On Monday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) revealed plans to establish a state Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
He pointed out that the federal DOGE currently employs “artificial intelligence to police payments, operations, and contracts,” and expressed his desire to bring similar technology to Florida.
“Today, I am pleased to announce that we are launching a comprehensive initiative to continue to streamline our government, and to continue to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, and to continue to ensure tax dollars are used in the most efficient way possible,” DeSantis announced.
“We are creating a state DOGE task force that will implement a multiprong approach to eliminating bureaucratic bloat and modernizing our state government to best serve the people of Florida in the years ahead.”
The state-level DOGE, he explained, will operate with a one-year term, concluding once its “mission” is complete.
The governor also marked significant strides his administration has made, designating over 70 state boards and commissions for removal.
On X, DeSantis shared, “DOGE is coming to Florida! Since 2019, we’ve more than tripled the rainy day fund, eliminated 41% of the state’s historical debt, and maintained the lowest number of state employees per capita in the entire country.”
“But we need to do more,” he added. “Our state DOGE task force will use AI to amplify our efficiency efforts, spearhead audits at our state universities, and tee up the elimination of more than 70 state boards and commissions.”
DeSantis also teased that the state will lobby “the Legislature to authorize the DOGE-ing of local governments.”
According to DeSantis’ executive order, the Florida-based DOGE will function under the Office of Policy and Budget within the Executive Office of the Governor.
Its duties encompass reviewing public data to locate unnecessary municipal expenditures, coordinating with state agencies to trim down inefficient programs and excessive staffing, and offering recommendations for legislative changes to further streamline government productivity.
Per the order, “each state agency” will also need to create its own “Agency DOGE Team.”
On the lighthearted side, DeSantis quipped, “Florida was DOGE before DOGE was cool.”
Meanwhile, former GOP presidential candidate and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy officially announced his intention to run for Ohio governor in 2026.
After months of speculation, the Cincinnati native unveiled plans to slash state costs, cut back on regulations, and overhaul the education system.
These proposed reforms align with ideas he contributed to during his tenure developing DOGE strategies at the federal level prior to his departure in January.
“President Trump is reviving our conviction in America. We require a leader here at home who will revive our conviction in Ohio,” he said during his speech on Monday.
“And that is why today I am honored to announce that I am running to be the next governor of a great state at the heart of the greatest nation known to mankind: The state where I was born and raised. The state where Apoorva and I raise our two sons today. A state whose best days are still ahead … I will lead Ohio to be the state of excellence in America.”
Should he win, Ramaswamy would replace current Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who cannot seek reelection due to term limits.
