Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis laid out his agenda in the annual State of the State address Tuesday, and Florida Speaker of the House Danny Perez announced a new investigation into insurance profits in the state.

DeSantis talks immigration, Florida economy and insurance in State of the State

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis delivered his annual State of the State address shortly after 11 a.m. Tuesday, during which he outlined his agenda for the upcoming legislative session.

"Florida is the leader among states because we lean into challenges, tackle the big issues and deliver results for the people that we serve," DeSantis said during his opening remarks. "We lead with purpose and conviction. We lead with determination and strength. We lead with faith, and we lead with hope."

DeSantis touted the state's recent economic performance — singling out Florida's unemployment rate in particular.

"For the past two years, Florida's economy has ranked No. 1 in these United States," the governor said. "We have an unemployment rate that has been lower than the national average for more than 50 months straight."

He also discussed pending insurance reforms he would like lawmakers to address. 

“The Florida Legislature has spent more time and effort to address insurance reforms over the past few years than any other time in the history of the state in Florida," DeSantis said. 

Shortly after the speech, Florida House Speaker Danny Perez announced a House Committee will open an investigation into some insurance companies in the state. 

"I have asked the insurance and banking subcommittees to conduct hearings," Perez said Tuesday. "And they will have access to the full range of tools in issuing subpoenas, putting people under oath, and hiring outside experts." 

DeSantis said state automobile rates are scheduled to come down this year — at least 6-10.5% among the three largest companies “even as rates continue to skyrocket nationwide.”

And on immigration, he said: “We will be part of the solution and not part of the problem. We are not a sanctuary state, we are a rule of law state.”

Democratic House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell issued the rebuttal for her party, a response that was recorded ahead of time. 

She started her response by asserting that DeSantis “failed to share anything resembling a viable plan for a better future for all Floridians.” 

She then struck at a DeSantis proposal to create a Florida version of DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency created by President Donald Trump and led by billionaire businessman Elon Musk. 

She also mentioned that DeSantis and Republicans have been in full control of Tallahassee for over two decades, and said that any government waste would have been the fault of Republicans across the state.

State lawmaker calls for look into insurance profit" 

A special inquiry into insurance companies profits has been called for by a state lawmaker.

Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez announced Tuesday that he would call for a committee to investigate insurance companies and accusations of billions in profits being moved to other accounts and while companies actually claimed losses. 

"I have asked the insurance and banking subcommittees to conduct hearings," Perez said Tuesday. "And they will have access to the full range of tools in issuing subpoenas, putting people under oath and hiring outside experts." 

Democratic House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell somewhat echoed those sentiments. 

"Voters are so concerned about costs," she said. "And frankly, Florida is becoming too expensive for too many Floridians so we need to try to reign in these property insurance and lower costs for all Floridians."