Posted on 01/28/2025 10:54:29 AM PST by TBP
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.
There are RINOs in Florida's legislature.
Give the guy beholden to Big Agi control of your immigration enforcement while playing up as if “we support Trump”.
What scum. Need to start finding some primary challengers for these guys and make it very loudly know you will be primarying them with full support from President Trump
This is the arrogance of professional pols in action. They think they are untouchable
“The moment this bill becomes law,”
wouldn’t desantis have to sign it to make it law?
if so, why would he sign a bill into law that is worded in a way trying to lessen his power?
makes no sense.
Veto-proof majority?
Or the RINOS and Dhimmicraps would have to override his veto.
Well, I know that’s what the pro-RDS people will say.
I would say, a great exec would never, ever have let it come to this. Reagan didn’t with a MUCH more hostile legislature in CA.
First, you prepare the battlefield in advance of these maneuvers. You get you legislative troops lined up. Looks like RDS just thought, “I’m great. Trump is popular. FL is red. This will be a cakewalk.”
Now he likely-—and should-—veto this. But do they have enough to override? Never should have come to this. Like a lawyer asking a question he doesn’t know the answer to.
Correct-—unless they have the override #s. Smacks of RDS not paying attention long before this and shaping the battlefield so this didn’t happen.
Instead of getting to work on those items, Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Perez adjourned the special session, then got lawmakers together to craft legislation of their own to support President Trump's agenda.
“President Trump has this situation under control and is leading from the Oval Office. I want to be careful not to undermine Trump’s very good plan. I won’t stand for that,” said Albritton.
FloridaPolitics.com contributor Jacob Ogles, says that declaration of loyalty to Trump over DeSantis sends a strong message.“What today was about from lawmakers’ point of view was simply making clear that they’re going to be calling shots on legislation on matters and that this is no longer the Ron DeSantis show 24/7,” said Ogles.
The LOOK AT ME governor desantus, thought he would trump, Trump.....
You have that totally wrong. Your DDS is showing.
Daniel Perez and Ben Albritton, with a behind the scenes assist from Sen. Randy Fine, who’s running for Congress.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.