DeSantis Launches “DOGE Task Force” to Streamline Florida Government

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed an executive order creating the “DOGE Task Force,” aimed at improving state efficiency and eliminating wasteful spending.

Announced Monday, the initiative mirrors Elon Musk’s federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and will operate for one year, expiring on March 31, 2026. The task force will use artificial intelligence to audit government payments, contracts, and operations, ensuring taxpayer dollars are well spent.

A key focus will be Florida’s university system, which will undergo independent audits to assess efficiency and effectiveness. DeSantis emphasized his push to eliminate DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs from university courses, saying the state wants to focus on traditional education rather than ideology.

“This is the DOGE-ing of our state university system, and I think it’s gonna be good for taxpayers and students,” DeSantis said.

The task force will also target bureaucratic excess, with DeSantis aiming to shut down around 70 state boards deemed redundant or outdated. He cited a need to reassess whether boards still serve a purpose or have become obsolete over time.

Additionally, DeSantis wants local governments to comply with state audits, potentially through legislation. The DOGE teams would conduct surprise inspections and use AI-driven analysis, similar to federal initiatives.

State Democrats strongly criticized the plan. Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried dismissed the effort, saying, “Republicans have controlled Florida for nearly 30 years, and now DeSantis wants to talk about government waste?”

Despite opposition, DeSantis is pushing ahead, calling the initiative a necessary step toward a more efficient state government.