The simmering feud between Governor Ron DeSantis and anti-gun Republicans in Tallahassee has flared into public view once again, this time over the appointment of Florida’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
On July 16, 2025, Governor DeSantis announced the appointment of State Senator Blaise Ingoglia, a conservative with a steadfast pro-gun voting record, to replace former CFO Jimmy Patronis, who vacated the position to serve in Congress.
This decision has set the stage for a high-stakes political showdown, as Ingoglia’s appointment bypasses State Senator Joe Gruters, a high-profile candidate who has been actively campaigning for the CFO role ahead of the 2026 election.
For Florida’s gun owners, this appointment carries significant implications for the future of Second Amendment rights in the state.
A Tale of Two Senators: Ingoglia’s Pro-Gun Record vs. Gruters’ anti-gun Vote
At the heart of this political clash is a stark contrast in the candidates’ records on the Second Amendment.
During the press conference announcing Ingoglia’s appointment, Governor DeSantis emphasized the senator’s unwavering commitment to gun rights, noting that Ingoglia voted against the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, more aptly referred to as the Parkland Gun Control Bill.
This legislation, rammed into law by former Governor Rick Scott and a slew of backstabbing Republicans, raised the minimum age for purchasing all firearms to 21, imposed a three-day waiting period for gun purchases, and instituted “Red Flag” Gun Confiscation laws allowing for the seizure of firearms without due process.
Senator Joe Gruters was one of those “Republicans” who sold out gun rights advocates by voting for the Parkland Gun Control Bill.
Meanwhile, State Senator Ingoglia voted against the bill and chose to uphold his campaign promises to defend the Second Amendment instead.
Governor DeSantis’s decision to highlight this contrast underscores his administration’s focus on advancing Second Amendment protections.
By appointing Ingoglia, DeSantis is sending a clear message: anti-gun votes in Tallahassee will no longer be rewarded with high-profile appointments.
This move not only snubs Gruters but also signals to the Republican establishment that fidelity to conservative principles, particularly on gun rights, is non-negotiable.
This clash is more than a personal rivalry; it reflects broader divisions within the Republican Party.
Ingoglia’s appointment has drawn criticism from some Republicans, such as Representative Juan Carlos Porras, who has been a stooge for Speaker Danny Perez in their attempts to stonewall pro-gun legislation seeking to legalize Open Carry and repeal the “Red Flag” Gun Confiscation law.
Ingoglia’s appointment also creates a unique opportunity for Florida’s gun owners. His vacated Senate seat, representing Citrus, Hernando, Sumter counties, and part of Pasco County, will require a special election.
This election offers a chance to elect a new senator who shares Ingoglia’s commitment to the Second Amendment and perhaps someone willing to champion the fight to repeal Florida’s gun control law.
Florida Gun Rights is preparing to make sure the next senator is a proven champion of gun rights who is capable of resisting pressure from the anti-gun establishment in Tallahassee.
The special election is particularly critical given Florida’s failure to repeal restrictive measures like the “red flag” laws and the military-aged adult gun purchase restriction.
Despite a Republican supermajority, a Republican governor, and a Republican-majority Supreme Court, Florida’s gun laws remain stricter than those in other conservative states like Texas and Georgia.
In fact, (INSERT ANTI-GUN ORG’S SCORE CARD HERE) gave Florida a passing grade of a “C” for its gun control.
That’s unacceptable.
This gap highlights the need for grassroots activism to advocate for bold reforms, such as legalizing open carry and repealing “red flag” laws, all of which were stalled in the 2025 legislative session due to Republican leadership’s intentional inaction.
With a special election and an uphill fight to restore the Second Amendment by repealing gun control, our resources will be stretched thin in the next several months.
Pitch in a quick donation today to help your Florida Gun Rights fight back.
