DeSantis’ net worth nearly quadruples with book deal

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is now a millionaire thanks to a book deal that nearly quadrupled his net worth, according to a financial disclosure statement released late Friday.

DeSantis, 44, put his net worth at $1.17 million as of Dec. 31, up from about $319,000 the previous year, the filing shows.

The GOP presidential contender listed $1.25 million in income from HarperCollins Publishers, along with his $141,400 annual salary as governor.

DeSantis went on a nationwide tour to promote his book “The Courage to Be Free: Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival,” which preceded his official presidential launch in May. The book chronicles his political battles as Florida governor and debuted as the No. 1 seller on The New York Times bestseller’s list.

DeSantis listed assets at the end of 2022 of nearly $1.1 million in checking and savings accounts; $91,720 in a thrift savings plan, a type of retirement savings and investment plan; and $54,721 in the Florida Retirement System.

DeSantis, who lives in the governor’s mansion, listed no real-estate holdings.

For liabilities, the graduate of Yale University and Harvard Law listed $18,629 in a Sallie Mae student loan, down from $21,285 at the end of 2021.

Florida law requires candidates and elected officials to file annual disclosure reports that detail their financial interests.

DeSantis has touted his blue-collar roots on the campaign trail. His mother worked as a nurse and his father installed Nielsen TV-rating boxes.

Although now a millionaire, DeSantis is worth far less than his predecessor, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott.

Scott, a former health care executive, is estimated to have a net worth in excess of $200 million based on federal disclosure filings.