The Florida Legislature has passed a measure that fundamentally alters the authority of municipal governments regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) social and administrative programming. According to People Magazine, Florida lawmakers have passed a sweeping bill that would prohibit cities and counties from funding or promoting DEI initiatives, while also exposing local officials to removal from office if they violate the measure.
Furthermore, the legislation bars local governments from creating DEI offices, hiring DEI officers, or even referencing DEI in official resolutions.
Under the legislation (SB 1134), DEI is broadly defined as efforts to influence government workforce composition, provide targeted programming, or implement initiatives that reference race, gender, or sex. The bill does allow for equal opportunity and anti-discrimination materials required under state and federal law.
The measure passed in a 77-37 vote, with five Republicans joining Democrats in opposing the bill, as outlined on the Florida Senate website. The bill now heads to Governor Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it into law.
Supporters of the measure say it is about transparency and accountability in how taxpayer dollars are spent. State Sen. Clay Yarborough, who represents Nassau County and part of Duval County, the bill’s Senate sponsor, said the legislation was necessary, according to People Magazine.
Equality Florida Senior Political Director Joe Saunders criticized the bill as one of the most extreme in the country and warned it could dismantle decades of local support for diverse and LGBTQ+communities.
Bipartisan concerns over the bill’s scope and vagueness are growing. State Rep. Michelle Salzman (R-Escambia) called it “incredibly vague.” State Rep. Chip LaMarca (R-Broward) opposed it in committee. Miami-Dade Commissioner Vicki Lopez warned it could limit local funding for Hispanic nonprofits.
Among those speaking out against the bill is Rep. Ashley Gantt, who represents parts of the City of Miami and Opa-locka. Gantt shared her response in a post on Instagram, highlighting the vote breakdown and its implications.
“This is the vote count of the Anti-DEI bill (SB 1134) that passed the House last week,” she wrote. “The rest of your elected officials voted in FAVOR of your county and city governments to be BANNED from accommodating Hispanic/Latino culture, Black culture, Asian culture, differently abled people, veterans, LGBTQ+ people, etc. in any government proceedings.”
Her post also raised broader concerns about representation and accountability, urging voters to reflect ahead of upcoming elections.
“Are these representatives that you elected into office acting in your best interest? All House seats are up for reelection this year. Vote for change in November,” said in a social media comment.
Public reaction on social media has reflected a range of perspectives. Some users have called for greater transparency, with comments such as, “Y’all gotta post them lawmakers’ names,” while others have asked, “Umm, what can be done about this to reverse it?” Others expressed political reactions, including, “Thank God, it’s DeSantis last year in office!”
As the bill awaits the governor’s signature, it represents the latest development in Florida’s broader approach to DEI-related policies.
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