The hats weren’t selling. They were off-white and polyester and embroidered with three words: DeSantis for President. So LeeAnn Crotty decided she’d reduce the price to $5. “We’re trying to offload them,” she said from behind her merchandise booth. At the other end of the booth — set up in the air-conditioned hall of the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center — other hats displayed messages including “TRUMP 2024” and “GOD GUNS AND TRUMP.” Those hats were selling, Crotty said. They were priced for $15. Some, the ones with rhinestones, were fetching $20. Crotty’s booth during Saturday’s Freedo...

Ron DeSantis