Fla. Gov. DeSantis Using Plane Seized in Drug Raid

Newly sworn-in Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is using a plane seized in a drug bust to get around the state for official business, the SunSentinel is reporting.

The newspaper noted DeSantis, who took office on Tuesday, flew from Tallahassee to Miami on Wednesday on an upgraded King Air aircraft. The plane is maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

“Similarly to them taking me by car, FDLE does have a plane that was seized,” DeSantis said.

“It’s a drug seizure that’s been upgraded, and it’s their opinion and I think it’s our opinion in terms of being legal, that that is something because they have the responsibility to protect and transport the governor, that that can be used for my transportation. Now, that’s not going to be like the old state planes where the Cabinet and other people could do it. It flows from their responsibility to protect me.”

The newspaper noted it had reached out to FDLE officials for comment, but information was not immediately available. The governor’s office did not respond to questions about the plane.

DeSantis’ predecessor, former Gov. Rick Scott is a multimillionaire and used his own plane for travel. The newspaper noted DeSantis’ does not have a similar financial portfolio.

NBC Miami reported the state’s original fleet of planes were sold off by Scott shortly after he took office.

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