Ron DeSantis Sworn In As Florida's 46th Governor

TALLAHASSEE, FL — With Florida's bitter gubernatorial election behind him, former U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis was sworn in Tuesday as the Sunshine State's 46th governor while Rick Scott moves out of the governor's mansion after eight years and heads to Washington, D.C. to replace longtime Democrat Sen. Bill Nelson.

DeSantis took the oath shortly before noon as a crowd of several thousand well wishers looked on and as military jets roared overhead. He planned to skip the traditional parade and return to the governor's mansion for the baptism of his son, Mason, with water from the Sea of Galilee.

Sign up for our free daily newsletter and news alerts from your Bradenton Patch

"We know what works and what doesn't," he said after taking the oath. "Let's not veer of course."

First to be sworn in Tuesday was Jeanette Núñez as Florida's 20th lieutenant governor and the first Latina to hold the position. She follows Carlos Lopez-Cantera in that role.

DeSantis promised to lead efforts to fight for Florida's waterways, to improve healthcare in the state, to put an end to judicial activism, improve the focus on school security and sure up Florida's election system in a "small number of counties" that fail to conduct elections in a transparent and lawful manner.

"One generation of botched elections is enough," he declared.

Republicans begin their third decade dominating the state’s Capitol as the inauguration ceremony got underway Tuesday morning in front of Florida’s Old Capitol, where the new chief executive laid out his vision for the next four years.

DeSantis gave a preview of his priorities during pre-inaugural events Monday, saying that he’s going to act quickly on a number of issues.

That includes naming three new justices to the Supreme Court, announcing major environmental policy proposals and visiting the areas devastated by Hurricane Michael in October.

DeSantis is replacing Scott, who was to be sworn into the U.S. Senate at 4 p.m. Tuesday by Vice President Mike Pence. Scott delayed being sworn in five days after the other freshman senators to remain at his Florida post until DeSantis took the oath.

Just 40 years old, DeSantis is the youngest governor in decades and the first to live at the mansion with young children in a half-century.

"I'm going to do my first Supreme Court appointment on Wednesday morning," said DeSantis ahead of Tuesday's inauguration.

Florida’s inaugural events began with inspirational words from Pastor Todd Mullins at the time-honored Inaugural Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday morning.

Florida's new first lady will also have her hands full as the DeSantis family moves into the Florida governor's mansion with little ones.

"Two kids under the age of 2 in the mansion; The first thing I said was 'we need to take all of Florida's irreplaceable, historical artifacts and move them up four feet,'" said Casey DeSantis, a former TV news anchor.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.

Ron DeSantis waves during his inauguration ceremony with wife Casey and son Mason. AP Photo/Lynne Sladky.