Ron DeSantis’ Financial Growth: Net Worth Surpasses $2 Million

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has experienced a substantial increase in net worth, soaring nearly 18% in 2024. As of December 31, his financial standing has risen to $2,087,550, marking a significant jump from $1,773,157 at the close of 2023. This impressive growth continues to be bolstered largely by a lucrative book deal.

The Impact of DeSantis’ Book Deal

DeSantis’ financial portfolio has been greatly enhanced by the success of his book, The Courage to Be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival. Released in February 2023, the book coincided with the formal launch of his presidential campaign. In his latest financial-disclosure report filed on Tuesday, DeSantis revealed that he received $625,500 from HarperCollins Publishers LLC in 2024, mirroring the earnings from the previous year. For context, the publisher had previously paid him $1.25 million in 2022, showcasing the book’s ongoing financial impact.

Key Financial Milestones:

• 2021 Net Worth: $318,986
• 2022 Net Worth: $1,174,331
• 2024 Net Worth: $2,087,550

Breakdown of Income and Assets

According to the financial disclosure filed, DeSantis has minimal sources of income for 2024, aside from his book deal. Here’s a detailed look at his income and assets:

• Income from State: $141,400
• USAA Checking/Savings Accounts: $573,109
• Savings Account (Interactive Brokers): $1.31 million
• Thrift Savings Plan: $99,803
• Florida Retirement System: $116,859
• Liabilities: $15,095 in student loan debt

Growth from 2023 to 2024:

• USAA Accounts: Grew from $351,078 in 2023 to $573,109 in 2024
• Interactive Brokers: Increased from $1.26 million to $1.31 million
• Thrift Savings Plan: Rose from $95,592 to $99,803
• Florida Retirement System: Up from $84,196 to $116,859

Comparison with Other Florida Officials

DeSantis is not alone in his financial growth; other state officials have also reported increases in their net worth. For instance, Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson posted a remarkable net worth of $19,775,803 as of December 31, 2024, up from $16,903,558 the prior year.

Simpson’s Income Sources:

• State Salary: $139,628
• Belly Wadding, LLC: $1.183 million
• Simpson Farms, Inc.: $33,663
• BankFlorida Board of Directors: $12,600

In contrast, former officials like Ashley Moody and Jimmy Patronis reported their net worths before departing their roles. Moody’s worth was $4,426,804, while Patronis reached $9.25 million, highlighting the ongoing financial shifts among state leaders.

Conclusion

Ron DeSantis’ financial landscape continues to evolve positively, driven largely by his book deal and his state salary. As the Florida governor’s net worth surpasses the $2 million mark, comparisons with other officials show a noteworthy trend of financial growth among state leaders.

For more insights and updates on financial disclosures among state officials, see the Florida Commission on Ethics.