Local leaders blast Florida anti-diversity bill
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Local leaders from across Florida spoke out Wednesday against legislation that would ban cities and counties from supporting certain community events, training or activities that reference race, gender or sexual orientation.
Why it matters: City and county leaders say the legislation is overly broad and may impact government support for cultural events ranging from LGBTQ Pride to St. Patrick's Day.
- They worry that major events and conferences may leave Florida, hurting the economy, and that local officials may be subject to costly lawsuits or removal from office.
Zoom in: HB 1001/SB 1134 would ban governments from funding, promoting or taking "any official action" related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
- The bills define DEI as any efforts to "promote or adopt training, programming or activities designed or implemented with reference to race, color, sex, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation."
- The bills would provide exceptions for recognizing federal holidays or the individuals and groups honored by monuments, memorials and museums authorized by state law.
The legislation — which passed the Senate on Wednesday night — also would ban local governments from establishing a diversity, equity and inclusion office.
- It also says government contractors or grant recipients would have to certify that they will not use public funds to require employees to study materials related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Friction point: Both Democratic and Republican city leaders have questioned whether the bills would prevent a city from funding or promoting routine community programs.
- They've expressed concern for everything from cultural film festivals to menorah lightings and support for groups like the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
- Impacted events would be banned from receiving public funding, but local governments would still be able to issue permits and provide public safety services.
What they're saying: Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, who is openly gay, told reporters at a virtual town hall that he believes the legislation is intended to target the gay community and other minorities.
- Trantalis said he believes the bill would have prevented him from acting as grand marshal at a recent Black History Month parade.
- "Legislation like this risks sending the message that some people are less welcome than others. When the perception spreads, the economic consequences follow."
Zoom in: In Miami Beach, Mayor Steven Meiner and the City Commission wrote a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis and state lawmakers urging them to oppose the Senate bill.
- The City Commission agreed to sponsor next month's Miami Beach Pride festival and parade with up to $250,000 in cash contributions and a waiver of about $53,000 in city services.
- If the bills were to pass, that funding would appear to be in jeopardy beginning in 2027.
In St. Petersburg, the city provided about $138,000 in city services in 2025 for St. Pete Pride.
- Mayor Ken Welch said the "ridiculous" legislation potentially could impact programs supporting women and celebrations for ethnic groups — including St. Patrick's Day, Pride and Black history events.
- "We are committed to fighting this legislation and we will continue to advocate for our community and our priorities."