Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ron DeSantis

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Ron DeSantis made an impact.

Ron DeSantis is an American politician and attorney, currently serving as the 46th Governor of Florida since 2019. Before becoming governor, DeSantis served as a U.S. Representative for Florida's 6th congressional district from 2013 to 2018. A Republican, DeSantis ran for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination but withdrew his candidacy in January 2024. He is a former naval officer.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1913: Youngest Governor Since 1913

On January 8, 2019, DeSantis became governor of Florida. At age 40, he was the youngest person to assume the office since Park Trammell in 1913.

1982: Largest Victory Margin Since 1982

In the November 8 election, DeSantis won by the largest margin of victory in a Florida gubernatorial election since 1982.

1986: Won Palm Beach County

In the November 8 election, DeSantis won Palm Beach County, which had not voted Republican since 1986.

2002: Won Miami-Dade County

In the November 8 election, DeSantis won Miami-Dade County, which had last voted Republican in 2002.

2004: Commissioned as Officer in U.S. Navy

In 2004, Ron DeSantis was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy and assigned to the Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG).

2004: Joined U.S. Navy

In 2004, after graduating from Yale University and Harvard Law School, Ron DeSantis joined the U.S. Navy.

2005: Completed Naval Justice School

In 2005, Ron DeSantis completed Naval Justice School and reported to the JAG Trial Service Office Command South East at Naval Station Mayport, Florida.

2006: Promoted to Lieutenant

In 2006, Ron DeSantis was promoted from lieutenant, junior grade to lieutenant in the U.S. Navy.

2006: Stationed at Joint Task Force Guantanamo

In 2006, Ron DeSantis was stationed at Joint Task Force Guantanamo.

2007: Assigned to SEAL Team One and Deployed to Iraq

In 2007, Ron DeSantis was assigned as a legal advisor to SEAL Team One and deployed to Iraq in the fall.

2007: Deployment to Iraq

In 2007, Ron DeSantis was deployed to Iraq.

April 2008: Reassigned to Naval Region Southeast Legal Service

In April 2008, Ron DeSantis returned to the U.S. and was reassigned to the Naval Region Southeast Legal Service.

February 2010: Honorable Discharge from Active Duty

In February 2010, Ron DeSantis received an honorable discharge from active duty, and concurrently accepted a reserve commission.

2010: Honorable discharge from active military duty

In 2010, Ron DeSantis received an honorable discharge from active military duty.

2012: Founded LSAT Freedom

In 2012, Ron DeSantis co-founded LSAT Freedom, an LSAT test-prep company, and worked as a litigator at Holland & Knight.

2012: Elected to U.S. House of Representatives

In 2012, Ron DeSantis was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida's 6th congressional district.

2012: First elected to Congress

In 2012, Ron DeSantis was first elected to Congress.

2013: Became U.S. Representative

In 2013, Ron DeSantis began his service as the U.S. representative from Florida's 6th congressional district.

2013: Signed "No Climate Tax Pledge"

In 2013, Ron DeSantis signed a "No Climate Tax Pledge" against any tax hikes to fight global warming and voted in favor of H.R. 45.

2014: Introduced Bill on Federal Agency Enforcement of Laws

In 2014, Ron DeSantis introduced a bill that would have required the Justice Department to report to Congress whenever any federal agency refrained from enforcing laws.

2014: Introduced the Let Seniors Work Act

In 2014, Ron DeSantis introduced the Let Seniors Work Act, which would have repealed an incentive to retire instead of keep working and would have exempted those above 65 from the 12.4% Social Security payroll tax.

2014: Supported Venezuelan Protests

In 2014, Ron DeSantis supported the Venezuelan protests, calling them peaceful and criticizing the Venezuelan government's response. He also asked for IRS commissioner John Koskinen's resignation.

2014: Re-elected to Congress

In 2014, Ron DeSantis was re-elected to Congress.

2014: Re-elected to U.S. House of Representatives

In 2014, Ron DeSantis was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

May 2015: Announced Candidacy for U.S. Senate

In May 2015, Ron DeSantis announced his candidacy for the 2016 United States Senate election in Florida.

2015: Co-sponsored Kate's Law

In 2015, Ron DeSantis co-sponsored Kate's Law, which would have increased penalties for aliens who unlawfully reenter the U.S. after being removed.

2015: Founding Member of Freedom Caucus

In 2015, Ron DeSantis was a founding member of the Freedom Caucus.

2016: Introduced the Higher Education Reform and Opportunity Act

In 2016, Ron DeSantis introduced the Higher Education Reform and Opportunity Act to allow states to create their own accreditation systems.

2016: Re-elected to Congress and withdrew from U.S. Senate run

In 2016, Ron DeSantis was re-elected to Congress. He also briefly ran for U.S. Senate but withdrew when incumbent senator Marco Rubio sought reelection.

2016: Re-elected to U.S. House of Representatives

In 2016, Ron DeSantis was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

2016: Withdrew from Senate Race

In 2016, Ron DeSantis withdrew from the Senate race and instead ran for reelection to the House.

May 17, 2017: Initiation of Mueller Investigation

On May 17, 2017, the order that initiated the probe "didn't identify a crime to be investigated" and was likely to start a fishing expedition according to Ron DeSantis

2017: Voted for Trump Tax Cuts

In 2017, Ron DeSantis voted for the Trump tax cuts.

January 5, 2018: Filed to Run for Governor

On January 5, 2018, Ron DeSantis filed to run for governor of Florida to replace Rick Scott. This occurred after President Trump expressed his support for DeSantis's potential run.

August 28, 2018: Won Republican Primary

On August 28, 2018, Ron DeSantis won the Republican primary for governor, defeating Adam Putnam.

November 2018: Supported Voting Rights Restoration for Felons Initiative

In November 2018, DeSantis expressed support for the Voting Rights Restoration for Felons Initiative after it passed.

2018: Pledged to Lower Corporate Income Taxes

During his 2018 gubernatorial campaign, Ron DeSantis pledged to lower corporate income taxes to 5 percent or lower.

2018: Retired from House of Representatives

In 2018, Ron DeSantis retired from the House of Representatives to run for governor of Florida.

2018: Won Republican Nomination for Gubernatorial Election

In 2018, Ron DeSantis won the Republican nomination for the gubernatorial election and narrowly defeated Andrew Gillum in the general election.

2018: End of Term as U.S. Representative

In 2018, Ron DeSantis's service as the U.S. representative from Florida's 6th congressional district ended.

2018: Elected Governor of Florida

Ron DeSantis was elected governor of Florida in 2018.

January 8, 2019: Became Governor of Florida

On January 8, 2019, Ron DeSantis became the governor of Florida.

February 2019: Navy Reserve Service Ended

In February 2019, Ron DeSantis's Navy Reserve service ended with the rank of lieutenant commander.

April 2019: Directed Expansion of Spanish-Language Ballots

In April 2019, DeSantis directed Florida's elections chief to expand the availability of Spanish-language ballots and Spanish assistance for voters.

June 2019: Signed $91.1 Billion Budget

In June 2019, DeSantis signed a $91.1 billion budget, the largest in state history at the time, cutting $131 million in appropriations.

June 2019: DeSantis Signs Anti-"Sanctuary City" Bill into Law

In June 2019, DeSantis signed an anti-"sanctuary city" bill into law, although Florida had no sanctuary cities before the law's enactment.

2019: Inauguration as Governor of Florida

In 2019, Ron DeSantis assumed office as the 46th governor of Florida.

June 2020: DeSantis Signs Bill Requiring E-Verify for Government Employers and Contractors

In June 2020, DeSantis signed a bill requiring government employers and contractors to use E-Verify, making Florida the 12th state to adopt legislation requiring local governments to aid federal immigration-enforcement efforts.

December 2020: Extended Unemployment Waivers

In December 2020, DeSantis ordered the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to extend unemployment waivers until February 27, 2021.

February 2, 2021: DeSantis Announces Support for Legislation Against Tech Censorship

On February 2, 2021, Ron DeSantis announced his support for legislation aimed at holding tech companies accountable for alleged political censorship. This came in response to social media networks removing Donald Trump from their platforms. DeSantis and other Florida Republicans pushed to prohibit tech companies from de-platforming political candidates.

February 27, 2021: Unemployment Waivers Extended Until February 27, 2021

In December 2020, DeSantis ordered the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to extend unemployment waivers until February 27, 2021.

April 2021: DeSantis Signs Combating Public Disorder Act

In April 2021, DeSantis signed into law the Combating Public Disorder Act, which forbade intimidation by mobs, penalized damage to historic properties or memorials, and forbade publishing personal identifying information online with intent to harm.

May 5, 2021: DeSantis Announces Bonuses for First Responders

On May 5, 2021, DeSantis announced that all Florida police officers, firefighters, and paramedics would receive a $1,000 bonus.

June 1, 2021: DeSantis signs Fairness in Women's Sports Act

On June 1, 2021, DeSantis signed the Fairness in Women's Sports Act (SB 1028) into law. The law bans transgender girls and women from participating in middle-school, high-school, and college women's sports competitions.

June 2021: Signed $101.5 Billion Budget

In June 2021, Ron DeSantis signed a $101.5 billion budget and vetoed $1.5 billion.

September 14, 2021: Announced Replacement of FSA Test

On September 14, 2021, DeSantis announced that Florida would replace the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) test with a system of three smaller tests throughout the school year.

September 2021: DeSantis Introduces Signing Bonus for Police Officers

In September 2021, DeSantis introduced a $5,000 signing bonus for Florida police officers to attract out-of-state recruits.

September 2021: Announced Re-election Campaign

In September 2021, Ron DeSantis announced that he would run for reelection as Governor of Florida.

November 22, 2021: Announced Temporary Waiver of Gasoline Tax

On November 22, 2021, DeSantis announced that he would temporarily waive Florida's gasoline tax in the next legislative session due to a significant increase in gasoline prices.

December 2, 2021: DeSantis Announces Reactivation of Florida State Guard

On December 2, 2021, DeSantis announced that $3.5 million would be allocated to the reactivation of the Florida State Guard, a volunteer state defense force that had been inactive since 1947, as part of a $100 million funding proposal for the Florida National Guard.

2021: DeSantis Halts Cooperation with Biden Administration on Migrant Relocation

In 2021, DeSantis halted cooperation with the Biden administration's program to relocate and resettle migrants in Florida in the wake of a surge in illegal immigration. DeSantis's administration also allocated $12 million for relocating migrants to other states.

2021: Florida legislature passed DeSantis's top priorities

In 2021, the Florida legislature passed DeSantis's top priorities.

February 2022: DeSantis voices support for the Parental Rights in Education Act

In February 2022, DeSantis voiced his support for the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act (HB1557), commonly known as the "Don't Say Gay" law. This act prohibits discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in school classrooms from kindergarten to grade 3.

March 2022: DeSantis signs Parental Rights in Education Act into law

In March 2022, DeSantis signed the Parental Rights in Education Act into law, effective July 1, 2022. The statute includes a provision requiring school district personnel to encourage students to discuss well-being issues with parents.

April 2022: DeSantis Signs Bill Eliminating Disney's Special District

In April 2022, DeSantis signed a bill eliminating The Walt Disney Company's special independent district act and replacing its Disney-appointed board of overseers amid a dispute over the Parental Rights in Education Act.

May 2022: Florida's Unemployment Rate Below National Average

Since May 2022, Florida's unemployment rate has sat around two percent, below the national average.

September 2022: DeSantis Declares State of Emergency for Hurricane Ian

In September 2022, DeSantis declared a state of emergency for all of Florida as Hurricane Ian approached and asked for federal aid ahead of time.

2022: Gasoline tax waiver in Florida

In 2022, DeSantis announced that he would temporarily waive Florida's gasoline tax in the next legislative session.

2022: DeSantis Seen as Potential Presidential Contender

In 2022, DeSantis became seen as a contender for the Republican presidential nomination, with some writers predicting he could defeat Trump or was preferable to Trump.

2022: DeSantis signs bill creating election police unit

In 2022, DeSantis signed a bill creating an election police unit to investigate election fraud.

2022: Defeated Charlie Crist in gubernatorial election

In 2022, Ron DeSantis defeated Charlie Crist in the gubernatorial election by 19.4 percentage points.

2022: Corporate Income Taxes Increased

In 2022, corporate income taxes in Florida increased to 5.5 percent after getting as low as 3.5 percent in 2021.

2022: Implemented New Testing System

In 2022, the new testing system was implemented.

2022: Re-elected Governor of Florida

Ron DeSantis was re-elected governor of Florida in 2022.

March 2023: DeSantis considers further legislation on education

As of March 2023, DeSantis was considering further legislation similar to the Parental Rights in Education Act for all grades.

April 2023: Trump leads DeSantis in national polls

In April 2023 Trump led DeSantis in national polls for the Republican nomination, but DeSantis was performing better in battleground polling of the general election.

May 2023: DeSantis Announces Plans to Send Personnel to Texas Border

In May 2023, DeSantis announced plans to send over 1,000 personnel to Texas, including National Guard troops, to help Texas stem the influx of illegal immigration across the southern border.

May 24, 2023: Announced Candidacy for President

On May 24, 2023, Ron DeSantis announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for President of the United States.

2023: Record State Budget Surplus

Florida had a record state budget surplus in 2023.

2023: Reversed Position on Social Security

While running for president in 2023, Ron DeSantis reversed his previous position on Social Security, stating, "we’re not going to mess with Social Security."

January 2024: Withdrawal from Presidential Nomination

In January 2024, Ron DeSantis withdrew from the 2024 Republican presidential nomination race.

January 21, 2024: Withdrew Presidential Candidacy and Endorsed Trump

On January 21, 2024, Ron DeSantis withdrew his presidential candidacy and endorsed Trump.

June 2024: DeSantis Vetoes Waterway Safety Bill

In June 2024, DeSantis vetoed a bill passed by the State House that would have created a statewide process managed by the Department of Health to issue closures and send warnings if the bacteria in waterways reached unsafe levels.

September 2024: DeSantis Defends Election Police Unit Visits

At a press event in September 2024, DeSantis defended the election police unit's visits to the homes of Florida voters who had signed an abortion rights ballot initiative.

2024: "Two More Years" Chants

After winning the November 8 election, at DeSantis's victory rally, supporters chanted "two more years" to show support for DeSantis for president in 2024.

2024: DeSantis signs law to prohibit social media accounts for people under 16.

In 2024, Desantis signed into a law a bill that requires social media platforms to prohibit people under 16 years old from making accounts.

2024: Speculation increases surrounding DeSantis presidential campaign

In 2024, The release of DeSantis's memoir, The Courage to Be Free, and book tour, increased speculation that DeSantis was going to run for President.

2024: Presidential Campaign Speculation

In 2024, during a gubernatorial debate, Crist questioned DeSantis about his commitment to a full four-year term as governor, alluding to speculation about a potential presidential campaign in 2024.