Florida Legislature Rebukes DeSantis on Immigration Special Session

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In a rare rebuke to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, the GOP-dominated Florida legislature on Monday abruptly adjourned a special session called by the governor to address immigration enforcement measures aligned with President Donald Trump‘s policies. Lawmakers then convened their own session, passing alternative immigration bills and overriding a DeSantis budget veto for the first time in 15 years.

The move marked a dramatic shift for DeSantis, who has long wielded significant influence over the state legislature, particularly after his landslide re-election in 2022. However, following his unsuccessful 2024 presidential bid, the governor’s clout appears to be waning. “This would have been unthinkable two years ago,” a Florida-based Republican strategist told Fox News, speaking on condition of anonymity. “It shows that he’s sunsetting, and the legislature is not afraid to buck him.”

DeSantis had called the special session to push through a series of proposals supporting Trump’s recent executive orders on immigration, including measures to mandate local cooperation with federal deportation programs, suspend non-compliant officials, and criminalize illegal entry into the state. He also sought to require identification and proof of immigration status for international money transfers.

“We’ve got to make sure that we are working hand-in-hand with the Trump administration,” DeSantis said last week on Fox News’ “Ingraham Angle.” He emphasized the urgency of the session, stating, “We’ve been waiting four years to have a partner in Washington, D.C., on this issue. We have to get the job done. No more dragging your feet.”

Despite the governor’s insistence, legislative leaders argued the special session was unnecessary, with the regular session set to begin in early March. State House Speaker Daniel Perez, a Republican, criticized the move, saying, “Special sessions should be used sparingly. They should not be stunts designed to generate headlines.” GOP state Senate President Ben Albritton echoed the sentiment, adding, “Sometimes leadership isn’t about being out front on an issue. It’s actually about following the leader you trust. For my part, I trust President Trump.”

In a statement Monday, DeSantis expressed disappointment with the legislature’s actions, noting that while their bill included some of his proposals, such as eliminating tuition waivers for undocumented students, it fell short of his expectations. “Their new bill is substantially weaker than the proposals I outlined and that are necessary to ensure that Florida leads on fulfilling the Trump Administration’s mandate to enforce immigration law and deport illegal aliens,” he said.

The governor’s strained relationship with the legislature follows a bitter primary battle against Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Despite their past rivalry, Trump praised DeSantis’ efforts on immigration, writing on social media, “Thank you Ron, hopefully other governors will follow!”

Dan Eberhart, a prominent Republican donor who supported DeSantis in the primaries, acknowledged the governor’s stance on immigration but questioned the timing. “Gov. DeSantis is right about the issues that need to be addressed. This was just a matter of timing,” Eberhart told Fox News.

The legislature’s override of DeSantis’ budget veto, the first such action in 15 years, further underscored the shifting dynamics in Florida politics. As the governor’s term winds down, his ability to shape policy appears increasingly constrained, signaling a new chapter in the state’s political landscape.