Governor Ron DeSantis and CFO Blaise Ingoglia take action by issuing subpoenas to Orange County employees over efforts to obstruct state DOGE audit
Orlando, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis joined Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia on Monday to announce that subpoenas are being issued to Orange County employees who may have information regarding attempts to obstruct the state’s ongoing local government audits conducted by the Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The move comes after state auditors identified irregularities during on-site visits to county offices, prompting concerns about transparency and fiscal responsibility.
“Orange County taxpayers deserve better,” Governor DeSantis said. “I applaud CFO Ingoglia for issuing subpoenas to Orange County employees involved in grant decisions, fiscal operations, and divisional management. Altering public records and trying to cover up reckless spending decisions is unacceptable, and we will continue working to uncover the truth.”
The subpoenas, issued through the CFO’s Office, compel county employees to assist state auditors and provide access to any previously hidden, deleted, or withheld documents. According to CFO Ingoglia, the action is necessary to ensure full accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.
“Taxpayers have a right to know how their hard-earned dollars are spent. Today, we have issued subpoenas to ensure that Orange County is accountable to the taxpayers and is transparent with the ways that they use public funds,” Ingoglia said. “I will not stand idly by while Floridians are forced to pay higher property taxes to fund wasteful and bloated government budgets. I promised to hold local governments accountable on overspending and I am proud to work with Governor DeSantis to keep that promise.”
Orange County was selected for the on-site audit after the DOGE team conducted a review of county spending patterns and certain diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Over the past five years, the county has increased property tax collections by more than $330 million, representing a 52% rise since fiscal year 2019-2020. During the same period, general fund expenditures climbed from just over $1 billion to slightly above $1.6 billion—a 54% increase—despite the county’s population growing by only around 10%.
State auditors flagged what they described as “irregular spending patterns,” particularly in relation to diversity and equity initiatives. Orange County reportedly spent $322,000 on a disparity study intended to examine discrimination in government contracts. Critics argue that the study was used to justify DEI-based policies that prioritized equal outcomes over merit-based decision-making, including in critical county services such as the fire department.
Cooperation with the DOGE audit is mandatory. The subpoenas require county employees to fully cooperate with auditors, providing access to financial records and any relevant communications. Officials have emphasized that failure to comply could have serious legal and administrative consequences.
Governor DeSantis created the Florida Department of Government Efficiency in February 2025 through Executive Order 25-44. DOGE’s mission is to ensure efficiency, transparency, and accountability across state and local governments, including state agencies, colleges, universities, and municipalities. The agency conducts audits to identify misuse of public funds, redundant programs, and other inefficiencies, aiming to promote fiscal responsibility throughout Florida.
“Having entrusted their governments with the power to tax, the citizens of Florida have a right to expect that their elected officials will spend the collected funds responsibly, not recklessly, and only on truly necessary programs,” a state official said. DeSantis has consistently emphasized fiscal discipline, noting that under his leadership, Florida has paid down nearly half of the state’s total historic tax-supported debt while maximizing the rainy-day fund. The governor also recently signed the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget, marking a second consecutive year of reductions in state spending.
Local officials in Orange County have faced criticism from state authorities for what is described as an excessive spending spree. County expenditures have surged despite relatively modest population growth, and state auditors have highlighted areas where funds may have been mismanaged or allocated without adequate oversight.
“Efforts to obscure financial records or manipulate reporting undermine public trust,” DeSantis added. “We will not tolerate attempts to hide reckless decisions or shield employees from accountability. Transparency is not optional when it comes to taxpayer dollars.”
CFO Ingoglia echoed the governor’s remarks, stressing the importance of local government accountability. “Every Floridian deserves to know that their tax dollars are being spent responsibly. Oversight and enforcement are critical to ensuring that local governments act in the best interest of their communities,” he said. “The subpoenas are a necessary step to uncover any hidden or deleted records that may reveal wasteful spending or mismanagement.”
The DOGE audit in Orange County is expected to examine a wide range of issues, including fiscal operations, grant decisions, divisional management practices, and DEI-related expenditures. Auditors will review internal records, communications, and other relevant documentation to determine whether county operations adhere to state regulations and best practices in financial management.
State officials have repeatedly emphasized that their goal is not to target county employees personally but to ensure that government operations are transparent, efficient, and accountable to the public. The subpoenas are designed to secure cooperation and access to materials necessary to complete the audit thoroughly.
As the audit continues, both Governor DeSantis and CFO Ingoglia have pledged to monitor developments closely and take further action if needed. They have also reiterated their commitment to protecting taxpayers from unnecessary or mismanaged expenditures while promoting responsible governance at every level.
With the subpoenas now issued, Orange County officials face mounting pressure to comply fully with the DOGE audit. Public attention is likely to remain high as auditors continue their review of the county’s finances, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and that local governments operate transparently.
