Summary
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed more death warrants than any other U.S. governor in 2025, leading to a record number of executions in Florida. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops has sent multiple letters asking him to reconsider and commute death sentences to life without parole, highlighting ethical concerns and social factors. Public support for the death penalty in the U.S. is decreasing, with Florida's approach differing significantly from other states.
Key Facts
- Florida executed more people in 2025 than any other state.
- By July, Governor DeSantis had overseen nine executions, setting a state record.
- The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops has written to DeSantis, requesting he stop signing death warrants.
- The bishops acknowledge the crimes but cite ethical concerns over the death penalty.
- Public support for the death penalty in the U.S. is at its lowest level since 1972.
- DeSantis has not responded to the bishops' requests for a dialogue on the issue.
- Florida is considered an "outlier" in its frequent use of capital punishment compared to other states.
