Governor Ron DeSantis has raised concerns about the ripple effects of escalating geopolitical tensions, cautioning against both economic uncertainty at home and the possibility of increased migration from Cuba.
Speaking during a public appearance in Bradenton, DeSantis addressed the impact of foreign policy decisions under President Donald J. Trump, particularly as conflict involving Iran contributes to rising global oil prices. While fuel costs in Florida have climbed sharply, reportedly nearing a $1 increase per gallon compared to last year, the governor expressed skepticism about calls to suspend the state’s gas tax.
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“our ability to influence fuel prices are really marginal,” DeSantis said. “sometimes the prices get raised so the consumer doesn’t see any difference. if the gas is $4 a gallon, whether you are paying tax or not, if you are paying $4 that’s what people notice.”
His comments come as Democratic lawmakers push for a temporary halt to Florida’s roughly 25-cent-per-gallon fuel tax, arguing it could provide short-term relief to residents. However, DeSantis pointed to past efforts, such as the 2022 gas tax holiday implemented during the administration of Joe Biden, suggesting the benefits were limited.
“i don’t think the consumer really felt relief,” he added.
With the state legislature expected to reconvene in Tallahassee after failing to pass a new budget, the issue of fuel tax relief could re-emerge alongside broader fiscal negotiations.
Beyond domestic concerns, DeSantis also turned attention to the deepening economic crisis in Cuba, where reduced oil supplies and ongoing structural challenges have intensified hardship. The governor warned that further instability could trigger a wave of migration toward Florida’s shores.
“i don’t know what’s going to happen in cuba,” he said. “if there is more turbulence there, there could potentially be an exodus out of cuba.”
He made clear that such a development would be met with resistance from state authorities. “we don’t want to see a massive armada of people showing up on the shores of the florida keys… we are working on those contingencies.”
Echoing broader U.S. political sentiment, Trump recently described Cuba as “a very weakened nation,” adding that “i think cuba sees the end.” Meanwhile, Cuban leadership has acknowledged ongoing discussions with the United States, signaling a complex and evolving diplomatic landscape.
Florida’s proximity, just 90 miles from Cuba, combined with its large Cuban American population, makes the state particularly sensitive to developments on the island. Historical precedents, such as the 1980 migration wave following the rise of Fidel Castro, continue to shape policy considerations.
DeSantis suggested coordination between federal and state authorities would be key in managing any potential migration scenario. “they do not want to see movement from cuba to florida,” he said of the Trump administration, adding that efforts may instead focus on encouraging political change within Cuba itself.
The governor argued that meaningful progress would require more than leadership adjustments, calling for a broader transformation of the country’s political system. “people are not going to want to invest in that island under these current circumstances,” he said, expressing doubt about proposed reforms to attract foreign investment.
While acknowledging uncertainty about how events may unfold, DeSantis maintained that the situation presents a rare opportunity for long-term change. “that country has basically been in a communist prison for a long time,” he said, adding that any transition is unlikely to be “super orderly.”
As tensions abroad continue to influence domestic policy and regional stability, Florida officials remain on alert, balancing economic pressures at home with the potential for humanitarian and geopolitical challenges just beyond its shores.
