President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Governor Ron DeSantis for calling a special legislative session to address immigration and other pressing state issues.
DeSantis issued the proclamation on Monday, convening lawmakers from January 27 to January 31, just days after Trump’s January 20 inauguration. However, the session has faced criticism from state legislative leaders who view the timing as premature.
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In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised DeSantis for his proactive stance, stating, “Thank you, Ron, hopefully other Governors will follow!”
The session aims to address issues such as illegal immigration, condominium costs, agricultural relief, hurricane recovery, and election integrity, aligning with Trump’s plans for stricter border security policies.
Senate President Ben Albritton (R-Wauchula) and House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami) pushed back on the governor’s decision, indicating a preference to address the issues during the regular legislative session, which begins on March 4.
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In a joint memo to lawmakers, Albritton and Perez wrote, “Calling a special session at this time is premature. 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.”
The special session is set to tackle several critical issues:
- Illegal Immigration: DeSantis emphasized the need for Florida to support Trump’s incoming administration in addressing border security and immigration enforcement.
- Condominium Regulation: In response to rising costs for assessments and repairs, the session will explore measures to ensure affordability for condominium owners.
- Agricultural Relief: With Florida’s agricultural sector heavily impacted by recent natural disasters, the session aims to provide support and recovery resources.
- My Safe Florida Home Program: The session will replenish funding for this hurricane preparedness initiative.
- Election Integrity: Lawmakers will discuss strengthening the citizens’ initiative petition process and closing loopholes to prevent fraud.
Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, a former Senate president, expressed optimism that the governor and legislative leaders would resolve their differences.
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“I think the governor and the speaker and the president will get together and figure that out,” Simpson said. He acknowledged the proximity to the regular session but noted that pressing issues might warrant immediate attention.
DeSantis defended his decision, stating, “The State of Florida is experiencing a wide range of issues that require immediate attention. From addressing the federal government’s failed immigration policies to ensuring the integrity of our elections and providing relief to our agricultural industry, this session is essential to safeguarding the interests of Floridians.”
The special session will convene at 9:00 a.m. on January 27 and conclude by January 31, 2025. The governor’s office has made related materials, including the official proclamation, available online.
This session is expected to set the tone for Florida’s collaboration with the incoming Trump administration, as well as addressing critical state concerns. Despite differences among state leaders, DeSantis has framed the session as a necessary step to address urgent challenges facing Floridians.
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