Florida Sees Dramatic Rise as Executions Nearly Double in 2025: NPR
Executions in Florida have surged dramatically in 2025, marking a significant jump from previous years. The Death Penalty Information Center (DPI) revealed that the number of executions in Florida reached an unprecedented level this year, contributing to an overall national rise in executions.
Florida’s Execution Statistics in 2025
According to the DPI, Florida accounted for 40% of all executions in the United States this year. The state executed 19 individuals, the highest on record, surpassing its previous peak of eight executions in 2014.
- 2025 Executions: 46 nationwide, up from 25 in 2024.
- Florida Executions: 19 individuals, representing 40% of total U.S. executions.
- Other States: Alabama, South Carolina, and Texas executed five each.
Factors Behind the Increase
The surge in executions coincided with the second term of former President Donald Trump, who fervently supports capital punishment. His administration resumed federal executions after a hiatus, further influencing state-level practices.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis attributed the increase to resolving delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the need for timely justice, stating, “justice delayed is justice denied.” DeSantis supports the death penalty as an effective deterrent for violent crime.
Concerns Over Vulnerable Populations
Despite the rise in executions, concerns linger regarding the treatment of vulnerable individuals on death row. The DPI highlighted that many executed had significant mental health issues or intellectual disabilities.
- Executed Individuals with Vulnerabilities: 40 this year faced issues like PTSD or cognitive impairment.
- Veterans Executed: 10 this year, the most in nearly 20 years.
Critics, including advocacy groups, argue that juries often lack comprehensive information about the defendants’ military service and corresponding psychological trauma. This year, Jeffrey Hutchinson, a veteran with PTSD, was executed for multiple murders.
Declining Support for the Death Penalty
Despite the rise in executions, public support for the death penalty remains low. A recent Gallup poll indicated that only 52% of Americans favor capital punishment for murder convictions, the lowest figure since 1972.
- New Death Sentences in 2025: 22 reported, with a notable decline over the past decades.
- States Issuing New Sentences: Florida, California, Alabama, Texas, North Carolina, Arizona, Missouri, and Pennsylvania.
As the discourse around capital punishment evolves, the disconnect between public sentiment and legislative actions raises critical questions about the future of the death penalty in America.
