ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis addressed the state’s sheriffs at the 2025 Florida Sheriff’s Association Summer Conference, emphasizing the importance of law and order as the foundation for Florida’s success.
Speaking at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Orlando on Tuesday, the governor pointed to Florida’s top rankings in economy, education freedom, business formation and entrepreneurship, but stressed none of it would be sustainable without strong public safety.
[BELOW: DeSantis defends conditions at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’]
DeSantis criticized “anti-law enforcement” policies seen in other states, like New York and California, warning that such approaches lead to rising crime and public safety breakdowns.
“If you look at what we’ve done throughout my tenure, we rejected jailbreak-style policies,” he said, noting Florida’s refusal to adopt proposals that would release felons early or abolish cash bail.
The governor praised Florida’s anti-riot laws and enhanced authority for sheriffs to remove squatters from properties, both residential and commercial.
He also noted new legislation creating a registry for animal cruelty offenders and unprecedented support for police canines, including veterinary care and adoption programs for retired K-9s.
DeSantis also highlighted financial support for law enforcement, including a $5,000 bonus for new recruits and out-of-state transfers, salary increases for veteran officers, and scholarships for law enforcement academy students.
“I don’t think there’s a single sheriff in this state who doesn’t think our $5,000 bonus program has been valuable,” he said.
Looking ahead, DeSantis addressed the rise of artificial intelligence, warning of its potential to disrupt jobs and society. He called for state-level guardrails and protections, emphasizing the need to preserve human thinking and responsibility.
“People are going to use AI to scam, to cheat, to steal, to harm people,” he said. “And I think we’re gonna have to come to grips. I mean, we’re going to be working on a policy for Florida, and it may require some legislation to be able to provide adequate protections for folks.”