DeSantis’s office did not immediately respond to a request comment. 

His spokeswoman, Christina Pushaw, has tweeted defences of the governor’s comments, writing: “I mean, someone had to say it, after 2 years of propaganda that terrified and manipulated young people. Breathe free, feel safe and be happy.”

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention late last month eased its masking guidelines, though is still recommending masks indoors in areas it considers high risk. Hillsborough County, where the college is located, is deemed high risk by the CDC.

The incident drew criticism of Mr DeSantis over social media. 

Rep Frederica Wilson, a Florida Democrat, tweeted: “Shame on you, Governor DeSantis, for berating students who choose to wear masks and for calling the ongoing #Covin pandemic ‘theatre'”.