Politics
Danny Burgess calls for stronger safeguards against foreign influence
A new measure would allow enhanced security to protect Florida’s political processes and elections from foreign interests.
Zephyrhills Republican Sen. Danny Burgess filed the bill (SB 766) which would ensure transparency and accountability for agents and organizations associated with foreign nations that engage in political activities within Florida.
A foreign principal is defined as the government of a foreign country; a political party or member of a political party outside of the U.S.; an organization or business entity that is organized under laws in a foreign country that has its primary place of business located there; or a person who is not a U.S. citizen or national and has not been lawfully admitted into the U.S. for permanent residency.
Foreign-supported political organizations are defined as organizations that receive funds from foreign principals and engage in political activities that intend on influencing public officials, government policy, elections, or public opinion.
Within the bill, an agent of a foreign principal is defined as a person who acts as an agent, employee, representative, or servant at the request or under the control of a foreign principal, and who engages in political activity.
The bill would require these agents or organizations to register with the Division of Elections within 10 days of becoming an agent, and the division would be responsible for creating registration forms.
Agents must provide the public and authorities with detailed information about their connections, funding sources, activities, and would be required to periodically update their registration information.
Foreign-supported political organizations would be required to register with the division by January 1, 2026, and include all available information on the organization’s officers, payments they have received, and their political activities.
The bill aims to help safeguard the integrity of political processes and prevent the influence of foreign entities, in particular, those considered hostile. Foreign entities considered hostile include the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the People’s Republic of North Korea, and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Penalties would further be put in place for non-compliance and to deter attempts at influencing local policies.
This would include a fine of up to $500 per violation for any breach; a fine of $2,000 per violation for repeat or willful violations; and a $10,000 fine per violation and a potential temporary or permanent ban from future registration for repeat violations involving a hostile foreign principal.
If passed, the bill would take effect July 1.
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President Donald Trump made clear who he wants as the next Governor of Florida.
In a Truth Social post, Trump all but endorsed U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds to run as the state’s next chief executive in 2026.
“I am hearing that Highly Respected Congressman Byron Donalds is considering running for Governor of Florida, a State that I love, and WON BIG in 2016, 2020, and 2024,” Trump posted.
The President noted his familiarity with Donalds, whom he considered for his running mate in the 2024 presidential campaign, and with his family, including school choice advocate Erika Donalds.
“I know Byron well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a TOTAL WINNER!” Trump posted. “Byron has a great wife, Erika, and three beautiful sons. They are very proud of him! As Governor, Byron would have a BIG Voice, and would work closely with me to advance our America First Agenda. He will fight tirelessly to Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military, Protect our Vets, Restore our Economic Power, Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always-under-siege Second Amendment.”
Donalds, a Naples Republican, indeed has taken several steps that signal a likely run for Governor, including bringing on prominent campaign staffers like Trump pollster Tony Fabrizio.
Earlier, Trump hinted that he wants to see Donalds seek higher office. Just last week, he shared a Victory Insights poll first reported by Florida Politics that had Donalds leading a field of contenders for Governor.
That poll notably didn’t include First Lady Casey DeSantis, who has polled well since signaling more serious consideration of running herself. Of course, DeSantis was also a fixture alongside Gov. Ron DeSantis when he unsuccessfully challenged Trump for the Republican nomination last year, something the President likely has not forgotten.
Trump’s latest post goes a step further and encourages Donalds to formally run, promising to receive arguably the most important endorsement in Republican politics right now.
“Byron Donalds would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida and, should he decide to run, will have my Complete and Total Endorsement,” Trump posted. “RUN, BYRON, RUN!”
This isn’t the first statewide race in 20266 where Trump has weighed in. He also gave an early endorsement to state Sen. Joe Gruters for Florida Chief Financial Officer shortly before the Sarasota Republican formally filed for the Cabinet post.
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