DeSantis Says He Can Make the US Richer Like Florida. The Reality Is More Complicated
An influx of people and a jolt of federal aid juiced the Sunshine State’s growth — but high housing costs and rising inequality could haunt the governor’s presidential bid
The skyline of downtown Miami is the backdrop for the the Plaza at the Lyric apartment building and a vacant building painted over with murals in the Overtown neighborhood of Miami.
Photographer: Lynne Sladky/AP PhotoGovernor Ron DeSantis has presided over a period of eye-catching growth for Florida’s $1.1 trillion economy. He’s betting the surge can help carry him into the White House, even though more of the Sunshine State’s workers are being left behind.
Hiring shot up and real-estate values soared in Florida during the pandemic, and an influx of billionaires, including Citadel founder Ken Griffin in Miami and tech investor Cathie Wood in St. Petersburg, added Wall Street glitz. The state’s status as a sporting capital continues to rise as well, with international soccer star Lionel Messi close to agreeing to join the Inter Miami Major League Soccer franchise run by David Beckham.