TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday called for a special legislative session on a variety of issues including illegal immigration and more relief for victims of the devastating hurricanes that hit Florida last year.
However, GOP leaders pushed back late Monday afternoon, saying in a statement that calling a special session is "premature" and they "will decide when and what legislation" to consider.
The governor's announcement was made during a news conference held at the state Capitol.
DeSantis said Florida will be ready to implement executive orders related to immigration when Trump takes office this month.
WATCH BELOW: DeSantis calls for special session
The special session would be held the week of Jan. 27 "to prepare Florida to lead on the Trump Administration's deportation program."
Trump will take the oath of office on Jan. 20.
"We need to act, and we need to act quickly," DeSantis said. "This is the time to get it right once and for all."
Florida’s @GovRonDeSantis says he’s calling a special legislative session on illegal immigration. Says Florida will be ready for day one executive orders from the Trump White House. Starts Jan 27th.
— Forrest Saunders (@FBSaunders) January 13, 2025
“We need to act and we need to act quickly.”
Says the bills will require…
The governor said the bills to be considered by state lawmakers would require state and local officials to comply with new immigration rules and provide funding. DeSantis also said lawmakers need to pass bills to suspend local officials who don't comply.
"There also needs to be measures to hold people accountable who are violating our anti-sanctuary policies," DeSantis said. "Florida needs to make sure we don't have any lingering incentives for people to come into our state illegally."
The governor said he would consider activating the Florida National Guard and the Florida State Guard or using other state law enforcement agencies to carry out deportation measures.
DeSantis also said he would back a repeal of Florida's in-state college tuition for undocumented migrants, calling it an incentive for illegal migration.
It's a sentiment shared by state Sen. Randy Fine, R-Melbourne, the bill's sponsor.
"It gives human traffickers, which is what the parents are, a reason to bring their children to Florida," Fine said. "We don't want illegal immigrants in Florida. Go somewhere else, and better yet, stay home."
Florida approved the tuition breaks in 2014, a bipartisan effort to help so-called Dreamers brought to the U.S. as children. It was even championed by Florida's current Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez when she was a lawmaker.
The governor also directed lawmakers during the special session to also consider:
- More hurricane aid for recent victims and prioritizing them for Florida's home hardening program
- Crackdown on ballot initiative signature fraud
- Condo relief to address rising HOA fees, a symptom of a reform bill passed after the Surfside collapse.
"Let's get our heads together and provide some relief," DeSantis said. "We have a responsibility to act to make sure that people can stay in their condo units."
What Florida Democrats are saying
Florida Democrats called Monday's announcements a "stunt" and said it wouldn't do "anything to address the property insurance crisis or our skyrocketing cost of living."
"Ron is addicted to publicity stunts that don't actually do anything to help Floridians," Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said in a statement. "For what seems like the thousandth time, he's doing everything he can to remain relevant, instead of taking steps to make life more affordable for the people of Florida."
The regular legislative session for Florida lawmakers is scheduled to begin in March, but the governor said these "pressing issues" could not wait.
GOP LEADERS CALL SPECIAL SESSION "PREMATURE"
However, late Monday evening, Florida Sen. President Ben Albritton and Speaker of the House Daniel Perez, both Republicans, called DeSantis' special session request "premature."
"Condominium safety and ballot initiatives proposing constitutional amendments are complex subjects and should be considered during the regular session, not a truncated special session," the statement said.
Lawmakers said although Florida's Constitution compels their attendance at a special session, the power to convene a special session also "resides with the presiding officers."
Read the full statement from Albritton and Perez below:
"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."
