What's happened
Under Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida has executed nine inmates in 2025, the highest annual total since 2014, surpassing previous records and leading the nation. The state’s aggressive pace is part of a broader national increase in executions, with 26 carried out across the US so far this year. The increase is linked to political and legal factors, including recent policies and governor discretion.
What's behind the headline?
The recent increase in Florida's executions reflects a shift driven by political will rather than public support or legal necessity. Governor DeSantis's statements emphasize a belief that certain crimes are so heinous that the death penalty is justified, aligning with broader GOP efforts to expand capital punishment. The discretion exercised by governors, often opaque and arbitrary, underscores the politicization of the death penalty. This trend risks undermining legal safeguards, such as jury vote requirements, which in Florida currently demand at least an 8-4 majority for death sentences. The national context, including President Trump's encouragement of aggressive prosecution, further fuels this rise. The pattern suggests that the death penalty is increasingly used as a political tool rather than a reflection of justice or public consensus. The potential consequences include further erosion of legal protections, increased risk of wrongful executions, and a return to a more punitive criminal justice approach that may not align with evolving public attitudes or human rights standards.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Florida has executed nine people in 2025, setting a new record since 2014, with Governor DeSantis overseeing more executions than any previous Florida governor. The article highlights that the increase is not linked to public support but appears to be driven by gubernatorial discretion and political motives. It also notes that Florida's recent executions are part of a nationwide trend, with the US on track to surpass 2015's total of 28 executions, the highest since the late 1990s. AP News confirms Florida's leading role in this surge, emphasizing that 26 executions have occurred so far this year, with more scheduled. Both sources point to the influence of political leadership and federal policies, including Trump's push for aggressive prosecution, as key factors. The Independent further details the case of Edward Zakrzewski, whose execution for the 1994 murders of his family has reignited debates over jury vote requirements and the fairness of the death penalty process. Critics argue that the current system, which often relies on opaque decision-making, risks wrongful executions and undermines legal safeguards. The coverage underscores that Florida's recent record-breaking pace is part of a broader, politically motivated trend that could reshape the future of capital punishment in the US.
How we got here
Florida's recent surge in executions follows a period of decline, with no executions from 2020-2022. The state has now executed more inmates in 2025 than in any year since 2014, driven by political support from Governor DeSantis and national trends encouraging the use of the death penalty. The US overall is on track to surpass 2015's total of 28 executions, with legal and political factors influencing the rise.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Is Florida Executing More People Than Ever?
Florida is experiencing a record year for executions in 2025, with 11 scheduled so far. This surge raises questions about the reasons behind the increase, the legal and ethical debates surrounding the death penalty, and how Florida's approach compares to other states. If you're wondering why the state is ramping up executions, what arguments are involved, or who some of the key figures are, this page has you covered.
-
What Are the Ethical and Legal Issues Surrounding the Death Penalty?
The death penalty remains one of the most controversial topics in criminal justice, raising questions about morality, legality, and effectiveness. Recent cases, like Florida's record year of executions, highlight ongoing debates about whether capital punishment is justified or fair. Below, we explore key questions about the ethics, legal challenges, and societal impact of the death penalty.
-
Why Is the UK Cracking Down on Social Media Ads for Illegal Immigration?
The UK government has recently introduced new laws targeting online promotion of illegal immigration, aiming to disrupt people-smuggling networks amid rising migrant crossings. This move raises questions about how social media is being used for illegal activities and what the new legal measures entail. Below, we explore the details of this crackdown and what it means for immigration enforcement and online safety.
More on these topics
-
Ronald "Ron" Dion DeSantis is an American attorney, naval officer, and Republican politician. He has served as the 46th governor of Florida since 2019, and he represented Florida's 6th congressional district in Congress from 2013 to 2018.
-
Florida is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. With a population of over 21 million, Florida is the third-most populous and the 22nd-most extensive of the 50 United States.
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.