Following Governor Ron DeSantis’ announcement in February, a statewide initiative dubbed “Florida DOGE” is gaining traction across Florida, with local governments and public universities actively participating.
Modeled after similar efforts at the national level, this program seeks to identify inefficiencies and bolster financial accountability within state institutions. The audit will leverage artificial intelligence and other tools to scrutinize spending practices among state colleges and universities, aiming to eliminate unnecessary programs and ensure strict adherence to all applicable laws.
The initiative’s goals include:
- Identifying and addressing hidden waste
- Reviewing operations and expenditures within the state university system
- Eliminating redundant boards and commissions
- Providing recommendations for improvement
- Referring violations to appropriate enforcement agencies
In March, DeSantis issued guidance requesting cooperation from counties, municipalities, and public universities, mandating the appointment of a designated contact person to facilitate the audit process.
Several prominent entities have already expressed their willingness to participate. Hillsborough County passed a resolution affirming its commitment, while Florida Atlantic University is actively supporting the initiative. Jacksonville created a “Duval DOGE” task force that has begun analyzing capital improvement projects estimated at tens of millions of dollars, which have been stalled since 2023.
“Completing this DOGE audit is a no-brainer when you consider the inefficiencies we’ve already stumbled across – like old, forgotten bank accounts sitting there with millions of dollars just gathering dust,” stated Hillsborough County Commissioner Joshua Wostal. The “Duval DOGE” task force has also launched a website to monitor progress.
However, the initiative hasn’t been met with universal enthusiasm. Some residents have voiced concerns about potential cuts impacting essential services and questioned the program’s name and composition.
“DOGE is a misnomer, catchy misnomer for let’s see what we can take away from the working class, the needy, the elderly,” said Duval County resident Russell Harper during a city hall meeting. He further criticized a perceived lack of Democratic representation on the “Duval DOGE” committee.
The audit will also specifically examine Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs at public colleges and universities, with the goal of ensuring state funds are not allocated to these initiatives—a move consistent with a prior resolution from the state board of education.
Florida DOGE aims to eliminate 70 redundant boards and commissions statewide. According to DeSantis spokesperson Brian Wright, “Florida was DOGE before DOGE was cool.” He highlighted the state’s achievements over the past five years, including paying down 41% of its debt, strengthening the economy, and increasing the rainy-day fund by nearly $10 billion—all without raising taxes.
Commissioner Wostal emphasized that the audit offers a more prudent alternative to tax increases for funding essential services. “Instead of the knee-jerk response of raising taxes – putting even more strain on already stretched households – it’s time for the government to turn the lens inward.”
