Florida Sets Modern Record with 15 Executions in 2024, Governor DeSantis Cites Justice

Florida has carried out 15 executions so far this year, with two more scheduled in November, surpassing the modern-era annual record and outpacing the previous high under Gov. Ron DeSantis of six in 2023. DeSantis says the accelerated pace is about delivering justice and closure to victims’ families, arguing the death penalty is an appropriate punishment for the worst offenders and could be a stronger deterrent if carried out more quickly, and he has called for shorter appeals. Officials note many of those executed had been imprisoned for decades (22 to 42 years), and the state had no executions in 2020–2022 as the pandemic affected earlier scheduling. Critics, including House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, contend the uptick in executions may be politically motivated as DeSantis seeks to appeal to Republican primary voters. DeSantis maintains he reviews cases to ensure guilt before signing warrants and shows no sign of slowing the recent pace of capital punishment.