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As one of the four members of Florida’s Cabinet, the CFO helps oversee state boards and agencies, land deals, immigration-related and spending decisions.
TAMPA, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis has appointed state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia (R-Spring Hill) as Florida’s next chief financial officer, filling a big vacancy in the Florida Cabinet.
The announcement, which came Wednesday in Tampa, places Ingoglia, one of the governor’s biggest allies in the legislature and former chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, into one of the most powerful roles in state government.
What does the CFO do in Florida?
While less high-profile than the lieutenant governor, the CFO position wields broad influence. The post has been vacant since U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis resigned earlier this year after winning a special election to Congress.
As one of the four members of Florida’s Cabinet, the CFO helps oversee state boards and agencies, land deals and immigration-related decisions on top of signing off on the state’s spending.
The office also functions as the state’s fire marshal, overseeing fire safety regulations and arson investigations.
The CFO role is particularly relevant now as Floridians face another hurricane season. The CFO leads response efforts to assist residents with storm-related insurance claims and coordinates support for small businesses recovering from disasters.
Ingoglia has been a vocal supporter of the governor and his legislative agenda, often navigating DeSantis-backed priorities through the Florida Senate.
The governor is also expected to name a new lieutenant governor soon, following the departure of Jeanette Nuñez, who now serves as president of Florida International University.
DeSantis’ pick will run against Trump’s pick
The CFO is a statewide elected position, so Ingoglia would have to be elected in 2026 to continue in the role. State Sen. Joe Gruters is already in the running for the GOP nomination for CFO, and has the backing of President Donald Trump, who urged him to get in the race with a Truth Social Post last year.
“I am hearing that America First Patriot Joe Gruters is considering launching his Campaign for Chief Financial Officer of the Great State of Florida. Joe was on the “Trump Train” before it even left the station and, if he decides to run, he will have my Complete and Total Endorsement,” President Trump wrote.
