Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has seen a substantial increase in his net worth, soaring nearly 18% in 2024. As of December 31, 2024, his finances were bolstered by lucrative book deals, bringing his net worth to a notable $2,087,550, an increase from $1,773,157 at the close of 2023.
DeSantis’ Financial Growth Driven by Book Deal
The surge in DeSantis’ financial status marks the third consecutive year of benefits from his 2023 book, “The Courage to Be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival.” Released in February 2023 alongside his presidential campaign kickoff, the publishing endeavor has proved lucrative.
Specifically, DeSantis received payments totaling $625,500 in 2024 from HarperCollins Publishers LLC, mirroring the amount he earned in 2023. Prior to this, he received an impressive $1.25 million in 2022.
Income Breakdown and Financial Assets
In accordance with state regulations, DeSantis filed his annual financial-disclosure report, detailing his income, assets, and liabilities. Here are the key highlights:
– **Income Sources:**
– $625,500 from HarperCollins
– $141,400 from the state of Florida
– **Financial Holdings:**
– $573,109 in USAA checking and savings accounts
– $1.31 million in a savings account with Interactive Brokers
– $99,803 in a thrift savings plan (a retirement investment plan)
– $116,859 in the Florida Retirement System
– **Liabilities:**
– $15,095 in student loan debt
In comparison, at the end of 2023, DeSantis had lesser figures in his USAA accounts totaling $351,078 and a slightly lower balance of $1.26 million at Interactive Brokers.
Comparative Wealth Among State Officials
In examining the financial landscape of other state officials, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson also reported an impressive increase in his net worth, now standing at $19,775,803 as of December 31, 2024, up from $16,903,558 in 2023. This rise substantially benefited from the addition of a joint money-market account with Charles Schwab worth $3.54 million, absent from his previous disclosures.
Simpson’s income for 2024 consisted of:
– $139,628 from state funds
– $1.183 million from Belly Wadding, LLC, linked to IHOP restaurants in Florida
– $33,663 from Simpson Farms, Inc.
– $12,600 from a board position at BankFlorida
Changes in statewide office appointments have also occurred this year, with DeSantis appointing former Attorney General Ashley Moody to the U.S. Senate and former Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis winning a congressional election. The recently appointed attorney general is James Uthmeier, replacing Moody.
Final Financial Highlights from Key Officials
In addition to DeSantis and Simpson, other notable financial disclosures include:
– Ashley Moody: Reported a net worth of $4,426,804 as of January 21, reflecting a slight decline from $4,428,428 in late 2023.
– Jimmy Patronis: Announced a net worth of $9.25 million as of March 31, up from $8.16 million.
– Jeanette Nuñez: The former lieutenant governor declared a net worth of $2.45 million on February 16, an increase from $2.086 million in 2023.
Replacing former officials remains a priority for DeSantis, with no immediate appointments announced for Nuñez or Patronis. Though the deadline for financial disclosure filings is July 1, an extended grace period until September 1 is allowed to avoid penalties.