Byron Donalds announced on May 8 a new proposal aimed at increasing government transparency and accountability in Florida by expanding audits and centralizing public financial records.
The plan is intended to give taxpayers easier access to information about how government funds are spent, which supporters say could help reduce wasteful spending. Under the proposal, all levels of Florida government would be required to participate in expanded forensic audits and provide detailed spending information through a single online database.
Donalds said his approach is based on three main principles: audits, accountability, and access. The proposed centralized website would allow the public to search for contracts, employee salaries, budgets, audits, and other spending records from every county, city, and special district in the state. “Florida taxpayers are the owners of the government, and they deserve to see exactly how their money is being spent,” said Byron Donalds. “Under my administration, we will protect every tax dollar by making Florida the Most Transparent Government in America.”
The proposal builds on recent DOGE-style audits that reportedly uncovered millions of dollars in questionable local expenditures across Florida. It also requires local governments to upload contracts and spending data into a statewide system modeled after existing financial transparency infrastructure. According to Donalds’ announcement, no new taxes or agencies would be created as part of this plan; instead it aims to make already-collected information more accessible.
Donalds also outlined plans for a review of local fees charged by cities and other entities. He said these organizations would have to clearly disclose how fees are calculated so taxpayers can understand what they are paying for. “Wasteful spending thrives in darkness,” Donalds added. “If taxpayers can’t easily search it, track it, or see it, then soft corruption and government waste continue unchecked. We are putting an end to that.” The initiative would further expand oversight over organizations receiving taxpayer dollars—including those with public-private partnerships.
“It should be as easy to see government spending as it is to order something on Amazon,” Donalds said. “One click. One website. Full accountability.”
