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Florida Lawmakers Pass Bill Banning DEI Initiatives in Local Governments
The bill bans local DEI offices and funding, allows lawsuits against violators, and gives Gov. DeSantis authority to remove officials, passing Senate 25-11 in Florida.
- On March 10, 2026, the Florida Legislature passed SB 1134 with a 77-37 House vote and a 25-11 Senate vote, sending it to Governor Ron DeSantis.
- Republican leaders say the bill continues a yearslong effort to eliminate DEI, with sponsor Rep. Dean Black framing it as prioritizing merit and building on 2023 campus bans, supported by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
- SB 1134 would prohibit counties and cities from funding or promoting DEI programs, empower residents to sue local governments, and allow the Governor to suspend or remove elected officials for intentional violations.
- Local officials reacted by saying Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan's office is monitoring the legislation while Democratic lawmakers warn vague language could chill actions and affect community events.
- Although the bill carves out state-recognized observances including Black History Month, critics warn ambiguous wording could bar cultural events like Women’s History Month or Diwali and staff analysis finds cost savings to local government budgets indeterminate.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Florida House Passes Contentious Legislation To Ban Local Government Funding For Diversity And Equity Initiatives
The Florida House approved SB 1134, a bill banning local governments from funding or promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Passing 77-37, the measure allows citizens to sue officials and empowers the governor to remove those in violation. GOP legislators claim DEI wastes taxpayer funds. Critics warn the vague language threatens cultural celebrations and marginalized communities. The bill now awaits Governor Ron DeSantis' signat…
Sun-Sentinel
Orlando SentinelBill banning Florida cities and counties from spending on DEI programs heads to DeSantis
Florida cities and counties won’t be able to fund or promote diversity, equity, and inclusion programs under a bill headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Ban on local governments enacting DEI initiatives headed to governor’s desk
Rainbow flags with crowd In background during LGBTQ+ Pride Parade, via Getty Images.The Florida House has approved legislation that would ban local governments from funding, promoting, or taking official actions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The House voted mostly along party lines, 77-37, to approve SB 1134. Republican Reps. Chip LaMarca, Hillary Cassel, Will Robinson, Paula Stark, and Jim Mooney joined all of t…
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