Key Takeaways:
• Florida politicians, groups, and developers set bold New Year’s resolutions.
• Gov. DeSantis plans a charm makeover in 2026.
• Lawmakers vow to protect Confederate monuments and expand book bans.
• Fans must donate big to revive Florida college sports.
• Developers push new strip malls and homes on wild lands.
• Democrats eye election wins, while a surprise GOP candidate rises.
• University leaders aim to reshape campuses with conservative policies.
It’s a new year in Florida. So, everyone has fresh goals. These Florida resolutions will shape politics, culture, and daily life. From the governor’s charm school to banning more books, this state has big plans. Here are eight predictions you need to know.
Florida resolutions for Gov. DeSantis’s charm makeover
In 2026, Gov. Ron DeSantis will resolve to learn how to smile. He’ll also try to be kinder in public. After his 2024 campaign, many voters thought he seemed stiff. Therefore, he plans to enroll in charm school. A Coral Gables program offers classes on polite conversation and even pudding etiquette. With this resolution, DeSantis hopes to look more relatable and win bigger audiences.
Protecting Confederate symbols stays on the agenda
Some state senators and representatives will push a bill to safeguard Confederate monuments. They’ll fine anyone who tries to remove statues or rename roads. Last year, that idea failed. However, they believe this time they can pass it. They also want to restore names like Old Dixie Highway. In fact, they plan to return more Confederate figures to schools and streets. These Florida resolutions aim to keep a certain version of history alive.
Boosting college sports with fan funding
Florida’s college teams struggled in recent seasons. The Gators went 4–8 and the Seminoles 5–7. Even FIU and USF lost their bowl games. Meanwhile, schools in Texas landed eight teams in post-season play. Therefore, one big resolution is clear: fans must donate more money. Supporters will give to athlete collectives so their favorite teams can recruit top talent. As a result, Florida hopes to compete nationally again.
Expanding book bans in classrooms
Last year, groups like Moms for Liberty helped remove some books. Toni Morrison’s works and Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five were yanked from shelves. Yet plenty of titles remain. So, one resolution is to ban more literature. Targeted works might include poems or novels with themes of sex or social justice. Advocates want kids to read only “clean” parts of the Bible or age-safe texts. Clearly, this push reflects wider Florida resolutions to control classroom content.
Faster development and sprawl wins
Developers in Florida never tire of building. Their resolution is to pave more wetlands and forests. They plan new strip malls, big-box stores, golf courses, and suburban tracks. Although environmental groups sometimes block projects, developers feel confident. The legislature may pass bills that limit public comments on new builds. They also want county staffers to approve plans instead of elected officials. These Florida resolutions will speed up approval for sprawling suburbs.
Florida resolutions spark Democratic hopes
The state Democratic Party made a big splash in 2025. A non-Republican woman won Miami’s mayoral race, beating a Trump-backed candidate. This rare success energized local Democrats. In 2026, their resolution is simple: win any election, big or small. They hope this momentum will help them in future state races. A former Republican turned Democrat also plans a run for governor. Even if the field looks tough, Democrats see opportunity in these Florida resolutions.
Gubernatorial underdogs challenge the status quo
Beyond the major party candidates, an outsider named James Fishback joins the governor’s race. He’s only 31 and boasts ties to tech leaders. Last year, he was kicked out of an economic forum for confronting a Fed board member. He also demands that foreign students pay high tuition. Critics call him a weirdo. Yet his bold style appeals to some voters. Thus, one key resolution for 2026: watch these upstart candidates closely.
Redesigning universities in a conservative image
Finally, higher education faces a big overhaul. The governor wants all public universities to follow Florida State’s lead. He’s replaced campus leaders with political allies. For example, the new UF president claims the university must stay “institutionally neutral,” which really means conservative. Programs on environmental studies and multicultural engagement face cuts. Meanwhile, a new classical studies school gets full funding. In short, one top resolution is to reshape campuses into conservative academies.
These Florida resolutions for 2026 show just how much change is coming. From politics and sports to schools and streets, the new year will test the state’s values and beliefs. Stay tuned as these bold predictions unfold.
FAQs
What are the top Florida resolutions for state leaders this year?
State leaders plan to master public charm, protect historic monuments, and push new laws for development and education.
How will Florida resolutions affect college sports?
Fans are urged to donate to athlete collectives. This funding aims to help teams recruit star players and boost performance.
Why are book bans part of Florida’s New Year’s plans?
Groups want to remove novels and poems they consider inappropriate. Their goal is to keep classroom reading “safe” and limited.
What changes lie ahead for Florida universities?
The state will install conservative leaders, cut programs on sustainability and inclusion, and fund a new classical studies school.