Florida governor candidates Byron Donalds and David Jolly took their campaigns to Orlando on Thursday, making separate appeals to Central Florida voters less than two months before the November election. Republican Mr Donalds held a town hall, while Democratic candidate Mr Jolly took part in a one-to-one interview with Fox 35.
The rival appearances came as the contest to replace term-limited governor Ron DeSantis moved into its final weeks. The election is scheduled for November 3. ([mynews13.com](https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/09/17/donalds-jolly-campaign-in-orlando-as-governors-race-nears-final-weeks))
Property taxes emerged as one of the clearest dividing lines between the candidates. Mr Jolly criticised Amendment 3, warning that its proposed reforms could create financial difficulties, while arguing that Florida should continue examining alternatives such as greater local control over homestead exemptions and targeted relief for first-time buyers.
Mr Donalds said taxpayers needed relief but that local authorities had a responsibility to manage their budgets within residents’ means. “It is your money,” he told supporters, arguing that officials should be accountable for how public funds are spent. ([mynews13.com](https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/09/17/donalds-jolly-campaign-in-orlando-as-governors-race-nears-final-weeks))
The candidates also differed over Orange County’s tourist development tax, which generates hundreds of millions of dollars from hotel stays. Mr Donalds said the levy was intended to support tourism but suggested officials could consider reducing it or allowing some of the revenue to fund roads, while Mr Jolly backed giving local leaders more discretion to spend the money on areas including workforce housing and transport. ([mynews13.com](https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/09/17/donalds-jolly-campaign-in-orlando-as-governors-race-nears-final-weeks))
Data centres were another point of disagreement. Mr Jolly said he wanted a moratorium on new construction, whereas Mr Donalds argued that decisions should be left to local governments. The state’s voter registration deadline is October 5. ([mynews13.com](https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/09/17/donalds-jolly-campaign-in-orlando-as-governors-race-nears-final-weeks))
