Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed two major pieces of legislation to limit government overreach.
The Republican Governor said the bills will protect Florida taxpayers, strengthen existing laws against DEI in Florida, and protect Floridians against ESG and Green New Deal agendas.
Governor DeSantis signed SB 1134, which prohibits counties and municipalities from funding, promoting, or implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This legislation:
- Prohibits local governments from establishing or maintaining DEI offices, officers, or programs.
- Bars taxpayer funding for DEI-related initiatives or third-party contractors promoting such efforts.
- Requires grant recipients to certify that public funds will not be used to advance DEI.
- Provides enforcement mechanisms, including penalties for officials who violate the law.
Governor DeSantis also signed HB 1217, which prevents state and local governments from adopting or enforcing net-zero greenhouse gas emissions policies, including carbon taxes. This legislation:
- Prohibits government entities from implementing net-zero mandates or emissions targets.
- Prevents new taxes, fees, or penalties tied to carbon emissions.
- Bans participation in carbon trading programs such as cap-and-trade agreements.
- Blocks the use of taxpayer funds to support organizations promoting net-zero policies.
- Requires annual reporting to ensure compliance and transparency.
“Floridians should not be forced to pay for radical climate agendas or identity politics with their hard-earned tax dollars,” said Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. “Today in Jacksonville, I signed two important bills to limit government overreach and prevent local authorities from imposing carbon taxes and discriminatory DEI mandates on Floridians.”
The Republican Governor said these actions build on Florida’s broader efforts to promote individual freedom, fiscal responsibility, and economic opportunity.
“The bill is necessary because cities and counties have been funding and promoting divisive activities under the guise of DEI,” said Senator Clay Yarborough, who represents Nassau County and part of Duval County. “Decisions related to individuals and actions should be based on merit and, if they are not, those making the decisions need to be replaced. At a time when many Floridians are struggling to afford groceries and gas, millions of taxpayer dollars should not continue to be wasted by local governments on DEI initiatives, even more so because they are failing to do what they claim.”
“Net-zero mandates and carbon taxes increase costs on families, businesses, and consumers,” said Representative Berny Jacques, who represents part of Pinellas County. “This bill protects Floridians from higher energy prices, increased transportation costs, and other hidden junk fees caused by emissions mandates and burdensome regulations. Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ action today, decision making will be kept in our hands, and not in the hands of global elites or green new deal activists.”
“We’re finding our way back to the everyman principles that make America great,” said Representative Dean Black, who represents Nassau County and part of Duval County. “The Governor’s signature positions this law as a guiding light for equal and fair opportunity in our state. No matter where you come from, no matter what you look like, the message should be clear: Florida recognizes your work ethic and the content of your character, and that’s what matters.”
Governor DeSantis said the state has taken steps in recent years to ensure a focus on excellence over indoctrination, eliminate taxpayer-funded ideological programs, and safeguard residents from burdensome regulations.
