TAMPA, Fla. — Florida’s race for governor is entering a new phase, with Republican nominee Byron Donalds taking his general-election message across the state and the differences between Donalds and Democratic nominee David Jolly beginning to come into sharper focus.

Donalds brought his “Defending the Florida Dream” tour to Tampa this weekend, where his campaign scheduled a community question-and-answer event focused on veterans. The stop is part of a statewide tour that Donalds’ campaign says is focused on issues including affordability, achievability and accountability.

The transition comes with another significant development inside the Republican Party: Gov. Ron DeSantis has formally endorsed Donalds as his preferred successor.

DeSantis backed Donalds along with the broader Republican statewide ticket during a GOP leadership forum in Tampa this week. The endorsement followed months of political tension and questions about whether the governor would actively support Donalds in the general election.

PROPERTY TAXES EMERGE AS A DEFINING ISSUE

One of Donalds’ biggest proposals involves Florida property taxes.

Donalds has said that even if voters approve Amendment 3 in November, he wants the state’s Tax and Budget Reform Commission to conduct a broader review of Florida taxes and fees when it convenes next year.

His stated goal is eliminating homestead property taxes if the numbers work. If complete elimination proves financially unrealistic, Donalds has said he would pursue more targeted relief for groups including seniors and working families.

Amendment 3 itself would increase Florida’s homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028.

The debate is especially relevant in communities such as Indian River County, where property values, insurance premiums and other household costs have risen in recent years.

Supporters of greater property-tax relief argue local governments have benefited from years of increasing property values and should reduce the burden on homeowners. Critics warn that eliminating or substantially reducing property taxes could affect local government services or shift more of the tax burden toward businesses, renters and non-homesteaded properties.

DONALDS AND JOLLY OFFER DIFFERENT PATHS

The general election is also producing contrasts on several other issues.

Artificial-intelligence data centers are one example. Jolly has called for a one-year moratorium on new data-center construction while Florida develops additional rules. Donalds has taken a more development-friendly position, arguing that computing capacity is important to Florida’s economic future while also saying local governments should retain authority and existing utility customers should not be forced to subsidize the electricity and water demands of new facilities.

Another developing issue is automated license-plate readers.

Donalds has backed the DeSantis administration’s removal of Flock Safety cameras from state road rights-of-way, arguing that law enforcement should have effective tools without creating a surveillance state. Jolly has also called for significant changes and has urged lawmakers to address the technology.

AN UNUSUAL AREA OF AGREEMENT

The candidates have also found some common ground.

Both Donalds and Jolly have called for reforms following the release of a grand-jury report involving Hope Florida and the movement of Medicaid settlement money.

Donalds has said lawmakers should change state law to provide greater oversight of how such funds are distributed. Jolly supports reforms as well and has called for additional investigation if elected governor.

The grand jury did not issue indictments, but its report recommended additional safeguards surrounding state funds.

THE RACE NOW TURNS TOWARD NOVEMBER

For Florida voters, the next two months should provide a clearer comparison between the two major-party nominees.

Property taxes, homeowners insurance, education, public safety, government spending, surveillance technology and the rapid expansion of artificial-intelligence infrastructure are all emerging as potential dividing lines.

IRC Media will continue tracking the positions of Donalds and Jolly as part of our 2026 Florida election coverage.

Follow the governor’s race, statewide contests and election results in the IRC Media Election Center: https://www.ircmedia.net/election-center

IRC Media uses aggregated public data and verified sources; articles reviewed by editorial team to the best of our ability.