A new political dispute is emerging in Florida over when to redraw the state’s congressional districts, as Gov. Ron DeSantis and leaders in the Florida House offer different timelines for updating the state’s maps ahead of the 2026 elections. The conversation has intensified as former President Donald Trump has shown interest in the matter, adding national attention to an already complex process.

DeSantis Signals Redistricting Next Spring

Gov. DeSantis has publicly stated that he intends to revisit and redraw Florida’s congressional map next spring, setting the stage for a potentially significant shift in how districts are structured for the 2026 congressional elections.
His position suggests that the executive branch is preparing to take a leading role in shaping the next version of the map, which could influence political boundaries across one of the nation’s fastest-growing states.

Florida House Leaders Prefer to Wait

While DeSantis is pushing for action in 2025, leaders in the Florida House have signaled that they are not aligned with his preferred timeline.
Key lawmakers have indicated they do not plan to engage in redistricting during the upcoming legislative session, creating a gap between the governor’s intentions and the legislature’s approach.

This divergence raises questions about when the process will officially begin and who will steer it, especially given the legal and political complexities surrounding Florida’s most recent map.

Background: A Map Already Under Scrutiny

Florida’s current congressional boundaries, pushed forward by DeSantis in 2022, remain the subject of ongoing legal battles. Civil rights organizations have argued that the map diminished minority representation, while the administration has defended it as legally sound.

With court challenges still underway, the discussion over the timing of a new map adds another layer of uncertainty.

Trump’s Influence Brings National Spotlight

Former President Donald Trump’s interest in the redistricting issue has amplified attention on Florida. While he has not detailed a specific redistricting plan, his involvement signals that national political figures see Florida’s congressional layout as consequential for broader electoral dynamics.

His push could place additional pressure on Florida’s leadership as they navigate internal disagreements on timing and strategy.

What Comes Next?

As of now, Florida enters 2025 with no unified timeline for redistricting. The governor’s office favors early action, the House prefers a slower approach, and the Senate has not yet staked a firm position.
Legal proceedings, political negotiations, and national interest will all shape the path ahead.

The only certainty is that Florida’s congressional map—already a focal point of state and national attention—will remain a central topic in the months to come.