Governor Ron DeSantis called for a special session of the Florida Legislature to convene on January 27th, 2025. However, Republicans in the legislature pushed back and called a special session “premature.”
The Republican Governor wants the legislature to address the following issues: combatting illegal immigration, condominium regulation, agricultural relief in response to natural disasters, replenishing the My Safe Florida Home program, and the citizens’ initiative petition process – all before the regular legislative session begins.
“President-elect Trump was elected with a mandate to stop illegal immigration and deport illegal aliens already in our country,” Governor Ron DeSantis posted when he called the special session. “State and local officials in Florida will actively facilitate the Trump Administration’s policies against illegal immigration, and to do that we need to immediately set aside and approve the necessary funding and resources now. As part of the special session I called for January 27, the week after President Trump is sworn in, I am calling on the legislature to appropriate funding for detention, relocation, transportation infrastructure, local law enforcement support, and everything else needed for Florida to carry out this mission.”
Republicans in the leadership of the State Senate and State House issued a joint memorandum responding to Governor DeSantis’ call for a special session. In part, they said while the Governor may call a special session, “the Legislature, not the Governor, will decide when and what legislation we consider.” Here is the full statement from Republican Senate President Ben Albritton and Republican Speaker Daniel Perez responding to Governor DeSantis calling a special session:
As you know, this Legislature will address illegal immigration, condominiums, petition initiatives and hurricane recovery this Session, which starts in 50 days. Calling a special session at this time is premature.
In particular, when it comes to immigration we are strong supporters of President Trump and stand ready to follow his lead. At this time, we are not aware of any specific guidance provided to the states about actions state legislatures can take to support forthcoming federal action. It is completely irresponsible to get out ahead of any announcements President Trump will make, especially when uninformed or ill-timed state action could potentially impair or impede the success of President Trump’s forthcoming efforts to end illegal immigration, close our borders, and protect the sovereignty of our nation.
We look forward to President Trump’s inauguration next week and have every confidence he will take swift action to end the flow of illegal immigrants across our borders. President Trump campaigned heavily on this issue. The American people clearly support his leadership. As do we. When we receive specific guidance that may necessitate our state’s legislative action to complement President Trump’s efforts, we stand ready to act at the appropriate time.
While the Governor discussed fragments of ideas for a special session he plans to start in just fourteen days, he did not release any actual bill language or even meaningful details for legislators and our constituents to consider.
With regard to the additional issues outlined by the Governor this morning, the fact is there are ample funds accessible and available to pay for the State’s ongoing disaster response efforts and additional funds do not have to wait until July 1. Condominium safety and ballot initiatives proposing constitutional amendments are complex subjects and should be considered during the regular session, not a truncated special session.
Florida’s Constitution compels our attendance at a special session unilaterally called by the Governor. However, the power to convene a special session also resides with the presiding officers. As the people’s elected representatives, the Legislature, not the Governor, will decide when and what legislation we consider.
Showing a Republican divide, Governor DeSantis thinks otherwise on a special session. “We have no time to waste. Florida must lead,” he said.
Governor Ron DeSantis released immigration proposals for the Florida Legislature’s upcoming special session.
