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Orlando hosts Florida Freedom Forum
Governor Ron DeSantis was one of the speaker during Saturday's event.
ORLANDO, Fla. - The Republican Party of Florida hosted its 2025 Florida Freedom Forum, a one-day gathering of top conservative leaders, on Saturday in Orlando.
Here's everything we know about the event and who attended.
What is the Florida Freedom Forum?
What we know:
The annual Florida Freedom Forum is a major fundraiser hosted by the Republican Party of Florida.
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The event serves as a platform for the party to gather, discuss their agenda and celebrate the conservative movement in Florida. The event also provides an opportunity to discuss strategies for winning elections at the state and local level.
The forum included a multitude of events and speeches planned throughout the day.
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Florida gov. candidate Byron Donalds speaks on 'Alligator Alcatraz'
The Republican Party of Florida is hosting its Florida Freedom Forum on Saturday in Orlando. The annual fundraiser event serves as a platform for the party to gather, discuss their agenda and celebrate the conservative movement in Florida. The forum includes a multitude of events and features speeches from top speakers throughout the day. U.S. Congressman and Florida gov. candidate shared his thoughts on "Alligator Alcatraz" at the event.
The other side:
Several protests took place across the street from the event, and a few protesters even paid to enter the event before then standing up and speaking out against the GOP leaders.
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DeSantis clashes with protestors at Florida Freedom Forum
The Republican Party of Florida is hosting its Florida Freedom Forum on Saturday in Orlando. The annual fundraiser event serves as a platform for the party to gather, discuss their agenda and celebrate the conservative movement in Florida. The forum includes a multitude of events and features speeches from top speakers throughout the day. During Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' speech, several protestors were heard sharing their distaste for DeSantis' words.
Who attended the Florida Freedom Forum?
Dig deeper:
Top conservative leaders attended the forum in Orlando.
Here's a look at some of the speakers at the event:
- Gov. Ron DeSantis
- Attorney General James Uthmeier
- U.S. Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody
- Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson
- U.S. Reps. Byron Donalds, Anna Paulina Luna, Kat Cammack and Randy Fine
- State Sens. Blaise Ingoglia, Joe Gruters and Jay Collins
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Florida AG James Uthmeier speaks at Florida Freedom Forum
Florida AG James Uthmeier was one of the leaders to speak at the event on Saturday, and he touched on topics including crime and immigration enforcement.
When and where did the Florida Freedom Forum take place?
Local perspective:
The Florida Freedom Forum kicked off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2.
The event ran until 3 p.m. and now will be followed by a dinner at 7 p.m. The Red Florida Dinner will be headlined by White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
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The forum is taking place at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida. The venue is located at 9939 Universal Blvd, Orlando.
The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Republican Party of Florida.