Florida Gubernatorial Hopeful Faces Residency Questions
A young businessman with political aspirations is finding his campaign for Florida governor facing scrutiny, not for his policies, but for where he calls home. James Fishback, a candidate hoping to succeed Governor Ron DeSantis, is now answering questions about whether he meets the state’s residency requirements.
Under the Florida Constitution, anyone seeking the state’s highest office must have lived in Florida for at least seven years before the election. Documents have surfaced that suggest Fishback may not meet this requirement, potentially throwing his candidacy into question.
The issue centers around a condo Fishback owns in Washington, D.C. Public records show that he claimed this D.C. property as his primary residence as recently as 2025. He also voted in D.C. in 2020. To claim the D.C. condo as a primary residence, he signed an affidavit, potentially opening himself up to legal penalties if the information provided was incorrect.
Furthermore, by claiming the D.C. condo as his primary residence, Fishback received property tax deductions. These “homestead deductions” saved him approximately $1,500 a year between 2023 and 2025. The latest deduction was applied in August 2025, further fueling questions about his commitment to Florida residency during that time.
These revelations come at a critical time for Fishback, who is vying for the Republican nomination in a crowded field. His opponents include figures such as Congressman Byron Donalds and Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins.
Adding to the complexity, Fishback purchased a home in Florida in October 2022. However, he did not claim any primary residence tax exemptions on the Florida property between 2022 and 2025. This suggests that he may not have considered Florida his primary residence during that period.
The questions surrounding Fishback’s residency add another layer of intrigue to an already closely watched election. Voters will be closely following how he addresses these concerns and whether he can convince them that he is truly a Floridian ready to lead the state. The issue of residency highlights the importance of candidates adhering to the rules and regulations set forth by the state’s constitution. It also underscores the responsibility of voters to carefully examine the backgrounds and qualifications of those seeking public office.
