Moody said ‘consider moving to sweet, sweet Florida. If those of you don’t know what that means, there was a video released today by the Van Zant brothers that says Florida is sweet, sweet Florida. And our governor stars in that.’” [Politico, 4/7/22]
DeSantis Promoted Website For “Sweet Florida” At Official Event, The Website Was Paid For By The DeSantis Campaign And Contained Campaign Contribution Links. According to Politico, “Last week, the governor and his reelection campaign touted ‘Sweet Florida,’ a song performed by Johnny and Donnie Van Zant that is a paean to the Republican governor’s stewardship of the state. […]The group this week filed complaints with the Florida Elections Commission, where it noted that the ‘Sweet Florida’ website is paid by the DeSantis campaign (there’s even a disclaimer on it) and it contains donation links.” [Politico, 4/7/22]
DeSantis’ Use Of “Sweet Florida” And Promotion Of Website Earned Election Complaint With The Florida Elections Commission. According to Politico, “Last week, the governor and his reelection campaign touted ‘Sweet Florida,’ a song performed by Johnny and Donnie Van Zant that is a paean to the Republican governor’s stewardship of the state. […] American Bridge 21st Century, which does opposition research and supports Democratic candidates, says the promotion of the website violated Florida election law because DeSantis and Moody did it at an official state-sanctioned event.” [Politico, 4/7/22]
DeSantis Campaign Ad, Focused On His Military Background, Utilized American Legion Imagery. According to the American Independent, “A campaign ad for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that aired in September included imagery taken inside American Legion Post 273, potentially violating the group’s rules against partisan political activity. The ad focuses primarily on DeSantis’ military background. He was a naval commissioned officer who served in Iraq as an adviser to the Navy SEALs. In the ad, a Navy captain talks about DeSantis’ military record and endorses him as a public servant.” [American Independent, 10/6/22]
The DeSantis Ad Included Several Uniformed Men Standing At American Legion Post 273, Located In Madeira Beach, FL. According to the American Independent, “A campaign ad for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that aired in September included imagery taken inside American Legion Post 273, potentially violating the group’s rules against partisan political activity. […] In one of the ad’s scenes, several uniformed men stand in a room inside American Legion Post 273, which is located in Madeira Beach, Florida.” [American Independent, 10/6/22]
American Legion National Said Organization Was “Nonpolitical” And “Shall Not Be Used For The Dissemination Of Partisan Principles Nor For The Promotion Of The Candidacy Of Any Person Seeking Public Office.” According to the American Independent, “The legion’s National Constitution prohibits the organization from engaging in political activity. ‘The American Legion shall be absolutely nonpolitical and shall not be used for the dissemination of partisan principles nor for the promotion of the candidacy of any person seeking public office or preferment,’ the group’s charter reads. However, there is no indication in the ad that the group endorses DeSantis’ candidacy.” [American Independent, 10/6/22]