History of Ron DeSantis in Timeline

Ron DeSantis is an American politician, attorney, and former naval officer. He has served as the 46th governor of Florida since 2019. A Republican, DeSantis previously represented Florida's 6th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2013 to 2018. He briefly ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024 before withdrawing from the race.

Sections (6)

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

1926: Publication of Notes on Democracy

In 1926, Notes on Democracy was published.

1930: Publication of I'll Take My Stand

In 1930, I'll Take My Stand was published.

1941: Publication of The Managerial Revolution

In 1941, The Managerial Revolution was published.

1947: The Florida State Guard goes inactive

The Florida State Guard had been inactive since 1947. On December 2, 2021, DeSantis announced that $3.5 million would be allocated to reactivate the Florida State Guard.

1948: Publication of Ideas Have Consequences

In 1948, Ideas Have Consequences was published.

1949: Groveland Four False Conviction

In 1949, the Groveland Four, a group of black men, were falsely convicted of rape, before DeSantis posthumously pardoned them on January 11, 2019.

1951: Publication of God and Man at Yale

In 1951, God and Man at Yale was published.

1953: Publication of The Conservative Mind

In 1953, The Conservative Mind was published.

1960: Publication of The Conscience of a Conservative

In 1960, The Conscience of a Conservative was published.

1964: Publication of A Choice Not an Echo

In 1964, A Choice Not an Echo was published.

1982: Largest victory margin since 1982

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

1986: Palm Beach County votes Republican

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

1987: Publication of A Conflict of Visions and The Closing of the American Mind

In 1987, both A Conflict of Visions and The Closing of the American Mind were published.

2001: Publication of The Death of the West

In 2001, The Death of the West was published.

2002: Miami-Dade County votes Republican

In the November 8 election, DeSantis won Miami-Dade County, which had been considered a Democratic stronghold and had last voted Republican in 2002.

September 26, 2009: DeSantis marries Casey Black

On September 26, 2009, Ron DeSantis married Casey Black at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. DeSantis is Catholic, as was his wedding ceremony.

2016: Publication of Hillbilly Elegy

In 2016, Hillbilly Elegy was published.

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2016: First child born

In 2016, Ron DeSantis and his wife Casey Black welcomed their first child.

2017: Publication of The Benedict Option

In 2017, The Benedict Option was published.

January 5, 2018: DeSantis files to run for governor

On January 5, 2018, Ron DeSantis officially filed to run for the office of governor, seeking to replace the term-limited Republican incumbent, Rick Scott. Prior to the filing, DeSantis received the endorsement of then President Trump the previous month, signaling a strong alliance that would shape his campaign.

August 28, 2018: DeSantis wins Republican primary

On August 28, 2018, Ron DeSantis secured victory in the Republican primary for Florida governor, defeating his main opponent, Adam Putnam. DeSantis's win marked a significant step in his pursuit of the governorship.

2018: Second child born

In 2018, Ron DeSantis and his wife Casey Black welcomed their second child.

2018: Publication of Why Liberalism Failed

In 2018, Why Liberalism Failed was published.

January 8, 2019: DeSantis becomes Governor of Florida

On January 8, 2019, Ron DeSantis was inaugurated as the governor of Florida. At age 40, he became the youngest person to hold the office since 1913 and the youngest Republican ever to assume the position.

January 11, 2019: Pardoning the Groveland Four and suspending Scott Israel

On January 11, 2019, DeSantis took significant actions during his first week in office. He posthumously pardoned the Groveland Four, a group of black men who were falsely convicted of rape in 1949. Additionally, he officially suspended Broward County sheriff Scott Israel, citing his response to the mass shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, and appointed Gregory Tony as his replacement.

June 2019: Signing of $91.1 billion budget

In June 2019, DeSantis signed a $91.1 billion budget passed by the legislature the previous month. This budget was the largest in Florida's history at the time, although DeSantis made $131 million in appropriations cuts.

June 2019: DeSantis signs anti-"sanctuary city" bill into law

In June 2019, DeSantis signed an anti-"sanctuary city" bill into law, despite Florida having no sanctuary cities before the enactment. Immigration advocates deemed the bill politically motivated.

March 2020: Start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida

From March 2020 through March 22, 2023, scientists and media outlets initially gave mixed reviews of DeSantis's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

June 2020: DeSantis signs bill requiring government employers and contractors to use E-Verify

In June 2020, DeSantis signed a bill requiring government employers and contractors to use E-Verify for immigration enforcement. He had originally sought to require all employers to use it.

December 2020: Order to extend unemployment waivers

In December 2020, DeSantis ordered the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to extend unemployment waivers until February 27, 2021. By the end of 2020, the Cato Institute graded DeSantis "B" in its biennial fiscal policy report on America's governors.

2020: DeSantis seen as a potential presidential candidate

From 2020 to 2023, media outlets identified DeSantis as a likely candidate for the 2024 presidential election, with notable figures encouraging him to run.

2020: Third child born

In 2020, Ron DeSantis and his wife Casey Black welcomed their third child.

2020: Damage to Christopher Columbus statue in Miami

In 2020, downtown Miami's Christopher Columbus statue was damaged, which DeSantis cited as a reason for advocating for the Combating Public Disorder Act.

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

On February 2, 2021, DeSantis announced his support for legislation aimed at preventing alleged political censorship by tech companies, specifically targeting the de-platforming of political candidates. Following social media networks removing Trump from their platforms, the legislation sought to hold tech companies accountable.

February 27, 2021: Extension of unemployment waivers

In December 2020, DeSantis ordered the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to extend unemployment waivers until February 27, 2021, to help residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 2021: DeSantis signs Combating Public Disorder Act into law

In April 2021, DeSantis signed into law the Combating Public Disorder Act, an anti-riot statute that also penalized damage to historic properties or memorials and forbade publishing personal identifying information online with intent to harm.

May 5, 2021: DeSantis announces bonus 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), which bans transgender girls and women from participating in middle school, high school, and college women's sports competitions. The law took effect on July 1.

June 2021: Effort to ban critical race theory in schools

In June 2021, DeSantis initiated a push to ban the teaching of critical race theory in Florida public schools, a subject that was not previously part of the curriculum. DeSantis and other conservatives described critical race theory as "teaching kids to hate their country." The Florida Board of Education approved the ban on June 10.

June 2021: Signing of $101.5 billion budget

In June 2021, DeSantis signed a $101.5 billion budget and vetoed $1.5 billion using his line-item veto. This budget exceeded Florida's current state spending plan by over $9 billion.

September 14, 2021: Announcement of FSA test replacement

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 in an effort to attract out-of-state recruits and 'fund the police'.

September 2021: DeSantis announces reelection campaign

In September 2021, Ron DeSantis officially announced his campaign for reelection as governor of Florida. He then filed the necessary paperwork on November 7 to officially enter the race. His campaign faced criticism from Democratic nominee Charlie Crist, particularly regarding DeSantis's policies on immigration.

November 22, 2021: Announcement to temporarily waive gasoline tax

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

December 2, 2021: DeSantis announces funding for Florida National Guard and reactivation of State Guard

On December 2, 2021, DeSantis announced that $3.5 million would be allocated to reactivate 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.

December 15, 2021: Announcement of Stop WOKE Act

On December 15, 2021, DeSantis announced a new bill called the Stop Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees Act (Stop WOKE Act), which would allow parents to sue school districts that teach critical race theory.

2021: Florida's age-adjusted COVID-19 death rate in 2021

As of 2021, Florida's age-adjusted COVID-19 death rate was roughly near the median among states, taking into account its disproportionately elderly population.

2021: DeSantis halts cooperation with Biden administration on migrant resettlement

In 2021, DeSantis halted cooperation with the Biden administration's program to relocate and resettle migrants in Florida. He allocated $12 million for relocating migrants to other states.

2021: Net worth at $300,000

In 2021, Ron DeSantis's net worth was $300,000. By the end of 2022, it increased due to his book deal.

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

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

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

In March 2022, DeSantis signed the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act into law, which prohibits discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in school classrooms from kindergarten to grade 3. The law took effect on July 1, 2022.

April 14, 2022: Signing of 15-week abortion ban

On April 14, 2022, DeSantis signed into law a bill that bans abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, which was stricter than the previous limit of 24 weeks. The law includes exceptions for abortions beyond 15 weeks if they are necessary to avert "serious risk" to the pregnant woman's physical health or if there is a "fatal fetal abnormality" but makes no exceptions for rape, human trafficking, incest, or mental health.

April 2022: DeSantis signs bill eliminating Disney's special independent district act

In April 2022, DeSantis signed a bill eliminating Disney's special independent district act and replacing its Disney-appointed board of overseers, escalating the dispute between Disney and the state government.

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.

July 1, 2022: Enforcement of abortion law blocked

The 15-week abortion ban law was expected to go into effect on July 1, 2022, but a state judge blocked its enforcement, ruling that it violated the right to privacy guaranteed by the Florida Constitution.

September 2022: DeSantis sends migrants to Martha's Vineyard

In September 2022, DeSantis arranged for 50 newly arrived asylum seekers to be flown from Texas to Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, leading to a class-action suit against him.

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 requested federal aid in advance of the storm.

2022: Study places Florida's COVID-19 death rate in 2022

A 2022 study placed Florida's age-adjusted COVID-19 death rate at the nation's 12th lowest.

2022: Criticism of Crist's Attendance

During the 2022 campaign trail, DeSantis criticized Crist's role as a U.S. representative, and at the debate said that Crist showed up for work for only 14 days during 2022.

2022: DeSantis appears on Time 100 and gets book deal

In 2022, DeSantis appeared on Time 100, Time's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. In 2022, he also got a $1.25 million book deal with HarperCollins.

2022: DeSantis becomes a contender for the presidential nomination

In 2022, DeSantis became widely regarded as a contender for the Republican presidential nomination. Writers predicted he could defeat Trump, particularly after the 2022 midterm elections.

2022: DeSantis signs bill creating election police unit

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

2022: Gaffe in Fox News Interview

In 2022, looking back at a Fox News interview after his primary win, DeSantis's use of the word "monkey" received widespread media attention, and was interpreted by some as a racist dog whistle alluding to the Democratic gubernatorial nominee, Andrew Gillum, who is African-American. DeSantis denied the racism charge, his spokesperson said the comment was only about policy and to characterize it as anything else is absurd.

January 2023: Supreme Court of Florida to hear abortion law challenge

In January 2023, the Supreme Court of Florida agreed to hear a legal challenge to the 15-week abortion ban law.

March 2023: DeSantis considers further similar legislation for all grades

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

March 22, 2023: Florida's COVID-19 cases and deaths data through March 22, 2023

From March 2020 through March 22, 2023, Florida had the 12th-highest rate of COVID-19 cases and deaths per 100,000 people among the 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

April 2023: DeSantis signs six-week abortion ban

In April 2023, DeSantis signed a six-week abortion ban with exceptions for rape, incest, or human trafficking requiring proof of the crime. The legislation will make providing an abortion a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, ban telemedicine for abortion, and limit medication abortion availability.

April 2023: Trump leads DeSantis in national polls for the Republican nomination

In April 2023, Trump led DeSantis in national polls for the Republican nomination for the 2024 presidential election, though DeSantis was performing better in battleground polling of the general election.

April 26, 2023: Disney files lawsuit against DeSantis

On April 26, 2023, Disney filed a lawsuit against DeSantis and others, accusing them of retaliating against protected speech.

May 2023: DeSantis announces plan to send personnel to Texas to address immigration

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

September 2023: Net worth estimated at $1.5 million

As of September 2023, Ron DeSantis's net worth was estimated at $1.5 million.

2023: Reestablishment of the Florida Department of Commerce

In 2023, DeSantis reestablished the Florida Department of Commerce, consolidating Visit Florida, Enterprise Florida and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to streamline and enhance the state's economic development efforts.

2023: Reversal of position on Social Security

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

January 31, 2024: Disney's lawsuit against DeSantis dismissed

On January 31, 2024, the lawsuit filed by Disney against DeSantis was dismissed, although Disney vowed to appeal the decision.

March 27, 2024: Disney settles pending state court lawsuits with DeSantis

On March 27, 2024, Disney settled its pending state court lawsuits with DeSantis. Per the agreement, Disney put the appeal of its federal lawsuit on hold while a new development agreement with Florida was negotiated. No alterations to Disney's appeal of the federal lawsuit were made.

April 1, 2024: Florida Supreme Court upholds 15-week abortion ban

On April 1, 2024, the Supreme Court of Florida upheld the 15-week abortion ban, which led to the six-week ban going into effect on May 1, 2024.

May 1, 2024: Six-week abortion ban goes into effect

On May 1, 2024, DeSantis's six-week abortion ban went into effect after the Supreme Court of Florida upheld the 15-week ban on April 1, 2024.

June 2024: DeSantis Vetoes Waterway Bacteria Warning 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's visits to voters

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: DeSantis signs bill restricting social media access for minors

In 2024, Desantis signed a law requiring social media platforms to prohibit individuals under 16 from creating accounts, drawing criticism from digital rights organizations.

2024: Trump considered nominating DeSantis as Secretary of Defense

In 2024, due to a controversy over Pete Hegseth's nomination as Secretary of Defense, Trump considered nominating DeSantis instead.

2024: Speculation increases with memoir release and book tour

The release of DeSantis's memoir, The Courage to Be Free, and subsequent book tour fueled speculation about a potential 2024 presidential run.

May 20, 2025: Criminal investigation opened into allegations against DeSantis's former chief of staff

On May 20, 2025, State Attorney Jack Campbell opened a criminal investigation into allegations of money laundering and wire fraud surrounding the transfer of Medicaid settlement funds involving DeSantis's former chief of staff, James Uthmeier.

2025: Controversy over transfer of Medicaid settlement funds

During the 2025 legislative session, DeSantis and his former chief of staff, James Uthmeier, were involved in a controversy over the transfer of $10,000,000 from a Medicaid settlement to a political committee Uthmeier controlled, raising allegations of money laundering and wire fraud.