The City of Orlando will undergo an audit by the Florida Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) beginning Monday, August 11, under the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis. The review is part of a statewide initiative targeting municipalities where taxpayers have raised concerns about spending.
Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia notified city officials in a July 30 letter that DOGE teams would be on-site August 11 and 12 to conduct the audit. Ingoglia acknowledged that Orlando’s millage rates have remained steady in recent years but pointed out that higher property values have driven annual property tax collections up by more than $120 million between 2020 and 2025 — a 55% increase. He wrote that this rise “significantly outpaces inflation and population growth” and stressed that taxpayers expect funds to be used responsibly on essential programs.
Mayor Buddy Dyer said Orlando would cooperate fully and demonstrate that the city operates in an “efficient and financially responsible manner.” State officials have not disclosed how audit locations were selected or what penalties could follow if excessive spending is identified. No preliminary findings have been released.
Once the audit is complete, DOGE will return to Tallahassee to compile its report, which Ingoglia said will be issued within 60 days.
Orlando’s review comes as Orange County is also being audited. Ingoglia told county leaders that property tax collections there have risen by $330 million in the past five years, part of a 57% increase in total annual spending. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings pledged full compliance.
The audits stem from DeSantis’ order last month launching on-site reviews of city and county governments across Florida. The governor said DOGE teams — including members from multiple state departments — will scrutinize financial data, facilities, and staff records dating back to 2019 to ensure transparency and accountability. Local governments are legally required to cooperate.
Earlier targets have included Broward County, Gainesville, St. Petersburg, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Jacksonville, and Manatee County.
