Has DeSantis overseen more executions than any administration in Florida’s history?

Gov. Ron DeSantis has overseen 40 state executions since taking office in 2019, which is more than any previous administration in modern Florida history.

Former Gov. Rick Scott oversaw 28 executions across two terms from 2011-2019, Charlie Christ approved five in one term from 2007-2011, and Jeb Bush presided over 21 over two terms from 1999-2007.

All but two of the executions under DeSantis occurred during his second term, as executions were postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic, which spanned the majority of his first term. 

Executions resumed in 2023, with six inmates put to death, followed by one in 2024 and 19 in 2025 –– the most in a single year since the death penalty was reinstated in Florida in 1976.

DeSantis is on track to surpass last year’s record, as 12 death row inmates have been executed so far this year in Florida.

The state’s next two executions are scheduled for Aug. 18 and Sept. 1.