Florida Senate Passes Bill to Ban DEI Funding in Treasure Coast Counties
The measure, approved 25-11, bars local governments from supporting diversity programs and allows Gov. DeSantis to remove violating officials.
A bill advancing through the Florida Legislature would bar Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River county governments — along with every other city and county in the state — from funding, promoting, or taking official actions tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Local officials would face removal from office by the governor for violations.
The measure (SB 1134, HB 1001) cleared the Senate 25-11 on March 4 and could reach Gov. Ron DeSantis as early as March 5. If enacted, county and municipal governments across the Treasure Coast would need to re-examine how they fund community events, waive fees for parades and festivals, and structure contracting programs aimed at women- and minority-owned businesses.
Opponents warn the bill's language is broad enough to endanger ethnic heritage celebrations, LGBTQ Pride activities, Black history commemorations, health screenings, and even St. Patrick's Day parades. Any resident could sue a government body on suspicion that a program or event is DEI-influenced. Local officials found in violation could be removed from office by the governor.
The bill's Senate sponsor, Sen. Clay Yarborough of Jacksonville, said the legislation targets local government training, development, and diversity programs — not state- or federally recognized observances such as Martin Luther King Day. He said publicly financed programs honoring minorities, women, and other individuals would still be permitted under the measure.
Critics dispute that assurance. Tallahassee City Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox said contracting programs that generated $35 million for roughly 150 minority-owned businesses over three years would be wiped out if the bill becomes law. Miami Beach officials warned in a letter to legislative leaders that restricting local support for some events could cost Florida "millions of tourists and billions of dollars in revenues."
Rep. Dean Black and Yarborough, both Jacksonville Republicans, sponsor the legislation. A similar measure failed last year. The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn March 13.
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