Ron DeSantis’ Financial Growth in 2024: A Closer Look
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has seen a significant increase in his net worth, rising nearly 18% in 2024 due to lucrative book deals. According to his latest financial-disclosure report, DeSantis’ net worth stood at $2,087,550 as of December 31, 2024, a jump from $1,773,157 just a year prior.
Financial Boost from Book Royalties
DeSantis’s financial gains can largely be attributed to his book, The Courage to Be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival. Released in February 2023, the book has continued to boost his finances, contributing $625,500 in royalties in 2024, matching his earnings from the previous year. Prior to this, he received $1.25 million from HarperCollins in 2022.
“The timing of my book release coincided with my presidential campaign launch, offering me both financial rewards and a platform to share my vision,” DeSantis remarked earlier this year.
Breakdown of Assets and Liabilities
As mandated by state law, Florida elected officials must submit annual financial-disclosure forms, revealing their income and asset details. DeSantis’ report indicated:
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Income Sources in 2024:
- Book royalties: $625,500
- State salary: $141,400
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Assets as of Year-End 2024:
- USAA Checking and Savings: $573,109
- Interactive Brokers Savings: $1.31 million
- Thrift Savings Plan: $99,803
- Florida Retirement System: $116,859
- Liabilities:
- Student Loan Debt: $15,095
Comparatively, in 2023, his assets included:
- USAA Accounts: $351,078
- Interactive Brokers: $1.26 million
- Thrift Savings: $95,592
- Florida Retirement: $84,196
This trajectory illustrates a substantial financial maneuvering, especially when considering DeSantis’s initial net worth of $318,986 in 2021 and $1,174,331 in 2022.
Comparisons with Other Florida Officials
DeSantis isn’t the only Florida politician witnessing financial growth. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson reported a net worth of $19,775,803 as of December 31, 2024, up from $16,903,558 the previous year.
Wilton Simpson’s Finances
- State Salary: $139,628
- Income from Belly Wadding, LLC: $1.183 million
- Additional Income Sources:
- Simpson Farms, Inc.: $33,663
- BankFlorida Board: $12,600
Furthermore, updates from other significant state figures indicate differing financial landscapes:
- Ashley Moody, former Attorney General: net worth of $4,426,804 (down from $4,428,428 in 2023).
- Jimmy Patronis, ex-Chief Financial Officer: net worth of $9.25 million (up from $8.16 million in 2023).
- Jeanette Nuñez, former Lieutenant Governor: net worth of $2.45 million, increasing from $2.086 million.
Future Financial Disclosures and Policy Changes
The financial-disclosure reports, due by July 1, provide an essential insight into the economic standings of state officials. Officials benefit from a grace period until September 1 before facing potential fines for late submissions.
Understanding the financial landscape of Florida’s state leaders helps voters gauge the economic decisions influencing their governance. As DeSantis navigates potential presidential aspirations, his financial health remains a topic of discussion.
For further details on financial disclosures, visit the Florida Commission on Ethics.