Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has publicly issued a sharp warning to New York’s leadership, framing the state’s political trajectory as a cautionary tale for his own Sunshine State. With the rhetoric of “It’s a disgrace!”, DeSantis is signalling serious concern—not only about what is happening in New York, but about how it might ripple across the country. This is more than partisan posturing—it raises questions about state-to-state influences, migration flows, public safety, and how one governor sees his state’s future by contrasting it with another’s.

What Happened?

In mid-2025, after the New York City Democratic primary result gave rise to a strong contender Zohran Mamdani, described by DeSantis as a “socialist”, the Florida governor publicly weighed in. He warned that what New York is doing—or might do—could have consequences for Florida, saying that Florida might need an “entry tax” for new residents fleeing New York’s policies.

DeSantis wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

Don’t New York our Florida!”

He argued that New York’s potential shift toward very progressive / socialist policies could lead its residents to relocate in large numbers to Florida, thereby impacting Florida’s infrastructure, housing, public services and economy.

During a speech for the Economic Club of New York in March 2025, DeSantis contrasted Florida’s economic growth with what he characterised as New York’s failing model:
I look at states like California, and yes New York — see what they’re doing and then do precisely the opposite.”

While that comment is more economic than accusatory, the broader tone of his warnings suggests he views New York’s path as a cautionary tale.

Why the Strong Language and “disgrace” Label?

What underpins DeSantis’s critique? Several key themes:

Public Safety and Law-&-OrderDeSantis emphasizes that states with strong law-enforcement policies, lower taxation and high growth (like Florida, in his view) are succeeding. By contrast, he sees New York’s leadership as embracing reforms that undermine public safety and create instability. For example, the Mamdani campaign in New York called for significant changes to the NYPD and cash-bail abolition, both issues DeSantis cited with concern.

Migration and Economic ImpactFlorida has seen a large inflow of new residents, many from New York. DeSantis’s warning is partly about managing that influx: he argues that Florida shouldn’t become a dumping ground for residents unhappy with their own state’s governance. He warned about the “poor rule” of other states pushing people toward Florida.

Comparative Governance NarrativeDeSantis clearly uses New York as a foil: showing that Florida is doing what New York isn’t (or what New York did and he believes shouldn’t have). In his March speech he directly said that Florida had grown by 30% in GDP since 2019 and had policy success while New York was doing “this” or “that”.

Electoral / Political SurfacingWhile framed as governance critique, the warning also has political under-currents: DeSantis is positioning himself (and Florida) as the opposite of New York’s alleged failures. That plays locally—but also nationally—as he lays groundwork for higher ambition.This mix of policy critique, migration concern and political signalling underlies the “disgrace” framing: he is saying the direction New York is headed—or may head—is unacceptable, and Florida must respond.

Implications for Florida & Interstate Relations

This conflict isn’t purely rhetorical. The warning has tangible implications:

State Resource Planning: If indeed large numbers of New Yorkers relocate, Florida needs to budget for housing, education, infrastructure. DeSantis’s message is that he has to plan for that possibility.

Economic Identity: Florida markets itself as a business-friendly, low-tax, growth-oriented state. By contrasting with New York, DeSantis reinforces that brand—and warns what could happen if the narrative flipped.

Competition for Residents: States increasingly compete for residents and talent. DeSantis’s comment that Florida may need an “entry tax” if waves of New Yorkers arrive is partly about maintaining that competitive position.

Political Messaging and National Profile: By caring about what another state does, DeSantis sets Florida as a standard-bearer. That could influence how other states respond or align with Florida’s narrative in national politics.

Potential Tensions Between States: While states frequently critique each other, this could strain interstate relations. If Florida rides away from New York’s policies, the two might diverge further, not just politically but operationally (migration, tax base, talent pools).

Criticisms & Counterpoints

Of course, there are push-backs to DeSantis’s framing:

Simplification and Hyperbole: Critics might say that using New York’s leadership choices as a general “disgrace” statement is reductive. Policies like police reform, bail reform, and housing regulation in New York are complex and outcomes mixed—painting them as simply disgraceful overlooks nuance.

Motivation Question: Some observers note that DeSantis’s comments serve his political brand more than purely governance critique. By attacking New York, he elevates Florida’s contrast—and arguably positions himself for national ambition.

Migration Flow Realities: While many residents move between states, massive waves driven by politics are rarer than rhetoric suggests. The “entry tax” concept may face legal, practical or political barriers.

State Differences: Florida and New York differ vastly: size, demographics, economics, infrastructure, climate. It’s not necessarily apples to apples. Florida’s success may owe as much to climate, population growth and demography as to policy design.

Internal Florida Critiques: DeSantis’s narrative emphasises Florida’s strengths, but the state also faces challenges—education, environment (climate change and sea-level rise), land-use pressures, and rights debates. These are not always acknowledged in the New York contrast.

What to Watch Going Forward

Migration Flows: Keep an eye on inflow/outflow statistics between New York and Florida. Do larger numbers move due to policy/lifestyle rather than economic/climatic reasons?

Policy Shifts in New York: If New York does elect a mayor like Mamdani and implements major reforms (bail, policing, housing), how will it actually affect migration and perception? Will Florida’s warning be validated?

Florida’s Response Plan: Will Florida enact special policies or taxes to manage new residents? The “entry tax” idea is provocative but complex: watch for legislative or administrative moves.

Political Repercussions: Both for DeSantis (reinforcing national profile) and New York leadership (defensive positioning), how this interplay influences upcoming elections and campaigns.

Inter-State Discourse: Does this trigger more states publicly critiquing each other? Will interstate competition (for residents, business, talent) become more explicit and adversarial?

Final Thoughts

When Ron DeSantis says “It’s a disgrace!” about what New York is doing or might do, he is not merely expressing frustration; he is setting a warning signal. He frames New York as a cautionary tale for Florida—and by extension for all states that might stray from his vision of economic growth, low regulation and strong law-and-order.

Whether you agree with his policy prescriptions or not, the broader story here is about inter-state dynamics: how one governor uses the example of another state to reinforce his own platform, how migration and policy become connected, and how national politics seep into state-level governance.