Ron DeSantis blames skyrocketing Florida housing costs on people fleeing ‘Faucivilles’
Image via AP.

Election 2022 Florida Governor Debate
'So who wants to live there? They want to come to Miami.'

Gov. Ron DeSantis is addressing the high cost of housing in Florida, suggesting Dr. Anthony Fauci is partly to blame.

During a news conference in Miami Thursday, the Florida Governor name-checked so-called “Faucivilles” as a contributing factor to skyrocketing rents, while expressing optimism that new construction would help mitigate soaring prices.

“Part of the issue with South Florida is it’s been one of the number one places to go to for the last few years. Because you had so many areas that were basically Faucivilles,” DeSantis said. “So who wants to live there? They want to come to Miami.”

Regarding high housing costs, DeSantis also said “some of it was being driven by the worst inflation we’ve had in 40 years.”

“And so people’s utilities, everything, gas, all of that has gone up over the last few years, and of course, the rent was a big part of that,” DeSantis said, before expressing hope that multifamily construction currently underway will “come on line” and smooth the spike in housing costs.

Whether new construction mitigates the issues, those who have been tracking DeSantis’ dissatisfaction with Fauci, the former head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, will recognize the latest “Fauciville” condemnation as part of an ongoing series of denunciations of the doctor in recent years.

Back in October, in an email to supporters pegged to Fauci’s recently announced retirement, the Governor complained about how the machinations of “power-hungry bureaucrats like Fauci” led to school closures in other states that lasted longer than Florida’s.

Much of DeSantis’ ongoing critique of Fauci was rooted in his belief in the doctor’s so-called “arrogance.”

“He thinks that people who disagree with him are somehow beneath him,” DeSantis lamented during an August Fox & Friends, saying Fauci “was never willing to admit he was wrong when it’s clear those policies don’t work.”

Other critiques were rooted in policy decisions for which Fauci advocated decades before COVID-19’s emergence.

We are not going to be like Fauci in the ’80s, claiming that families could get AIDS by sitting and watching TV together,” DeSantis said about monkeypox at a press conference in Rockledge on Aug. 3.

The Governor has sold merchandise yoked to Fauci’s “flip-flops” on issues and bashed, him during interviews, for doing too many interviews.

“And then, obviously, he does so many interviews that it was pretty clear to me that after a short time that this was about himself and his own image,” DeSantis snarked on a June 2021 edition of the Fox News Channel’s Ingraham Angle.

“For me, you look at that magazine cover where he’s lounging by the pool with the sunglasses on, you know, right in the midst of a pandemic. It was almost like a let-them-eat-cake moment for all the people who were chafing under his lockdowns, and yet he seemed to be having the time of his life.”

A.G. Gancarski

A.G. Gancarski has written for FloridaPolitics.com since 2014. He is based in Northeast Florida. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter: @AGGancarski


63 comments

  • SteveHC

    January 26, 2023 at 3:51 pm

    So DeSantis has the emotional and social development ofa 2-year-old. Perhaps Floridians actually PREFER that infants run the show? Who knows, patients have been known to run the giant insane asylum known as FloriDUH before…

    • AJ van note

      February 5, 2023 at 1:29 pm

      Well thought out and mature response. Many times it’s best to say nothing then to speak nonsense and let all see your lack of ……. Intelligence??

  • Elliott Offen

    January 26, 2023 at 5:36 pm

    Yeah flee an area because of COVID restrictions just to end up in a state where everything will be a felony in ten years. Get exploited and enslaved after arrest. Great PR.🤡😂

  • Donald Abicht

    January 26, 2023 at 6:35 pm

    Dumb people will believe anything this idiot spews. They refuse to learn the truth before they believe a lie.

    • Diane

      January 27, 2023 at 7:29 am

      Desantis is such a disgrace. Teachers are closing school libraries for fear of be arrested . The man has banned some on the great American classics. You don’t become gay,
      Lesbian or a racist by reading a book.
      The guy is a moron

      • Robert

        January 29, 2023 at 8:54 am

        Actually Diane. Desantis is Amazing! And, we love him and all he is doing for Florida! In fact, everyone moving to Florida shows how little you know. Just saying.

        • C l a r i c e C r e w s

          February 1, 2023 at 3:55 pm

          Actually, DeSantis is doing nothing for Florida. Is practicing destruction He’s practicing distraction and politics and it’s not going there well. I hear more and more people are turning away from his actions so he’s shooting himself in the foot.

        • Glenn

          February 5, 2023 at 3:36 pm

          DeSantis is a disaster…hates minorities, picks fights with states largest employer bringing billions to the state in taxes, makes schools deny real life, Florida most Covid fatalities, etc etc etc A Disgusted Floridian

        • Jan Clouse

          February 5, 2023 at 6:15 pm

          Very true. Governor DeSantis is amazing with great values.

    • Mary

      January 29, 2023 at 12:42 am

      I agree with you. They are fleeing Florida because DeSantis is unhinged and as bad as 45. That ego of his and the USA don’t need another freaking dictator like 45 and his cronies. Who picks a fight with educators, Disney who hires thousands of people-one of Floridas biggest employers, firing prosecutors who were elected by the people because they refuse to prosecute mothers, and is constantly going against Dr. Fauci

  • Marcia Neiman

    January 26, 2023 at 7:35 pm

    DeathSantis sounds as narcissistic as TRUMP. WHAT A SURPRISE @

    • Jon Jerret

      January 27, 2023 at 9:02 am

      Do you have any boxes at your place left by any democrat? Best call the FBI so they can protect the democrats and remove it before anyone finds out.

      • Lu

        February 5, 2023 at 5:21 am

        Lol have you been watching the news? Pence and several retired military personnel have all found top secret files in their homes? Biden & the military personnel self reported & immediately returned the papers. Trump fought for over a year to keep the many boxes of materials, claiming that they were his.

  • CRAIG

    January 26, 2023 at 8:35 pm

    ALL OF YOU R JUST FLAT OUT DUMB FOUNDED TO ANY FACTS AND WE R NOT GOING TO GIVE R PRECIOUS STATE TO YOU A– HOLES SO GIVE IT UP AND I AM A FLORIDA NATIVE AND YOU GOT A PROBLEM WITH R WONDERFUL GOVERNOR DESANTIS THEN PUT YOUR ASS UP IN THE WIND AND POOF BE OUT OF R FLORIDA– BYE– R YOU STILL HERE??

    • Todd Crickmore

      January 26, 2023 at 9:06 pm

      ^^^^We found the incel Oathkeeper!^^^

    • Martha Brooks

      January 27, 2023 at 8:08 am

      Yeah I hope all the NAYSAYERS leave, go back to where you fit in, we love and appreciate our Governor

      • Chb

        January 27, 2023 at 12:40 pm

        Not!!!!!!

      • Me

        February 5, 2023 at 10:36 am

        Not

    • Pamela gaines

      January 27, 2023 at 8:09 am

      I’m a Florida native as well and Desantis is a disgrace to this state. Do you’ll actually think parents wants their kids to be gay, what they suppose to do beat the the gayness out of them? Schools don’t teach children to be gay, that was and still is the dumbest statement. . Y’all call democrats sheep but allowing the government to run our lives but it seems like it’sok for the government to intervene when it only fits republicans agenda. They never know when one if there will Be gay then what? Republicans probably will disown their own flesh and blood because there’s gay. A bunch of idiots!

    • joe

      January 27, 2023 at 8:23 am

      why u still in this country if moving is your answer when u hate a politician ?, You hate Biden leave the country . lol sorry i prefer to vote than move every? time i hate a politician lmfao

    • TJC

      January 28, 2023 at 11:49 am

      You are a Florida native? Really? Which tribe?

    • C l a r i c e C r e w s

      February 1, 2023 at 3:57 pm

      I’m a Florida native too and been here all my life . DeSantis is nothing He’s just another Trump want to be.

    • Hlotthammer

      February 1, 2023 at 5:21 pm

      Love it DeSantos is great we love him leave .your welcome

      • chip5555Acacchai

        February 4, 2023 at 1:19 pm

        Desantos is a garbage collection business. Not able to spell the govenor’s name, or do you think he is garbage

    • Ljc

      February 5, 2023 at 2:07 pm

      Proud Floridian Supporter of DeSantis here to say. If all those who hate it here; leave. It solves the DeSantis problem quickly because I think he’s an awesome Governor!

  • Theresa Newberry

    January 26, 2023 at 9:53 pm

    I believe that Desantis has kept us safe and I believe that he has Floridian best interest at heart .💜❤️🙏🇺🇸💯Love our GOV

    • Mr. Haney

      January 27, 2023 at 5:38 pm

      Safe from what?

      • Hlotthammer

        February 1, 2023 at 5:23 pm

        From all the illegal,I had to immigrate the legal way and I love my country every one needs to be searched out like we had too

        • Lu

          February 5, 2023 at 5:32 am

          We have 800K+ people who are here illegally but DeSantis had to get some from Texas to transport? He broke the law and I hope he pays for it. DeSantis isn’t going to do anything about the ones here in Florida. Companies want CHEAP LABOR and they write big checks to Republicans so they’ll look the other way. DeSantis and Republicans are asshats!

    • Me

      February 5, 2023 at 10:39 am

      Wrong

  • Rachel

    January 27, 2023 at 1:11 am

    Not true! Ok than why has we seen the highest number of license transfers from just New York alone has been 64,000 last year 2023 from this state alone and 62,000 in 2021. ? Think of these members from just one state. Look at the DMV license turnovers more people are moving here in record numbers that’s why.

    • Glory

      January 27, 2023 at 7:51 am

      We have the BEST Governor in the nation! God bless you Gov. DeSantis!

  • Glory

    January 27, 2023 at 7:53 am

    We have the BEST governor in the whole nation here in Florida. God bless you Gov. DeSantis!

    • Hollywood

      January 27, 2023 at 8:18 am

      Make America great again!

      • Randy

        January 28, 2023 at 9:27 am

        America has always been GREAT until Trump came along.

    • Mr. Haney

      January 27, 2023 at 5:39 pm

      W. also have the largest number of idiots as you well prove.

  • Glory

    January 27, 2023 at 7:57 am

    If you don’t like it here in Florida—leave! We need the space for decent people. If you don’t live in Florida and are running down the best governor, Gov. DeSantis, in the whole nation, you’re showing your ignorance by what you say and don’t know a thing about!

    • cassandra

      January 27, 2023 at 10:45 pm

      It would be best if you left. You would be much happier. Normal people would be much, much happier.

      You and dePsycho complain about *EVERYTHING* schools, juries, LGBTQ+ people, Disney, elected officials… Endless! It’s clear you don’t like anything about Florida. Just leave.

    • Lu

      February 5, 2023 at 6:12 am

      I’ve lived here all my life. I’m not going anywhere. DeSantis sure does know a lot of pedophiles! In fact when he was teaching high school he loved to party with his FEMALE UNDERAGE STUDENTS!

  • James Murray

    January 27, 2023 at 8:02 am

    DeSantas is the best governor Florida has ever had and would make the best president if he runs for that office. WE LOVE OUR GOVERNOR !!!!! I am a full time Florida resident and proud of it.

  • Albert

    January 27, 2023 at 8:05 am

    DeSantis is a moron with power instead of putting the blame on others try to attack the real issues we face in our state. With all the rising cost in all industries going thru the roof no one puts a stop to this like insurance, taxes, medical etc. Just to mention a few. Desantis and all politicians must stop dividing this beautiful country by putting blame on other people and parties, and Fix the freaking problems so society can live more comfortable and shut the f up looking for scapegoats

    • Susan Dempsey

      January 27, 2023 at 9:24 am

      I notice you said “lifelong resident” not Native Floridian. My family goes back 4 generations here in Florida on the maternal side and both sides are from Georgia and Alabama before immigration from Scotland. One of our basic issues in Florida is education. Our Native Floridians seem to lack a good one. Focus on that. Not a DeSantis fan. He reminds me of Hitler.

      • Victoria

        January 28, 2023 at 6:58 pm

        Do you have any ideas on how to educate Floridians so we won’t find people around us being attracted to schemers and narcissists?

      • Mary

        January 29, 2023 at 12:50 am

        My parents used to tell us to pay attention to people’s eyes, because your eyes are the window to your soul. DeSantis is so wrong, because if you are true Christian you must love people, not agree with their choices. He can’t beat the gay out of them, hold educators hostage on their job as teachers, plus o believe no one is teaching children to be gay, because he and his cronies are lying. Just like he lied about the AP African American History Class. Love covers a multitude of sin and cast out all fear.

  • Jon Jerret

    January 27, 2023 at 8:58 am

    What I still find hard to understand is why so many are leaving Blue states for Red states. We are a state that overwhelming votes Red now. Why do people want to come to a state that the democrats and the media have labelled racist, homophobes, semi-fascist, etc… Do they not know that Trump lives in this state? I just hope they have learned their lesson not to vote democrat.

    • cassandra

      January 27, 2023 at 10:31 pm

      “People” are running away to Florida because their blue state neighbors do not want them there. Decent people in blue states are not tolerating moRons any longer. They do not want terrorist gang members living next door.

      DesantASS is filling up the state so fast that within a few years Florida will be one big ugly city!

    • Tom

      January 28, 2023 at 8:31 am

      Sure there’s crime in blue states but we have running gun battles up and down I75 and plenty of crime ourselves. Most people, I suspect, ignore politics and politicians. Who would make a decision to relocate based on not liking some clown who will probably gone in a couple of years?

    • Raymond Delpapa

      January 31, 2023 at 8:37 pm

      Because those who leave the Blue states are Red themselves.

  • Les Baker

    January 27, 2023 at 12:19 pm

    I would expect a Trump Clone to blame everyone else rather than the fact that he is a lousy Governor.

    • Anthony Smith

      January 27, 2023 at 5:43 pm

      I understand De Santis is Trump’s identical twin. Now we have 2 psychiatric cases that need institutionalized

  • Republicans are corrupt

    January 27, 2023 at 12:33 pm

    DeSantis failed Florida again. For real estate inventory to catch up it’s going to take 10 years. Don’t let him fool you anymore.

    • Raymond Delpapa

      January 31, 2023 at 8:45 pm

      The truth about Florida is in the climate. The climate situation is forcing insurance rates to skyrocket. This is happening at the same time real estate prices are going through the roof and rents are just as high.
      Ian was a disaster, Desantis said it was the 500 year storm, he said that because we have had to many once in a century storms since 2000. The climate crisis is now an emergency, and the only way he can get out of the truth is to lie.

  • Lex

    January 27, 2023 at 12:38 pm

    You have to admit that Fauci did change is mind and refuse to change his mind in very strange ways. Lots of research was not done on the origin of COVID. No admission that the getting COVID was a form of inoculation. No admission that you would need updated boosters for them to have any value. No longitudinal tests. Worst off there are serious concerns that Fauci hid the origins of COVID.

    • Mr. Haney

      January 27, 2023 at 5:41 pm

      Another idiot.

    • Tom

      January 28, 2023 at 8:25 am

      The way science works is that you collect data, analyze that data and draw conclusions based on that analysis. The more data you collect (as in more people getting covid), the better the analysis and the more accurate the conclusions and the more positive the outcomes for the patients. Things change over time and honestly, would knowing the origin of covid matter in the least? It’s interesting from a scientific standpoint but wouldn’t save a single life.

  • Fatima Delle Donne

    January 27, 2023 at 1:39 pm

    DeSantis is a CRIMINAL, COWARD, LIER … you NAME IT. But he has his followers. Worst for Florida and Floridians. And for the country. United States is going down hill. And, NO ONE CARES.

  • tom palmer

    January 27, 2023 at 5:26 pm

    Likening the rich tax flight to Hoovervilles in the Depression is another reason to dislike DeSantis’ rhetoric.

  • Tom

    January 28, 2023 at 8:20 am

    “Much of DeSantis’ ongoing critique of Fauci was rooted in his belief in the doctor’s so-called “arrogance.””
    When it comes to arrogance, desantis pretty much takes the cake – I guess he’s just projecting.

  • Wayne tinsley

    January 28, 2023 at 11:54 am

    World class hypocrite. The Govnah who a tacks and demonizes anyone who disagrees with his useless attempts at trying to be a actual leader and not a thug in a suit.

  • Raymond Delpapa

    January 31, 2023 at 8:31 pm

    Florida is the place where WOKE goes to die, is code for we are turning the clock back to the days of Jim Crow.
    Trump is a egotistical jurk, Desantis is cold, calculating, and evil. Beware, book burning is in the not to distant future.

  • Stephen w

    February 5, 2023 at 1:53 pm

    DeSantis is blaming others for the high cost of housing but he is doing nothing for the high cost of home insurance which is tripled in the last three years. He’s letting these insurance companies raise their rates and do whatever they want why is he not putting pressure on insurance companies That if they want to do business in Florida they have to provide affordable home insurance is insurance companies are leaving the state for homeowners but they’re allowed to sell any other product they want so when you get your high premium blame DeSantis all he’s doing is acting like a autocrat to get publicity for his 2024 campaign for president so he can raise money

  • Diane

    February 5, 2023 at 7:13 pm

    DeSantis is an evil narcissistic man. His only interst is power for himself and obtaining the presidency at all costs.. He has no interest in issues that plague the state such as the educational system. People are flocking here only for the weather. They are not coming to Floriduh for the political beliefs of the self serving governor.

  • NancyJane

    February 6, 2023 at 10:37 am

    I know why my Hoa went up and the reason was because the governor raise prices on insurance cost, that us what is making housing unaffordable. If the Governor would have done his job because incharge of the state the building wouldn’t of collapse and insurance costs on housing wouldn’t have gone up on hose insurance but that’s what you get from a republican politician.

Comments are closed.


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