Florida lawmakers are considering a bold new proposal for streamlining government operations by creating the Department of Government Efficiency, or FLOGE (Florida DOGE). Sponsored by  Tiffany Esposito, the proposal aims to eliminate redundancy in the bureaucracy as well as regulatory inefficiencies. While backers say it will save taxpayers and business owners money, critics are worried about the risk of unintended consequences.

A Movement to Reduce Bureaucracy

Tiffany Esposito of Deltona, a Republican, is the driving force behind House Bill 305 (HB305), which seeks to provide lawmakers with more control over administrative rules. A key component of the legislation is the assignment of sunset dates for existing state agency rules and the mandatory cost-benefit tests for new rules. The reason for the legislation, according to Esposito, is the fact that Florida currently has over 170,000 regulatory barriers, which she states are stifling business and economic growth.

“Regulations and rules are a hindrance to our companies,” said Esposito. “Time is money, and getting rid of duplicate oversight can save taxpayers and companies millions.”

By cutting through the red tape, the law aims to create a more dynamic business environment in which companies can work with fewer bureaucratic hurdles. The sponsors of the law believe the removal of excessive regulations will allow companies to innovate and expand more easily, leading to greater economic success in the state. The same sort of law has been proposed at the federal level, with emphasis placed on efficiency and economic expansion over administrative complexity.

How Florida’s Approach Compares with Other Attempts at Deregulation

Florida’s move is part of broader debates at the national level about deregulation. The federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which FLOGE is modeled after, aims to cut redundant government jobs and expenses. Texas and Tennessee have also created regulatory review programs to avoid having old rules get in the way of economic activity.

Texas, for example, has passed sunset legislation requiring periodic review of state agencies to determine whether or not they remain necessary. Tennessee likewise has taken steps to cut bureaucratic inefficiencies, demonstrating the positive influence of anticipatory regulatory oversight on the economy. HB305 in Florida continues this pattern by including sunset provisions for outdated agency rules as well as cost-benefit tests for the adoption of new rules.

However, critics argue that deregulation can go too far. In the past, the removal of oversight in the areas of labor or the environment has brought about unintended harmful results. Balancing efficiency with needed protection will be the essence of the success of FLOGE. A regulatory regime should aim to remove inefficiencies while maintaining protection for consumers, workers, and the environment.

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Political Resistance and Issues

Not everyone agrees with HB305.  Anna Eskamani, a Democrat whose constituency is in Orlando, questioned the impact of the legislation, namely the sponsorship by the Cicero Institute—a group previously known for advocating for less restrictive child labor laws. Eskamani also questioned the hypocrisy of the Republican efforts at such reform in light of the party having dominated the state for three decades.

“If there were problems with the state agencies, the Republican leaders had ample time to act,” said Eskamani, decrying the sense of urgency in the legislation.

Other critics fear HB305 may give lawmakers too much power in repealing regulations with little regard for long-term effects. Critics contend, while streamlining the process for eliminating red tape is a good idea, ensuring accountability and transparency in the decision-making process is just as important to avoid unintended policy effects.

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The Road Ahead

As the legislative session for Florida in 2025 starts on March 4, legislators will debate more than 840 proposed bills, including HB305. Whether the legislation takes off is uncertain, particularly with opposition from those with doubts regarding its wider ramifications.

If passed, the law could be a precedent for other states to follow in reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies. The key will be to ensure the deregulation does not come at the cost of needed protection. Supporters will be required to demonstrate that streamlining regulations leads to tangible benefits such as economic growth and administrative cost savings while maintaining the needed protection. The coming weeks will determine whether Florida will continue its vision for a lean, efficient government—whether FLOGE will be met with the same bureaucratic hurdles it aims to cut through. Whatever the outcome, the debate surrounding HB305 highlights a broader debate in the country about balancing regulatory efficiency with responsible government.

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