ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Florida’s Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE) task force has announced a state-backed audit into Orange County’s finances.
In a letter dated July 24, DOGE addressed Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, announcing that the state of Florida will conduct a series of financial audits to analyze the way the county’s government runs.
Within the eight-page letter, the state accuses the county of increasing burdens on taxpayers over the last five years.
“Taxpayers of Orange County have watched as your county government has increased burdens on property owners to the annual tune of $330 million in additional ad valorem tax collections — an increase of over 50%,” the letter claimed.
DOGE has dated the audits for Aug. 5 and 6, at which point officials will need access to the county administrative building and any other locations like it to review its “physical premises, data systems and responsive personnel.”
Newly appointed Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia will lead the charge with the support of Gov. Ron DeSantis. Ingoglia will work in partnership with DOGE and the Office of Policy and Budget (OPB) to determine and report potential instances of excessive spending.
Following the initial letter begins a packet of specific requests; access and documents that DOGE is requesting the county make available. Things like procurement and contracting, personnel compensation, utilities, and homeless services, to name a few.
The letter claims that citizens of Florida have shown enthusiasm regarding the audit, and DeSantis shared that the county has no choice but to comply.
“We have the authority,” he said. “This is no longer optional. We don’t have to ask, mother may I? We can simply say, ‘You must comply under the law.’”
In a written statement, Demings said the county intends to comply, but shared that state officials should keep a few things in mind with their claims.
“While we are in receipt of the Florida DOGE letter and plan to fully cooperate, there are several important factors the state should take into consideration,” the statement said. “Since 2020, Orange County has grown by approximately 81,000 residents. The substantial growth has placed increasing demands on public services across the county.”
State officials can levy fines of $1,000 a day on municipalities that don’t cooperate. The county has until Wednesday, July 30, to connect with DOGE, in a portion of the letter where the government agency asks the county to provide an on-site contact ahead of the visits next week.