News Summary
Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed state Senator Blaise Ingoglia as Florida’s new Chief Financial Officer, effective July 17, 2025. Ingoglia, known for his conservative stance, aims to prioritize property taxes and government spending accountability. His appointment raises political stakes, with implications for future elections, particularly as the state prepares for a 2026 constitutional amendment to lower property taxes.
Tallahassee, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed state Senator Blaise Ingoglia as Florida’s new Chief Financial Officer as of July 17, 2025. This strategic appointment gives DeSantis increased control over the state Cabinet and underscores his commitment to conservative fiscal policies.
Ingoglia, a Republican from Spring Hill who has served in the Florida Senate since 2014, has earned a reputation as a strong proponent of key conservative issues, including immigration and insurance matters. DeSantis has described him as “the most conservative senator in the state of Florida,” reflecting his alignment with the administration’s conservative agenda. Alongside this role, DeSantis aims to pursue a constitutional amendment in 2026 designed to lower property taxes, a focal point for both the governor and Ingoglia.
The Chief Financial Officer position vacated in spring 2025 when former CFO Jimmy Patronis won a special election to the U.S. Congress will now be filled by Ingoglia. As one of three statewide elected Cabinet positions, alongside the attorney general and agriculture commissioner, the CFO plays a crucial role in overseeing the state’s financial matters, including the regulation of the insurance industry through the Department of Financial Services.
In his new position, Ingoglia plans to prioritize property taxes, housing affordability, and examining local government spending. He has committed to exercising his audit authority to identify wasteful expenditures within state finances, aiming to enhance accountability in government operations.
However, his appointment has faced criticism. The opposition group known as DeSantis Watch has labeled Ingoglia an “insurance industry lackey,” referencing his previous role as chair of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. Given that the CFO oversees the insurance industry in Florida, this criticism could influence public perception as he embarks on his new role.
The political implications of Ingoglia’s appointment are substantial, as it may set the stage for a competitive Republican primary in 2026. Senator Joe Gruters, a potential rival for the CFO position and a supporter of former President Donald Trump, has positioned himself as a contender. Gruters, who formerly served as chair of the Republican Party of Florida, is actively working to secure his candidacy for the upcoming election.
DeSantis has solidified his influence within the Florida Cabinet with Ingoglia’s appointment, as he previously appointed James Uthmeier as attorney general. The only remaining Cabinet position is held by Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, who was elected in 2024. The increasing alignment of these positions with DeSantis’s administration may play a pivotal role in shaping future state policies.
As a result of Ingoglia’s new position, a special election will be necessary to fill his vacant Senate seat, which represents Citrus, Hernando, Sumter, and parts of Pasco counties. Former Representative Ralph Massullo has announced his intention to run for this Senate seat, gaining support from both DeSantis and the Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee.
In addition to these political dynamics, Florida’s lieutenant governor position remains vacant following Jeanette Nunez’s departure to assume the presidency of Florida International University. This vacancy, paired with Ingoglia’s appointment and the necessary special election, signals a period of considerable transition and potential restructuring within the Florida government.
Overall, as Senator Blaise Ingoglia steps into the role of Chief Financial Officer, his actions and policies will be closely monitored, particularly in relation to DeSantis’s broader political strategy leading into the critical electoral landscape of 2026.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Leadership Changes and Expansion in Florida’s Banking Sector
Bethany Corum Becomes First Female President of Capital City Bank
Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Announces Leadership Transition
Capital Health Plan Invests in FSU College of Medicine
Florida A&M University Highlights Finalists for President Position
Klingenstein Fields Advisors Appoints New Managing Director
Tallahassee Faces Backlash Over TPD’s ICE Agreement
Republicans Secure Narrow Wins in Florida Special Elections
Tallahassee Man Sentenced to Three Years for Multiple Crimes
BankMiami Launches as Miami-Dade’s First New Bank in 16 Years
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Reports
- Wikipedia: Chief Financial Officer
- Tallahassee.com
- Google Search: Blaise Ingoglia
- WCJB
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida
- Florida Politics
- Google News: Blaise Ingoglia CFO
- ABC Action News
- Google Scholar: Florida Chief Financial Officer
- Politico
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
TALLAHASSEE STAFF 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.
