Ron DeSantis got 59 sheriff endorsements in 2022 and crushed his Democrat opponent by 19 points.
Now Florida's sheriffs are doing it again – and the man they're backing this time has Donald Trump standing behind him too.
And Florida sheriffs just sent Democrat David Jolly a message he cannot ignore.
The Endorsement Coalition That Keeps Growing
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods – who also serves as president of the Florida Sheriffs Association – did not mince words when he explained why he's backing Donalds for governor.
"Byron Donalds understands that keeping Floridians safe is one of the most important responsibilities of our next governor," Woods said. "He respects the men and women of law enforcement and understands what our sheriffs need to protect the communities we serve. Byron will stand with law enforcement, hold criminals accountable, and continue Florida's commitment to law and order."
The Florida Sheriffs Association president does not put his name on a candidate lightly.
The 17 new endorsers span the state – Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood in the east, Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson in the Panhandle, Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell in the southwest.
Donalds enters the general election with Trump's endorsement, a $100 million war chest, and now the public backing of the man who leads every sheriff in Florida.
He earned it by actually showing up.
Donalds and running mate Bryan Avila have spent months crisscrossing the state, sitting down with sheriffs face to face and talking through what law enforcement needs from a governor.
That is how you build a coalition.
"Florida is the law-and-order state, and as Governor, I will make sure it stays that way," Donalds said. “Our sheriffs and law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every single day to protect our families and our communities and I am honored to have the support of these outstanding sheriffs from across Florida,” he continued. “Bryan Avila and I will always stand with the men and women who wear the badge, give law enforcement the support they need to do their jobs, and make sure Florida remains the safest and freest state in America.”
What His Opponent Actually Believes
This is where the contrast gets sharp.
David Jolly – the Democrat Donalds will face in November – has publicly stated he would block Florida from enforcing ICE partnership agreements at the state level and wants to suspend them entirely pending review.
Translation: Jolly wants Florida law enforcement to stop working with federal immigration officials.
He also wants to ban assault weapons, require gun owners to carry liability insurance, and "reduce gun violence" – which in Democrat-speak means making it harder for law-abiding Floridians to defend themselves.
https://twitter.com/FLVoiceNews/status/2093021025768280365?s=20
Jolly's campaign platform does not have a section on supporting law enforcement.
It has a section on "reducing gun violence."
Those are not the same thing.
This Race Is Already Being Decided
The last time Florida's sheriffs rallied behind a gubernatorial candidate this completely, that candidate won by 19 points.
Donalds has Trump, the FSA president, and sheriffs from the Panhandle to South Florida – and he is still adding names with two months to go.
Jolly is running on abortion rights, gun control, and welcoming immigrant communities while opposing ICE coordination.
https://twitter.com/FLVoiceNews/status/2070229840658313438?s=20
Florida voters have heard that pitch before.
They rejected it by double digits every time.
The sheriffs who put their names on this endorsement are not just backing Donalds – they are telling their communities exactly who stands with law enforcement and who does not.
That message travels fast in Florida.
Sources:
- Frank Kopylov, "Byron Donalds expands law enforcement support with 17 sheriff endorsements," FL Voice News, August 27, 2026.
- "17 Florida Sheriffs Unite Behind Byron Donalds' Bid For Governor," Tampa Free Press, August 27, 2026.
- "Florida Sheriffs swing behind Byron Donalds in Governor's race," Florida Politics, January 28, 2026.
- "Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly set to square off for Florida's governorship," NBC News, August 18, 2026.
- "David Jolly — 2026 Florida Governor Election," Prediction Edge, 2026.
- "DeSantis Campaign Press Release – 60 Bipartisan Florida Law Enforcement Officers Endorse Ron DeSantis for President," The American Presidency Project, October 2023.
