Press Article: Delayed Appointment Frustrates Former CFO as Florida Seeks Replacement
Tensions are rising in Florida as the state remains without a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) more than four months after the position became vacant. Former CFO Jimmy Patronis, who recently transitioned to Congress, expressed his frustration during a segment on One America News Network with Rep. Matt Gaetz.
“It’s been over four months since we’ve had the vacancy as CFO of the state of Florida,” Patronis stated. “Without a CFO in place, who in the hell is doing the business of the people?"
Patronis’s comments come after he resigned to pursue Gaetz’s former congressional seat, a move mandated by Florida’s resign-to-run law. He criticized Governor Ron DeSantis’s delay in appointing a successor, highlighting that the state constitution designates the CFO as the sole authority to sign state checks. “They’ve got a couple of friendly attorneys who have found some way to find comfort language in allowing essentially an AutoPen to sign the checks for the state of Florida,” he remarked, drawing an unfavorable parallel to President Joe Biden’s governance.
DeSantis had previously indicated that the position would be filled “expeditiously” after the Legislative Session concluded, but no appointment has been made, signaling what may be a strategic delay as the Governor considers potential appointees like Sen. Blaise Ingoglia.
Compounding financial concerns, Patronis also voiced his support for the state legislature’s investigation into $10 million in Medicaid settlement funds routed into political advertising against a pro-marijuana ballot initiative. He applauded lawmakers for "asking tough questions of the executive branch," affirming that accountability should remain a priority for constituents. As Florida navigates this critical leadership gap, calls for prompt action continue to grow.
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