Frank J. Russo

Frank's Florida 9.9 proposal would apply a 9.9% consumption state tax only to spending above $1 million. The first $1 million in spending would not be taxed, and implementation of this plan would require the approval from Florida voters through their elected representatives. The revenue from this plan would be protected in public trust, not in government agency hands and reinvested in priorities including housing, teachers, healthcare workers, skilled trades and preparing Florida's workforce for AI and automation - with independent audits, public reporting and protections against politicians diverting the money elsewhere.

russo2026.com · Sources

That means strengthening skilled careers that are difficult to automate while also preparing students and workers to participate in AI and emerging industries. Frank's Florida 9.9 proposal would reinforce that investment through the protected Florida Future Fund - supporting teacher pay, skilled trades and apprenticeships, and education and retraining for workers affected by AI and automation.

russo2026.com · Sources

Data Centers & AI Infrastructure - Welcome technology investment while requiring major projects receiving public incentives to plan responsibly for power, water and infrastructure needs and deliver measurable benefits to the communities where they build. AI & the Future of Work - Bring the jobs of the future to Florida while making sure Florida students and workers have the skills, training and opportunities to fill them. Women’s Entrepreneurship - Give more women the tools to learn, launch and grow Florida businesses through practical training, professional support, access to capital and performance-based startup assistance.

russo2026.com · Sources

Data Centers & AI Infrastructure Florida should compete for AI, technology investment and high-paying jobs - but existing residents shouldn't be left paying for the infrastructure that makes major developments possible. Frank's Florida Community Dividend framework would require major data center projects receiving public incentives to plan responsibly for their power, water and infrastructure needs while providing binding, measurable benefits to the communities where they build.

russo2026.com · Sources

The Florida Future Fund Frank does not want this money disappearing into Tallahassee's general fund. Revenue would be legally protected and dedicated to investments in Floridians and Florida's economic future. Teachers - Raise Florida's average teacher salary to at least $75,000 and improve recruitment and retention. Housing - Expand first-time homeownership opportunities and address housing affordability. Healthcare - Address nursing shortages and strengthen Florida's healthcare workforce. Skilled Trades - Expand trade schools, apprenticeships and skilled workforce programs. AI & the Future of Work - Prepare students and workers for emerging technologies and help Floridians adapt as automation changes industries and jobs.

russo2026.com · Sources

AI & the Future of Work AI is going to change how Floridians work, what skills employers need and which industries grow. Frank wants Florida preparing now - attracting the industries and jobs of the future while investing in education, skilled workforce programs and opportunities that help Floridians adapt as AI and automation reshape the economy. His Florida Future Fund specifically includes investment in preparing students and workers for AI and emerging technologies.

russo2026.com · Sources

Build Florida’s Next Economy Frank wants Florida to lead the next generation of American innovation - attracting new technology, investment and jobs while making sure Floridians have the opportunity to share in that growth. His approach is pro-innovation, pro-business and pro-accountability - protecting taxpayers and communities, preparing Florida workers for an economy transformed by AI, and giving more entrepreneurs a fair shot to build something successful.

russo2026.com · Sources

People who commit violent crimes should be removed. People who work hard, obey the law and contribute to their communities deserve a system that is fair, orderly and rooted in the rule of law.

russo2026.com · Sources

That means focusing law enforcement resources on the people who actually threaten our communities - violent criminals, drug traffickers, human traffickers and transnational gangs. As Governor, Frank would strengthen partnerships between Florida law enforcement and federal agencies and prioritize state resources toward removing people who commit violent crimes and pose genuine threats to public safety. Frank's position is straightforward: If you are a violent criminal, a trafficker or you're here to hurt people, we need to deal with that. There should be no question about it. Secure the Border - And Be Honest About Who Controls It Frank supports securing America's border. But he's also not going to pretend the Governor of Florida controls the United States border. Washington does. And Washington needs to do its job. Immigration is primarily a federal responsibility. A Florida governor cannot create citizenship, establish federal immigration status or single-handedly fix the nation's immigration system. What Florida can do is strengthen public safety partnerships, combat trafficking and exploitation, enforce the laws within its authority and make sure our state is doing its part.

russo2026.com · Sources

Frank's proposed $100 million Florida Women's Entrepreneur Initiative would help qualified women learn the fundamentals of running a business, develop a viable plan, access professional support, compete for performance-based startup assistance and grow businesses that create Florida jobs.

russo2026.com · Sources

Frank would expand English-language and workforce-development opportunities that help legal immigrants successfully integrate into Florida's economy.

russo2026.com · Sources

His philosophy is Caring Capitalism - encouraging entrepreneurship, investment, growth and extraordinary success while recognizing that a strong economy also depends on teachers, nurses, tradespeople, first responders, workers and families being able to afford a future here.

russo2026.com · Sources

That means strengthening skilled careers that are difficult to automate while also preparing students and workers to participate in AI and emerging industries. Frank's Florida 9.9 proposal would reinforce that investment through the protected Florida Future Fund - supporting teacher pay, skilled trades and apprenticeships, and education and retraining for workers affected by AI and automation.

russo2026.com · Sources

Data Centers & AI Infrastructure - Welcome technology investment while requiring major projects receiving public incentives to plan responsibly for power, water and infrastructure needs and deliver measurable benefits to the communities where they build. AI & the Future of Work - Bring the jobs of the future to Florida while making sure Florida students and workers have the skills, training and opportunities to fill them. Women’s Entrepreneurship - Give more women the tools to learn, launch and grow Florida businesses through practical training, professional support, access to capital and performance-based startup assistance.

russo2026.com · Sources

The Florida Future Fund Frank does not want this money disappearing into Tallahassee's general fund. Revenue would be legally protected and dedicated to investments in Floridians and Florida's economic future. Teachers - Raise Florida's average teacher salary to at least $75,000 and improve recruitment and retention. Housing - Expand first-time homeownership opportunities and address housing affordability. Healthcare - Address nursing shortages and strengthen Florida's healthcare workforce. Skilled Trades - Expand trade schools, apprenticeships and skilled workforce programs. AI & the Future of Work - Prepare students and workers for emerging technologies and help Floridians adapt as automation changes industries and jobs.

russo2026.com · Sources

AI & the Future of Work AI is going to change how Floridians work, what skills employers need and which industries grow. Frank wants Florida preparing now - attracting the industries and jobs of the future while investing in education, skilled workforce programs and opportunities that help Floridians adapt as AI and automation reshape the economy. His Florida Future Fund specifically includes investment in preparing students and workers for AI and emerging technologies.

russo2026.com · Sources

Protect Small Businesses and Job Creation Frank does not want the proposal to unintentionally punish legitimate business activity, entrepreneurship or investment. Detailed legislation would include protections for legitimate pass-through business operations, investment and job creation, with additional fiscal modeling, legal review and implementation details developed before the proposal moves forward.

russo2026.com · Sources

Build Florida’s Next Economy Frank wants Florida to lead the next generation of American innovation - attracting new technology, investment and jobs while making sure Floridians have the opportunity to share in that growth. His approach is pro-innovation, pro-business and pro-accountability - protecting taxpayers and communities, preparing Florida workers for an economy transformed by AI, and giving more entrepreneurs a fair shot to build something successful.

russo2026.com · Sources

Frank wants to bring skilled-trades education back into Florida high schools so more students can graduate with certifications, practical skills and a direct path into the workforce. Earn While You Learn Frank's plan would expand technical training and create more paid apprenticeship opportunities connecting students directly with employers and skilled careers. He also wants experienced tradesmen and tradeswomen to have greater opportunities to teach the next generation - recognizing that decades of real-world experience can be just as valuable in a technical classroom as a traditional academic credential.

russo2026.com · Sources

Frank is proposing to raise Florida's average teacher salary to at least $75,000 a year while strengthening teacher recruitment, retention and classroom support.

russo2026.com · Sources

His approach is to reduce administrative waste and redirect resources toward teachers and classrooms rather than allowing bureaucracy to continue growing. His existing education proposal also calls for using state reserves as a bridge for increased teacher compensation rather than initially funding the increase through new taxes.

russo2026.com · Sources

We should cut bureaucracy before we cut teachers.

russo2026.com · Sources

He wants Florida schools to help young people develop confidence, character and capability so they're prepared to make decisions, solve problems, adapt and succeed when they leave the classroom.

russo2026.com · Sources

Frank wants to raise Florida's average teacher salary to at least $75,000, strengthen teacher recruitment and retention, and expand skilled trades, apprenticeships and career pathways so every student has a path to a good-paying future. He is also working to become a Florida substitute teacher because leadership begins by listening - and Frank believes elected officials should experience the classrooms their decisions affect.

russo2026.com · Sources

Frank's Florida 9.9 proposal would apply a 9.9% consumption state tax only to spending above $1 million. The first $1 million in spending would not be taxed, and implementation of this plan would require the approval from Florida voters through their elected representatives. The revenue from this plan would be protected in public trust, not in government agency hands and reinvested in priorities including housing, teachers, healthcare workers, skilled trades and preparing Florida's workforce for AI and automation - with independent audits, public reporting and protections against politicians diverting the money elsewhere.

russo2026.com · Sources

That means strengthening skilled careers that are difficult to automate while also preparing students and workers to participate in AI and emerging industries. Frank's Florida 9.9 proposal would reinforce that investment through the protected Florida Future Fund - supporting teacher pay, skilled trades and apprenticeships, and education and retraining for workers affected by AI and automation.

russo2026.com · Sources

The Florida Future Fund Frank does not want this money disappearing into Tallahassee's general fund. Revenue would be legally protected and dedicated to investments in Floridians and Florida's economic future. Teachers - Raise Florida's average teacher salary to at least $75,000 and improve recruitment and retention. Housing - Expand first-time homeownership opportunities and address housing affordability. Healthcare - Address nursing shortages and strengthen Florida's healthcare workforce. Skilled Trades - Expand trade schools, apprenticeships and skilled workforce programs. AI & the Future of Work - Prepare students and workers for emerging technologies and help Floridians adapt as automation changes industries and jobs.

russo2026.com · Sources

Frank wants to bring skilled-trades education back into Florida high schools so more students can graduate with certifications, practical skills and a direct path into the workforce. Earn While You Learn Frank's plan would expand technical training and create more paid apprenticeship opportunities connecting students directly with employers and skilled careers. He also wants experienced tradesmen and tradeswomen to have greater opportunities to teach the next generation - recognizing that decades of real-world experience can be just as valuable in a technical classroom as a traditional academic credential.

russo2026.com · Sources

Data Centers & AI Infrastructure - Welcome technology investment while requiring major projects receiving public incentives to plan responsibly for power, water and infrastructure needs and deliver measurable benefits to the communities where they build. AI & the Future of Work - Bring the jobs of the future to Florida while making sure Florida students and workers have the skills, training and opportunities to fill them. Women’s Entrepreneurship - Give more women the tools to learn, launch and grow Florida businesses through practical training, professional support, access to capital and performance-based startup assistance.

russo2026.com · Sources

Data Centers & AI Infrastructure Florida should compete for AI, technology investment and high-paying jobs - but existing residents shouldn't be left paying for the infrastructure that makes major developments possible. Frank's Florida Community Dividend framework would require major data center projects receiving public incentives to plan responsibly for their power, water and infrastructure needs while providing binding, measurable benefits to the communities where they build.

russo2026.com · Sources

Frank believes lawful medical decisions should be made by Floridians in consultation with their healthcare providers - not dictated by government. His Florida Medical Freedom Initiative protects informed consent and individual medical choice while strengthening patient rights, access to accurate information and transparency and accountability in public health decision-making.

russo2026.com · Sources

With more than 30 years in the insurance industry, Frank understands this system from the inside. His plan is focused on bringing greater accountability, competition and stability to Florida's insurance market - and making sure homeowners come first.

russo2026.com · Sources

Frank wants to work with developers and the private sector to build more housing - but when taxpayer dollars or public incentives are involved, taxpayers deserve to know what they're getting in return. His plan ties public support to real, measurable and lasting affordability.

russo2026.com · Sources

Frank's Florida 9.9 proposal would apply a 9.9% consumption state tax only to spending above $1 million. The first $1 million in spending would not be taxed, and implementation of this plan would require the approval from Florida voters through their elected representatives. The revenue from this plan would be protected in public trust, not in government agency hands and reinvested in priorities including housing, teachers, healthcare workers, skilled trades and preparing Florida's workforce for AI and automation - with independent audits, public reporting and protections against politicians diverting the money elsewhere.

russo2026.com · Sources

Florida 9.9 - Invest in Florida's future through a proposed 9.9% consumption tax only on spending above $1 million, with the first $1 million exempt and the resulting revenue protected in public trust for housing, teachers, healthcare, skilled trades and the future of work. This replaces other taxes that currently take money while it’s being made; Frank’s plan harnesses money only when it is spent. Property Insurance Reform - Put homeowners first with a more affordable, accountable and transparent insurance system - backed by Frank's more than 30 years of experience in the industry. Housing Affordability & Accountability - Build more housing working Floridians can afford while demanding measurable results when taxpayer dollars and public incentives are involved. Property Tax Relief - Help Floridians keep more of what they earn, pursue additional relief for homeowners and hold government accountable for how property tax dollars are spent.

russo2026.com · Sources

The Florida Future Fund Frank does not want this money disappearing into Tallahassee's general fund. Revenue would be legally protected and dedicated to investments in Floridians and Florida's economic future. Teachers - Raise Florida's average teacher salary to at least $75,000 and improve recruitment and retention. Housing - Expand first-time homeownership opportunities and address housing affordability. Healthcare - Address nursing shortages and strengthen Florida's healthcare workforce. Skilled Trades - Expand trade schools, apprenticeships and skilled workforce programs. AI & the Future of Work - Prepare students and workers for emerging technologies and help Floridians adapt as automation changes industries and jobs.

russo2026.com · Sources

Make Florida Affordable Again Florida's success should be measured by whether the people who already live here can afford to stay here. Families don't experience insurance, housing, property taxes and everyday costs as separate problems - they all come out of the same paycheck. Frank's affordability agenda takes on those pressures together - with practical plans to lower costs, protect homeowners, expand opportunity and invest in the people who make Florida work.

russo2026.com · Sources

Frank would expand English-language and workforce-development opportunities that help legal immigrants successfully integrate into Florida's economy.

russo2026.com · Sources

Frank believes the federal government needs to secure the border, enforce the law and finally create a legal process that actually works. He supports calling on Congress to establish an earned federal process for long-term, law-abiding residents who meet strict legal requirements, including background checks and compliance with federal law.

russo2026.com · Sources

He would establish a Governor's Immigration Advisory Council bringing together law enforcement, business leaders, agriculture, faith leaders, legal immigrants and local officials.

russo2026.com · Sources

Frank believes Florida can protect its communities, uphold the rule of law, support legal immigration and still treat people with dignity. Those principles are not in conflict. His Common Sense Immigration Principles focus on stronger public safety partnerships, targeting violent criminals, traffickers and gangs, cracking down on worker exploitation, supporting legal immigration and pushing Washington to finally address a broken federal immigration system.

russo2026.com · Sources

If a business or individual knowingly exploits undocumented workers or commits immigration-related fraud, they should be held accountable too. Frank would crack down on that exploitation while strengthening employment verification requirements for state agencies and state contractors so taxpayer-funded jobs comply with federal law.

russo2026.com · Sources

Frank believes legal immigration has helped build America.

russo2026.com · Sources

People who commit violent crimes should be removed. People who work hard, obey the law and contribute to their communities deserve a system that is fair, orderly and rooted in the rule of law.

russo2026.com · Sources

That means focusing law enforcement resources on the people who actually threaten our communities - violent criminals, drug traffickers, human traffickers and transnational gangs. As Governor, Frank would strengthen partnerships between Florida law enforcement and federal agencies and prioritize state resources toward removing people who commit violent crimes and pose genuine threats to public safety. Frank's position is straightforward: If you are a violent criminal, a trafficker or you're here to hurt people, we need to deal with that. There should be no question about it. Secure the Border - And Be Honest About Who Controls It Frank supports securing America's border. But he's also not going to pretend the Governor of Florida controls the United States border. Washington does. And Washington needs to do its job. Immigration is primarily a federal responsibility. A Florida governor cannot create citizenship, establish federal immigration status or single-handedly fix the nation's immigration system. What Florida can do is strengthen public safety partnerships, combat trafficking and exploitation, enforce the laws within its authority and make sure our state is doing its part.

russo2026.com · Sources

Frank supports responsible property tax relief while protecting schools, public safety and essential services. But he also believes government needs to do its part - eliminate waste, spend smarter and show taxpayers where their money is going.

russo2026.com · Sources

His approach is to reduce administrative waste and redirect resources toward teachers and classrooms rather than allowing bureaucracy to continue growing. His existing education proposal also calls for using state reserves as a bridge for increased teacher compensation rather than initially funding the increase through new taxes.

russo2026.com · Sources

The first $1 million in spending - $0 in proposed Florida consumption tax. Spending costs above $1 million - proposed 9.9% consumption tax. The tax can replace other taxes that take money Floridians are trying to make or build from investment, like certain business and sales taxes.

russo2026.com · Sources

Frank's Florida 9.9 proposal would apply a 9.9% consumption state tax only to spending above $1 million. The first $1 million in spending would not be taxed, and implementation of this plan would require the approval from Florida voters through their elected representatives. The revenue from this plan would be protected in public trust, not in government agency hands and reinvested in priorities including housing, teachers, healthcare workers, skilled trades and preparing Florida's workforce for AI and automation - with independent audits, public reporting and protections against politicians diverting the money elsewhere.

russo2026.com · Sources

Florida 9.9 - Invest in Florida's future through a proposed 9.9% consumption tax only on spending above $1 million, with the first $1 million exempt and the resulting revenue protected in public trust for housing, teachers, healthcare, skilled trades and the future of work. This replaces other taxes that currently take money while it’s being made; Frank’s plan harnesses money only when it is spent. Property Insurance Reform - Put homeowners first with a more affordable, accountable and transparent insurance system - backed by Frank's more than 30 years of experience in the industry. Housing Affordability & Accountability - Build more housing working Floridians can afford while demanding measurable results when taxpayer dollars and public incentives are involved. Property Tax Relief - Help Floridians keep more of what they earn, pursue additional relief for homeowners and hold government accountable for how property tax dollars are spent.

russo2026.com · Sources

The Florida Future Fund would include: Dedicated use - Money could only be spent on purposes established in law. Independent audits - Recurring financial and performance audits. Public transparency - Floridians could see where the money goes and what results it produces. Conflict-of-interest protections - Guardrails against favoritism involving friends, family, donors or insiders. Competitive procurement - Objective processes for contracts and grants. Anti-diversion protections - Dedicated money couldn't simply be swept into unrelated spending. Enforcement - Misuse could result in repayment, clawbacks or other consequences.

russo2026.com · Sources

The Florida Future Fund Frank does not want this money disappearing into Tallahassee's general fund. Revenue would be legally protected and dedicated to investments in Floridians and Florida's economic future. Teachers - Raise Florida's average teacher salary to at least $75,000 and improve recruitment and retention. Housing - Expand first-time homeownership opportunities and address housing affordability. Healthcare - Address nursing shortages and strengthen Florida's healthcare workforce. Skilled Trades - Expand trade schools, apprenticeships and skilled workforce programs. AI & the Future of Work - Prepare students and workers for emerging technologies and help Floridians adapt as automation changes industries and jobs.

russo2026.com · Sources

Make Florida Affordable Again Florida's success should be measured by whether the people who already live here can afford to stay here. Families don't experience insurance, housing, property taxes and everyday costs as separate problems - they all come out of the same paycheck. Frank's affordability agenda takes on those pressures together - with practical plans to lower costs, protect homeowners, expand opportunity and invest in the people who make Florida work.

russo2026.com · Sources

Protect Small Businesses and Job Creation Frank does not want the proposal to unintentionally punish legitimate business activity, entrepreneurship or investment. Detailed legislation would include protections for legitimate pass-through business operations, investment and job creation, with additional fiscal modeling, legal review and implementation details developed before the proposal moves forward.

russo2026.com · Sources

Frank's Florida 9.9 proposal would apply a 9.9% consumption state tax only to spending above $1 million. The first $1 million in spending would not be taxed, and implementation of this plan would require the approval from Florida voters through their elected representatives. The revenue from this plan would be protected in public trust, not in government agency hands and reinvested in priorities including housing, teachers, healthcare workers, skilled trades and preparing Florida's workforce for AI and automation - with independent audits, public reporting and protections against politicians diverting the money elsewhere.

russo2026.com · Sources

That means strengthening skilled careers that are difficult to automate while also preparing students and workers to participate in AI and emerging industries. Frank's Florida 9.9 proposal would reinforce that investment through the protected Florida Future Fund - supporting teacher pay, skilled trades and apprenticeships, and education and retraining for workers affected by AI and automation.

russo2026.com · Sources

Data Centers & AI Infrastructure - Welcome technology investment while requiring major projects receiving public incentives to plan responsibly for power, water and infrastructure needs and deliver measurable benefits to the communities where they build. AI & the Future of Work - Bring the jobs of the future to Florida while making sure Florida students and workers have the skills, training and opportunities to fill them. Women’s Entrepreneurship - Give more women the tools to learn, launch and grow Florida businesses through practical training, professional support, access to capital and performance-based startup assistance.

russo2026.com · Sources

Data Centers & AI Infrastructure Florida should compete for AI, technology investment and high-paying jobs - but existing residents shouldn't be left paying for the infrastructure that makes major developments possible. Frank's Florida Community Dividend framework would require major data center projects receiving public incentives to plan responsibly for their power, water and infrastructure needs while providing binding, measurable benefits to the communities where they build.

russo2026.com · Sources

The Florida Future Fund Frank does not want this money disappearing into Tallahassee's general fund. Revenue would be legally protected and dedicated to investments in Floridians and Florida's economic future. Teachers - Raise Florida's average teacher salary to at least $75,000 and improve recruitment and retention. Housing - Expand first-time homeownership opportunities and address housing affordability. Healthcare - Address nursing shortages and strengthen Florida's healthcare workforce. Skilled Trades - Expand trade schools, apprenticeships and skilled workforce programs. AI & the Future of Work - Prepare students and workers for emerging technologies and help Floridians adapt as automation changes industries and jobs.

russo2026.com · Sources

AI & the Future of Work AI is going to change how Floridians work, what skills employers need and which industries grow. Frank wants Florida preparing now - attracting the industries and jobs of the future while investing in education, skilled workforce programs and opportunities that help Floridians adapt as AI and automation reshape the economy. His Florida Future Fund specifically includes investment in preparing students and workers for AI and emerging technologies.

russo2026.com · Sources

Build Florida’s Next Economy Frank wants Florida to lead the next generation of American innovation - attracting new technology, investment and jobs while making sure Floridians have the opportunity to share in that growth. His approach is pro-innovation, pro-business and pro-accountability - protecting taxpayers and communities, preparing Florida workers for an economy transformed by AI, and giving more entrepreneurs a fair shot to build something successful.

russo2026.com · Sources