
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has triggered a rare standoff with state legislative leaders by calling a special session focused on immigration, set to begin Monday. The session, aimed at supporting former President Donald Trump’s calls for mass deportation, has drawn criticism from both lawmakers and the public due to its timing and lack of transparency.
This marks the first time DeSantis has independently summoned lawmakers without prior collaboration, a move that has disrupted schedules and ruffled feathers among Republican leadership. Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez, typically allies of the governor, have made it clear they’re not pleased with what they see as an overreach.
A Session With No Clear Roadmap
On Friday, Albritton and Perez emailed a formal notice to legislators, instructing them to appear at the Capitol at 10:30 a.m. Monday. However, as of the end of last week, no bills had been filed, and no specific agenda had been shared, leaving lawmakers guessing about the governor’s intentions.
“Legislative leaders appear to be keeping their plans under wraps, which is understandable given the way the governor has chosen to sidestep standard procedures,” said Senator Randy Fine, a Republican from Melbourne Beach. “This is an atrocious misuse of power and highlights DeSantis’ complete lack of understanding of how the Legislature operates.”
Immigration at the Forefront
DeSantis’ push aligns with Trump’s earlier pledge to deport the estimated 11 million undocumented people in the United States, including roughly 1.2 million in Florida. While Florida’s GOP-controlled Legislature generally supports stricter immigration policies, lawmakers have criticized the governor’s demand for immediate action as premature, noting that the regular session begins March 4.
Albritton and Perez have also argued that such complex issues—particularly those involving condominium safety reforms and ballot initiative changes—deserve more deliberate consideration, not rushed decisions during an unexpected special session.
DeSantis Turns Up the Heat
In response to criticism, DeSantis has intensified efforts to force the Legislature’s hand. Last week, he held a virtual meeting with Republican leaders from across the state and authorized mass text campaigns urging voters to demand action from their representatives.
DeSantis emphasized the political risks of adjourning the special session without addressing his proposed legislation. “Lawmakers who vote against fixing our broken immigration system will have to answer to their constituents,” he said during a Jacksonville press conference.
The governor is calling for state and local law enforcement to fully cooperate with federal immigration authorities and has proposed penalties for officials who resist these efforts.
Potential Fallout for Florida Tourism
As Florida leans into these contentious immigration policies, concerns are growing about how this could affect the state’s tourism-driven economy. Known as a hub for international visitors, Florida relies heavily on its image as a welcoming destination. However, policies that target undocumented individuals may send a different message, particularly for immigrant families and international tourists planning trips to iconic attractions like Walt Disney World.
Tourism experts warn that the political climate could tarnish Florida’s reputation, potentially discouraging travelers from visiting the state. “Florida thrives on inclusivity, especially in places like Orlando, where Disney markets itself as a place for everyone,” one tourism analyst noted. “The state risks alienating a significant portion of its visitor base if it continues down this path.”
DeSantis and Disney: A History of Clashes
The immigration debate also unfolds against the backdrop of an ongoing feud between DeSantis and Disney. The conflict began when Disney publicly opposed the controversial “Parental Rights in Education” law. In response, DeSantis spearheaded efforts to dissolve Disney’s special governing district, Reedy Creek, accusing the company of prioritizing progressive agendas over Floridian values.
Disney has fought back, filing a lawsuit alleging government retaliation against its free speech. The legal battle has highlighted tensions between the state’s business sector and political leadership, further complicating Florida’s image.
For a state that depends so heavily on tourism dollars, the animosity between DeSantis and one of its largest employers has sparked concerns among industry insiders. Some worry the prolonged conflict could deter visitors and weaken Florida’s economic standing.
GOP Fractures Surface
The special session has also revealed deep divisions within the Republican Party. Senator Randy Fine, who is running for Congress, accused DeSantis of using the session to score political points with Trump.
“I’ve been a staunch supporter of Trump and conservative values, but this is political theater at its worst,” Fine said. “It’s disheartening to see the governor undermine his own party to further his ambitions.”
Fine and other lawmakers have expressed frustration over the timing of the session, which disrupts their ability to prepare for the upcoming legislative season and engage with constituents. “This is a colossal mistake that disenfranchises voters across the state,” Fine added.
The Road Ahead

As legislators gather in Tallahassee, the session’s outcome remains uncertain. Past governors have had mixed success with similar tactics, but DeSantis’ willingness to repeatedly summon lawmakers until his demands are met underscores his commitment to pushing through his agenda.
Whether legislators will rally behind DeSantis or resist his call for immediate action will be closely watched, with political ramifications that could echo well beyond Florida’s borders.
THEY ARE IMMIGRANTS AND ARE HERE ILLEGALLY THEY DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BELONG IN AMERICA AND WALT DISNEY WORLD PERIOD………,
The travesty of BIDEN allowing millions of criminals into this country to do harm to AMERICA IR IT’T PEOPLE SHOULD BE DEPORTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THE GOVENOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFETY OF FLORIDA AND SHOULD FOLLOW THE EXECUTIVE ORDER AND ENFORCE THIS LAW 1000 percent THEY ARE NOT WELCOME IN FLORIDA OR WALT DISNEY WORLD!!!!!
THEY ARE IMMIGRANTS AND ARE HERE ILLEGALLY THEY DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BELONG IN AMERICA AND WALT DISNEY WORLD PERIOD………,
PEOPLE SHOULD BE DEPORTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THE GOVERNOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFETY OF FLORIDA AND SHOULD FOLLOW THE EXECUTIVE ORDER AND ENFORCE THIS LAW 1000 percent THEY ARE NOT WELCOME IN FLORIDA OR WALT DISNEY WORLD!!!!!
This seems an excessive response from the Governor but I shouldn’t expect anything different. Will Florida become a state of “Show me your papers?” When my family and I have attended the theme parks, there have always been groups from other countries. Will this immigrant hunt destroy Florida’s largest trade? It definitely puts a damper on the sunshine state being a friendly and welcoming place.