DeSantis, the Legislature, and the Limits of Political Theater

FAFO Season in Tallahassee

One might imagine that Florida’s Republican Legislature, basking in the glow of Governor Ron DeSantis’ relentless competence, would be eager to continue the momentum on immigration enforcement. After all, they have spent the last few years hitching their wagons to his successes, strutting about as if they themselves were responsible for Florida’s rise as a conservative stronghold. Yet, when faced with an opportunity to enact real immigration reform, they did what weak men always do: they flinched.

Instead of passing a serious bill that would empower the governor to execute immigration laws with the full force of the state, they opted for a political bait-and-switch, transferring authority to the Department of Agriculture—a move so transparently cowardly that even the laziest political observer can see it for what it is. Their goal? To appear tough on immigration while ensuring nothing actually changes. But in their eagerness to sideline DeSantis, they seem to have overlooked a crucial reality: executive power in Florida doesn’t work that way.

The Legislature’s Failed Gambit

The Florida Constitution is clear: all executive authority is vested in the governor. Article IV, Section 1(a) states that “The supreme executive power shall be vested in a governor, who shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed.” In other words, the Legislature cannot strip enforcement authority from DeSantis just because they find him inconvenient. The moment this bill becomes law, the governor retains full authority over how it is implemented, no matter how they attempt to structure it.

The idea that the Commissioner of Agriculture—whose primary expertise lies in regulating crops and livestock—will suddenly be the supreme immigration enforcer is a joke. Not only does the department lack the infrastructure for this, but it ultimately falls under the executive branch, meaning the governor dictates its enforcement priorities. If they expected DeSantis to sit back and accept this as a rebuke, they are about to experience the political equivalent of running headfirst into a brick wall.

Because this isn’t a moment of retreat. This isn’t a governor phoning it in while waiting for 2027. This is FAFO season, and Florida’s Republican legislators are about to find out the limits of their own foolishness.

DeSantis Isn’t Lame Duck—He’s Hunting Ducks

There’s a common misconception in Tallahassee these days, mostly perpetuated by GOP operatives who spent the last few years faking loyalty to DeSantis while angling for their own power: that because he’s term-limited, he has lost leverage. The idea is that he will simply fade into irrelevance while the Legislature fills the void. This is, of course, nonsense.

Governors don’t need future elections to wield power—they need a spine and the will to use the tools already at their disposal. DeSantis has both.

If Florida legislators thought they were going to get a governor who spent his last years in office “playing nice” while they watered down key conservative policies, they’ve fundamentally misread the man. DeSantis does not govern by permission. He does not wait for consensus to act. He forces consensus through action.

And so, rather than rolling over, expect him to do the following:

1. Direct the Department of Agriculture to Implement His Priorities Anyway

Since the bill transfers enforcement authority to an executive office, the governor still has full discretion to dictate how the department enforces immigration policy. If he wants a more aggressive approach, he can ensure it happens. Legislators trying to play procedural games are about to learn that executive authority always trumps legislative cowardice.

2. Use the Budget as a Weapon

The Legislature depends on DeSantis for budget approvals, line-item vetoes, and appropriations decisions. If they think they can neuter his power while still expecting him to sign off on their pet projects, they are in for a rude awakening. A few well-placed vetoes will remind them who actually holds the cards.

3. Expose the Establishment’s Fear of Immigration Reform

Many of these lawmakers have no interest in addressing illegal immigration because their donors don’t want it addressed. A serious crackdown would disrupt major business interests that rely on cheap labor. Others are simply terrified of the political consequences. Without DeSantis carrying the fight, most of them wouldn’t have the ability—or the courage—to advance a real conservative agenda.

And that’s the fundamental truth they don’t want voters to realize.

This is where we separate the talkers from the doers. If you’re reading this and you’ve had enough of the Republican Party’s theater of cowardice, it’s time to step up. We’re not just exposing these people; we’re building a real movement to hold them accountable.

Make Your Voice Heard

If you're a Floridian and are tired of political theater and want to see your state enforce the law and deal with the immigration crisis that was the central issue of the 2024 election, call your representatives and demand that the Legislature fix this bill. DeSantis shouldn't have to use his constitutional authority to override their failures—they should do their jobs and pass real enforcement measures now.

Florida must remain first in the nation, a shining state on a hill—or rather, on the coast—leading the way for the rest of the country. But that only happens if the people demand it. The Legislature works for you, not their donors. Make sure they remember that.

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