Florida GOP's Latest Attack on DEI May Threaten Events, Programs

New legislation aims to prohibit local governments from funding diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Florida's Republican-led Legislature is pushing a new ban on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, which city and county governments fear will bar them from supporting routine community events like film festivals, parades, and health screenings. Opponents say the measure could wipe out local government support for ethnic heritage events, LGBTQ Pride activities, and Black history commemorations, and likely threatens economic incentive programs aimed at helping women and minorities.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation is part of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' campaign to erase DEI efforts at the state and local levels, which opponents say is targeted at denigrating marginalized communities. The risk of lawsuits or officials being removed from office is likely to keep city and county leaders from backing anything that could be seen as race- or equity-driven, disrupting a host of popular programs.

The details

The legislation prohibits counties and cities from funding, promoting, or taking official actions relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion, defining DEI as anything intended to help people from different backgrounds, cultures, identities, and experiences feel accepted. Anyone could sue a government if they suspected a program or event was DEI-influenced, and local officials could be removed from office by the governor for violating the law.

  • The Senate passed the measure 25-11 on March 4, 2026.
  • The House could approve the measure as early as March 5, 2026.

The players

Ron DeSantis

The Governor of Florida who is expected to sign the anti-DEI measure into law.

Dean Black

A Republican Representative from Jacksonville and the sponsor of the legislation in the House.

Clay Yarborough

A Republican Senator from Jacksonville and the sponsor of the legislation in the Senate.

Ken Welch

The Mayor of St. Petersburg, who is among the local government leaders speaking out against the legislation.

Dean Trantalis

The Mayor of Fort Lauderdale, who says the legislation is targeted at denigrating marginalized communities.

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What they’re saying

“It may sound ridiculous, because it is ridiculous.”

— Ken Welch, Mayor of St. Petersburg (Naples Daily News)

“It's clear (the intent of the legislation) is to denigrate the gay community, African-American community, any persons of color, women. The rhetoric over the past several years continues to show a direction that this administration and this Legislature has followed.”

— Dean Trantalis, Mayor of Fort Lauderdale (Naples Daily News)

“This bill would undo all of those things.”

— Dianne Williams-Cox, Tallahassee City Commissioner (Naples Daily News)

What’s next

The House could approve the measure as early as March 5, 2026, and send it to Governor Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign the anti-DEI measure into law.

The takeaway

This legislation is part of a broader effort by Florida's Republican leadership to limit the power of local governments and erase diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, which opponents say will disrupt a range of popular community events and programs that support marginalized groups.