Florida DOGE Launches Statewide Audits of Major Counties Finances

Florida's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), established by Governor Ron DeSantis, has launched comprehensive audits of multiple local municipalities, including the City of Orlando, Orange County, and Miami-Dade County, to investigate potential excessive taxation and spending. The audit in Orlando, set to begin August 11, follows concerns over a 55% increase in budgeted property tax collections from 2020 to 2025, despite constant millage rates, highlighting a growing burden on property owners. Miami-Dade County faces scrutiny amid a paradox of rising revenues—property taxes increased by 29% and food and beverage taxes by 56%—while confronting a projected $400 million deficit for 2025-2026; DOGE demands detailed documentation on expenditures, including those related to sustainability and social equity programs. Orange County is also under audit, with DOGE focusing on several years of taxation and spending practices. While state officials have not disclosed specific criteria for selecting jurisdictions or potential penalties for findings, municipalities have pledged cooperation and emphasized fiscal responsibility and transparency. DOGE is expected to release audit findings within 60 days of each audit's completion, signaling a statewide push for increased government efficiency and accountability.