Early Life and Education of Ron DeSantis: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Ron DeSantis, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Ron DeSantis is an American politician who has served as the 46th governor of Florida since 2019. A Republican, he previously represented Florida's 6th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2018. Before entering politics, DeSantis was an attorney and served as a naval officer. He sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, but withdrew from the race in January of that year.

Sections (6)

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

September 14, 1978: Ron DeSantis Born

On September 14, 1978, Ronald Dion DeSantis was born. He is an American politician, attorney, and former naval officer.

Others born on this day/year

1991: Little League World Series

In 1991, DeSantis was a member of the Dunedin National team that made it to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

1997: Graduates Dunedin High School

In 1997, DeSantis graduated from Dunedin High School.

2001: Graduates from Yale

In 2001, DeSantis graduated from Yale University with a B.A., magna cum laude and he had the team's best batting average at .336 as captain of Yale's varsity baseball team.

2004: DeSantis Joins U.S. Navy

In 2004, after graduating from Yale University and Harvard Law School, DeSantis joined the U.S. Navy and was commissioned as an officer.

2004: Commissioned as Officer in U.S. Navy

In 2004, during his second year at Harvard Law, DeSantis was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy and assigned to the Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps.

2005: Completes Naval Justice School

In 2005, DeSantis completed Naval Justice School. Later that year, he reported to the Judge Advocate General Trial Service Office Command South East at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, as a prosecutor.

2005: Graduates Harvard Law School

In 2005, DeSantis graduated from Harvard Law School with a Juris Doctor, cum laude.

September 26, 2009: DeSantis married Casey Black

On September 26, 2009, DeSantis married Casey Black in a chapel at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The wedding ceremony was Catholic.

2015: Sister's Death

In 2015, DeSantis's younger sister, Christina, died at age 30 from a pulmonary embolism.

June 2017: Congressional Baseball Shooting

In June 2017, DeSantis was present before the congressional baseball shooting, and the perpetrator asked him whether the players were Republicans.

2021: Net Worth

In 2021, DeSantis' net worth was $300,000.

2022: Time 100 and HarperCollins Book Deal

In 2022, DeSantis appeared on Time 100, Time's list of influential people. Also in 2022, he secured a $1.25 million book deal with HarperCollins, making him a millionaire by the end of the year.

2022: New Testing System Implemented

The new testing system, announced on September 14, 2021, to replace the Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) test, was implemented in the 2022–23 school year.