Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a bill that would require federal candidates to disclose whether they intend to trade stocks if elected. He said the move was aimed at increasing transparency about parliament’s stock activities and restoring public trust.
The announcement coincided with DeSantis’ endorsement of a federal bill introduced by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Florida). This bill would prohibit individual stock trading by members of Congress while they are in office. Mr. DeSantis urged Florida’s congressional delegation to support Mr. Luna’s proposal, arguing that lawmakers’ investment activities have led to public mistrust.
“I’m tired of seeing members of Congress who previously had no investment knowledge suddenly turn into Warren Buffett on steroids,” DeSantis said. “Congress should pass Rep. Luna’s bill to stop insider trading in Congress… Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.”
Luna said the issue is a bipartisan concern and welcomed the governor’s support.
“Members of Congress should not be allowed to trade individual stocks while in office,” he said. “Americans have a right to know that their country’s representatives are working for them and not for personal financial gain.”
Florida Proposed Election Disclosure Requirements
Citing a Supreme Court ruling that allows states to regulate election procedures to improve transparency, the DeSantis administration said the new proposal would require all federal candidates qualifying in Florida to disclose the following information:
• Whether you plan to trade stocks if you win.
• Whether you previously traded stocks while in federal employment.
State officials argue that such disclosures will provide clear information to voters before Election Day and create accountability for candidates who make ethics-related promises.
Background: Federal law allows stock trading by seated members of Congress
Under current federal rules, lawmakers can legally buy and sell stocks even as they sit in private meetings, oversee the industry, and make decisions that could move the market. Violating insider trading laws does not disqualify a candidate from holding office or voting.
Lawmakers completed more than 13,000 transactions worth $635 million in 2025, according to figures cited by the governor’s office. More than 200 members of the House of Representatives and most senators own individual stocks.
Critics say even the appearance of private financial gain undermines public trust. Polls show that more than 86% of Americans support some kind of restriction or ban on stock trading by lawmakers.
Reforms stalled in Washington
Despite widespread public support, Congress has been slow to move. The Restoring Confidence in Congress Act (HR 5106), which has more than 100 bipartisan co-sponsors, has yet to receive a committee hearing. Luna recently filed a bipartisan expulsion petition to force a vote on the stalled bill.
Florida positions itself as a national model
DeSantis framed the state’s proposal as part of Florida’s current government accountability and transparency efforts. The new disclosure rules would make Florida among a small number of states pursuing election-related reforms tied to legislative ethics.
“Florida has a long history of leading in transparency,” the governor’s office said in a statement, adding that the measure is intended to “set a national example” and spur action in Washington.
