News Summary
Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed state Senator Blaise Ingoglia as Florida’s new Chief Financial Officer following the resignation of Jimmy Patronis. Ingoglia, known for his background in construction and ties to the Republican Party, will manage the state’s finances and oversee insurance regulation. His appointment signifies a consolidation of support from DeSantis, who aims to enhance fiscal responsibility. However, competition with State Senator Joe Gruters, who is also vying for the CFO position in 2026, adds complexity to Ingoglia’s new role.
Tallahassee, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed state Senator Blaise Ingoglia as Florida’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) following the resignation of former CFO Jimmy Patronis, who left his position early to pursue a congressional seat. Ingoglia, 54, is recognized for his background as a homebuilder and his previous tenure as a leader within the Republican Party in the state. His appointment marks an alignment with DeSantis, who is expected to support Ingoglia in a bid for the CFO position again in 2026.
The CFO plays a critical role in managing the state’s finances, overseeing insurance regulation, and serving on the Florida Cabinet. In this capacity, Ingoglia is tasked with ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency within Florida’s financial operations. His responsibilities include the authority to conduct audits of government institutions that receive state funding, thereby ensuring accuracy and accountability in government spending.
Ingoglia’s close alliance with DeSantis has been evident through his support for the governor’s initiatives on illegal immigration, death penalty reform, and election regulations. Recently, their partnership was showcased when both attended the NCAA basketball championship game together in San Antonio, further solidifying their political bond.
However, Ingoglia’s appointment is not without competition. State Senator Joe Gruters, who has received backing from former President Donald Trump, has also announced his candidacy for the CFO position in the upcoming 2026 election. This rivalry complicates the political landscape, particularly as DeSantis has publicly stated he will not consider Gruters for the appointment, citing concerns over Gruters’ support for a marijuana legalization initiative and emphasizing that such a decision would betray the trust of Florida voters.
In recent discussions, Ingoglia has been vocal about fiscal policy issues, particularly regarding Gainesville’s taxation and spending strategies. He has demanded access to city data and personnel to conduct a review of the city’s finances, positioning himself as a proactive advocate for financial scrutiny and efficiency. Ingoglia has also pledged to support consumers and combat wasteful government spending, aligning with DeSantis’ initiative to enhance government efficiency through the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Ingoglia’s financial background is notable as well, with a reported net worth of approximately $28 million. Apart from his political career, he has made a name for himself as an internationally ranked poker player, accumulating $468,282 in tournament winnings, which adds an interesting dimension to his profile as he steps into the role of CFO.
DeSantis has referred to Ingoglia as a “conservative warrior,” highlighting his consistent support for Florida’s Republican agenda on critical issues. The dynamics surrounding Ingoglia’s appointment and the upcoming electoral competition between him and Gruters underscore the evolving political landscape in Florida, especially within the ranks of the Republican Party.
As Ingoglia prepares to take on his new responsibilities, stakeholders across the state will be watching closely, particularly regarding his approach to financial management and commitment to reducing unnecessary government expenditure. The rivalry with Gruters adds a layer of complexity to his leadership role, setting the stage for what promises to be an engaging political atmosphere leading into the 2026 elections.
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Additional Resources
- Politico: Blaise-ing into the CFO Job
- Wikipedia: Florida
- WCJB: Gov. DeSantis, Florida CFO to Speak in Gainesville Amid DOGE Audit
- Google Search: Florida Chief Financial Officer
- My News 13: Florida Chief Financial Officer
- Google Scholar: Florida government finance
- Lake City Reporter: State Probing Broward, Gainesville Finances
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chief Financial Officer
- Click Orlando: Florida Gov. DeSantis to Swear in New State Chief Financial Officer
- Google News: Blaise Ingoglia
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
