DeSantis criticizes misleading media stories about handling illegal immigration as data reveals Florida’s economy expanded

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized a “false media narrative” on illegal immigration following a report indicating that the state experienced economic growth despite concerns that a law making Florida less hospitable to illegal immigrants would have negative consequences.

DeSantis made his remarks in response to a report from the Washington Examiner highlighting Florida’s favorable economic performance. The state registered a 3.2% increase in its gross domestic product from Q1 2024 to Q2 2024, as reported by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Additionally, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed the addition of approximately 133,000 jobs from October 2023 to October 2024.

“Florida’s legislation, designed to address illegal immigration, sparked the spread of misleading media narratives,” DeSantis stated. “The collapse of such narratives demonstrates the rewards of effective policies. The focus should be on discouraging illegal immigration rather than, as is common nationwide, encouraging further illegal immigration.”

The narratives that DeSantis referred to included dire predictions from Democrats and some media that getting tough on illegal immigration would only damage Florida’s economy by preventing illegal immigrants from doing necessary jobs that Americans don’t want to do.

DeSantis at the time referred to data from May that showed the amount spent on Florida’s Emergency Medical Assistance program from FY 23 to FY 24 dropped to $67 million, a decrease of over 50%.

While patients aren’t forced to answer, activists warned that it could have a chilling effect on immigrants seeking medical care. Illegal immigrants are not eligible for Medicaid under federal law, but states are required to provide care in an emergency.

The bill DeSantis signed included other provisions designed to make Florida less welcoming for those who have entered illegally. They include mandatory E-Verify, a ban on NGOs and local governments issuing IDs to illegal immigrants, moves to suspend licenses of employers who employ illegal immigrants, and more money for a transport program to move illegal immigrants to “sanctuary” jurisdictions.

Fox News Digital’s Adam Shaw contributed to this report.