Ron DeSantis’ Net Worth Surges Nearly 18% in 2024: Book Deal Influence

In a significant financial update, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reported a notable increase in his net worth, which rose nearly 18% in 2024. As of December 31, 2024, DeSantis’ net worth stands at approximately $2,087,550, up from $1,773,157 at the end of 2023. This growth is largely attributed to the continuing financial benefits from his book deal.

DeSantis’ Book Deal: A Lucrative Financial Asset

DeSantis’ financial landscape has been significantly impacted by his book, The Courage to Be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival, released in February 2023. This publication has proven to be a robust income stream, contributing substantial revenues over the past few years.

• Key Financial Highlights:
  • 2024 Income from HarperCollins: $625,500
  • 2023 Income from HarperCollins: $625,500
  • Total from HarperCollins in 2022: $1.25 million

This book deal marks the third consecutive year he’s benefited from it. Initially, prior to the book’s release, DeSantis’ net worth was $318,986 in 2021, jumping to $1,174,331 in 2022.

Breakdown of DeSantis’ Financial Portfolio

In the annual financial-disclosure report recently filed, DeSantis outlined his income sources, assets, and liabilities as follows:

Income Sources

• Book Deal: $625,500 from HarperCollins
• State Salary: $141,400

Assets

• USAA Checking & Savings Accounts: $573,109
• Savings Account with Interactive Brokers: $1.31 million
• Thrift Savings Plan: $99,803
• Florida Retirement System: $116,859

Liabilities

• Student Loan Debt: $15,095

DeSantis resides at the governor’s mansion and thus did not report any real estate holdings in his financial disclosure.

Comparison with Other State Officials

DeSantis isn’t the only state official experiencing financial growth. Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner, Wilton Simpson, also saw a significant leap in his net worth, now totaling $19,775,803—up from $16,903,558 at the end of 2023. A noteworthy source of this increase was a newly reported $3.54 million in a joint Charles Schwab money-market account.

Wilton Simpson’s Income Breakdown

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

Other State Officials’ Financial Positions

In the midst of recent turnover in state offices, several officials filed updated financial disclosures:

• Ashley Moody (former Attorney General): $4,426,804 (slight decrease from $4,428,428)
• Jimmy Patronis (former CFO): $9.25 million (up from $8.16 million)
• Jeanette Nuñez (former Lieutenant Governor): $2.45 million (up from $2.086 million)

Conclusion

Ron DeSantis’ financial growth in 2024 showcases the substantial impact of his book deal along with his state salary. As the landscape of Florida’s state officials evolves, the financial disclosures help shed light on the wealth accumulation of those in public service.

For further details on financial disclosures for elected officials, refer to the Florida Commission on Ethics.