Inside Florida DOGE: DeSantis’ Audit Push on Local Governments

Posted by Larry Mastropieri on Wednesday, September 24th, 2025  5:56am.

In early 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis launched a bold initiative aimed at rooting out what he describes as "waste, bloat, and inefficiency" in local government budgets. Dubbed Florida DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), the program seeks to audit and investigate how counties, cities, and school districts spend taxpayer money. 

Inspired by Elon Musk's efforts to reduce government waste at the federal level, DeSantis' version brings the fight local. The Florida DOGE task force, led by former Trump-appointed inspector general Eric Soskin, was created by executive order and is supported by a small army of auditors from various state agencies. 

The Florida DOGE initiative is also politically charged. Of the twelve municipalities currently under audit, most are Democrat-led. This has fueled accusations that the audits are less about budgeting and more about political messaging.

Why Does Florida DOGE Matters to Taxpayers?

The audits come at a time when Florida property taxes have increased due to rising home values. According to Redfin, the median home price in Florida rose from under $300,000 in July 2020 to over $400,000 in 2025. That increase has brought in a wave of new tax revenue for local governments.

Governor DeSantis argues that local leaders are using the extra revenue on unnecessary programs, instead of giving tax relief to residents.

DeSantis is now pushing for a constitutional amendment to cut property taxes statewide. The Florida DOGE audits are a key part of that campaign, helping to frame local governments as inefficient and wasteful.

Which Cities and Counties Are Being Audited?

As of September 2025, the following cities and counties have received Florida DOGE audits:

Counties:

Cities:

These Florida DOGE audits include on-site visits, interviews with staff, and examination of thousands of pages of documents, contracts, and budget reports.

Florida DOGE official seal showing the Department of Government Efficiency logo created under Governor Ron DeSantis.

What Florida DOGE Is Looking For?

Florida DOGE auditors are not just reviewing spreadsheets. They are investigating spending in several specific areas:

In short, any spending that falls outside the governor's definition of "essential services" is being closely examined through the lens of Florida DOGE.

Critics argue that many of these programs serve real community needs and are approved through public budget processes. But supporters of Florida DOGE claim the initiative brings transparency to programs that often escape public scrutiny.

Political and Legal Response on Florida DOGE

The Florida DOGE initiative has drawn mixed reactions. Many local governments are cooperating by providing requested records, though some warn that the volume of audit requests is straining staff and daily operations. Concerns have also been raised about errors in the state’s financial reporting.

State CFO Blaise Ingoglia has claimed that the Florida DOGE initiative has already identified nearly $1 billion in savings. However, detailed reports are still pending, and without transparency about how those savings are calculated, verification is difficult. Critics argue that temporary program cuts or budget reallocations could be labeled as “savings,” even if they reduce or shift essential services. The Florida Association of Counties adds that much of the budget growth since 2020 can be explained by inflation, rising labor costs, and population growth — not necessarily by fraud or waste uncovered through Florida DOGE.

On the political front, some lawmakers support the initiative as a tool for improving transparency and fiscal responsibility, while others caution that the audits could be perceived as overly aggressive or politically motivated. The situation continues to evolve as reports from the audits are compiled and reviewed.

 

What This Means for Florida Property Owners?

If Florida DOGE identifies what it deems “wasteful” spending, Governor DeSantis could use those findings to push for statewide property tax reductions. While the idea of lower taxes may sound appealing, it comes with tradeoffs. Reduced funding for community resources like libraries, parks, and social services could be one outcome. Local sustainability and housing programs might also face cuts, and the initiative could ultimately shift more budgetary control away from municipalities and into the hands of the state.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida DOGE

What does DOGE stand for in the Florida government?

DOGE stands for Department of Government Efficiency. It's an initiative created by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2025 to investigate and reduce what the administration considers unnecessary or excessive local government spending.

Which cities and counties are being audited under Florida DOGE?

So far, twelve jurisdictions are undergoing audits. Counties include Broward, Palm Beach, Orange, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, and Alachua. Cities include Gainesville, Jacksonville, Orlando, St. Petersburg, and Pensacola.

Why are Florida property taxes rising?

Florida property taxes are increasing due to a sharp rise in home values. From 2020 to 2025, the median home price jumped from under $300,000 to over $400,000, increasing taxable property values.

Is Florida DOGE targeting only Democrat-led areas?

Most of the cities and counties under audit are Democrat-controlled, sparking claims of political bias. However, some Republican-led areas like Pinellas and Manatee Counties are also being audited.

Are there any confirmed cases of fraud from these Florida DOGE audits?

As of late 2025, the state has not released full findings. While DeSantis and CFO Ingoglia claim there are signs of waste, local leaders argue that the audits have yet to provide concrete proof of fraud or misuse.

What to Watch Next? 

Whether you view Florida DOGE as a watchdog or a political weapon, it is already changing the conversation around local government spending.

Homeowners, renters, and investors across Florida should pay close attention to how their cities respond — especially in areas like Broward, Palm Beach, and Hillsborough. The next few months will determine whether Florida DOGE becomes a permanent part of Florida's government structure or fades after the 2026 election.

The Mastropieri Group Realtors® can help you understand how local tax policy and spending trends may affect property values in your area. Call us at (561) 544-7000 to connect with trusted South Florida real estate agents who know your market.