The Florida Senate on Wednesday passed SB 1134, a bill that would prohibit counties and municipalities from funding, promoting, or taking official actions related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The measure passed 25-11, moving the state closer to a statewide ban on local DEI initiatives.
Florida Rep. Dean Black, who co-introduced the companion House bill HB 1001, argued that the DEI “philosophy” has been used to “divide our society.” Florida Sen. Clay Yarborough, sponsor of SB 1134, said the legislation “prohibits counties and municipalities from funding, promoting, or taking official actions related to DEI.”
The bill defines DEI as anything intended to help people from different backgrounds, cultures, identities, and experiences feel accepted in their environment. While the law includes exceptions for federal holidays, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, opponents argue the measure could restrict local cultural events and celebrations.
“It’s clear [the intent of the legislation] is to denigrate the gay community, African-American community, any persons of color, women,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis. “It’s quite targeted at those communities.”
Sen. Barbara Sharief, D-Davie, who opposed the bill, expressed concern about its effects on local cultural observances. “That’s not sufficient enough to cover local cultural events celebrating local people,” she said, noting that while the bill allows funding for certain state or federal holidays, it does not extend protections to local events recognizing Black history or Florida African American heritage.
Under the proposed legislation, anyone could sue a government if they suspected a program or event was influenced by DEI policies, and local officials could be removed from office by the governor for violations. The House could approve the bill as early as March 5, after which Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to sign it into law.
