Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has seen a significant rise in his net worth, almost 18%, as of 2024. This financial boost is largely attributed to a lucrative book deal that has contributed to his overall wealth.
DeSantis’ Financial Growth: A Closer Look
According to an annual financial-disclosure report filed on Tuesday, DeSantis has a net worth of $2,087,550 as of December 31, 2024, up from $1,773,157 at the end of 2023. This hike signals a continuing positive trend in his finances, marking the third consecutive year of growth fueled by his publication endeavors.
A Boost from His Book Deal
DeSantis’ notable book, “The Courage to Be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival,” was released in February 2023. As he prepared to formally launch his presidential campaign, the book quickly became a financial asset. In 2024, DeSantis earned $625,500 from HarperCollins Publishers LLC, matching his earnings from the previous year. This follows a hefty payment of $1.25 million made by the publisher in 2022.
Analysis of DeSantis’ Financial Disclosures
State officials are mandated to submit their financial-disclosure forms each year, usually by July 1. The latest report highlights only one source of income for DeSantis outside of the book deal: $141,400 from his role as governor. Residing with his family at the governor’s mansion, DeSantis did not declare any real estate holdings.
Assets Breakdown
- $573,109 in USAA checking and savings accounts
- $1.31 million saved with Interactive Brokers
- $99,803 in a thrift savings plan
- $116,859 in the Florida Retirement System
Meanwhile, DeSantis’ only reported liability stands at $15,095 in student loan debt, a modest obligation compared to his total wealth.
Comparative Financial Performance Among State Officials
DeSantis is not the only state official witnessing a financial upturn. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson reported a net worth of $19,775,803 as of December 31, 2024, a rise from $16,903,558 at the end of 2023. This increase is largely due to the addition of a joint Charles Schwab money-market account worth $3.54 million that was not included in the prior year’s figures.
Simpson’s reported income includes:
- $139,628 from state compensation
- $1.183 million from Belly Wadding, LLC, associated with IHOP restaurants
- $33,663 from Simpson Farms, Inc.
- $12,600 from service on the Board of Directors of BankFlorida
In recent transitions, DeSantis has appointed new officials following the turnover of state-wide offices, including former Attorney General Ashley Moody and former CFO Jimmy Patronis. Each has also filed updated financial disclosures.
Financial Disclosures of Other Key Officials
- Ashley Moody: Net worth of $4,426,804 as of January 21, slightly down from $4,428,428.
- Jimmy Patronis: Net worth of $9.25 million as of March 31, an increase from $8.16 million.
- Jeanette Nuñez: Net worth of $2.45 million upon stepping down as lieutenant governor, up from $2.086 million.
As these state officials navigate the evolving landscape, their financial disclosures reflect ongoing fiscal trends that capture public interest. DeSantis and his peers will remain under scrutiny as they continue to juggle governance with private financial endeavors.
Financial-disclosure reports are due annually by July 1, with a grace period until September 1. Late submissions may incur fines of $25 per day, up to 60 days.