DeSantis' DOGE Finds $1.86B in Questionable Spending Across Florida

Report criticizes local governments for excessive spending on initiatives beyond core services

Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:15pm

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A report from Florida's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) found numerous instances of questionable spending across the state's largest local governments, totaling over $1.86 billion. The report accused cities and counties of increasing budgets for initiatives related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and climate change, rather than focusing on core services like law enforcement and firefighting. While no criminal wrongdoing was alleged, the report appeared to justify Gov. Ron DeSantis' goal of cutting property taxes.

Why it matters

The findings of the DOGE report could provide political ammunition for DeSantis and his administration to push for property tax cuts, which have been a key priority. The report's claims of excessive spending by local governments on non-essential initiatives could resonate with some voters and bolster the governor's position.

The details

The DOGE report criticized several large Florida counties and cities for their spending practices. It found that Orange County increased grants to nonprofits by $80 million, and Broward County spent $175,000 on 'virtual art' and increased its budget for cultural grants by 65% since 2021. The report also noted that the budgets of Florida's 10 largest cities showed a 36% increase in spending from fiscal year 2021 and a 67% increase since fiscal year 2017. Spending was up 49% in Florida's five largest counties from fiscal year 2020-2021.

  • The DOGE task force was created by Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration in 2025.
  • The 98-page DOGE report was released on February 4, 2026.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The governor of Florida who created the DOGE task force to identify overspending, waste, fraud, and abuse.

Florida's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

The state agency that released the report criticizing local governments for excessive spending.

Jacksonville Mayor

The mayor who said the state audit team would find the city's finances have been managed 'responsibly and prudently.'

Florida Association of Counties

The organization that could not be reached for comment on the DOGE report prior to publication.

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What’s next

Several measures to cut property taxes have advanced in the Florida House this legislative session. Most would need 60% of voter approval to go into effect.

The takeaway

The DOGE report's findings of excessive spending by local governments on non-essential initiatives could provide political leverage for Gov. DeSantis and his administration to push for property tax cuts, which have been a key priority. However, some local governments have pushed back on the report's claims, arguing their finances have been managed responsibly.