Florida Proposes Ban on Local Government 'DEI' Activities

Lawmakers say the bill could prevent cities and counties from hosting cultural festivals and events.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Florida lawmakers are moving forward with legislation, supported by Gov. Ron DeSantis, that would prohibit local governments from supporting any 'diversity, equity, and inclusion' (DEI) activities. However, local governments and residents across the state worry that the bill could stop innocuous government-supported events, including food, music, and other cultural festivals.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation has sparked concerns that it could prevent local governments from hosting a wide range of community events and celebrations that promote diversity and inclusion, potentially limiting cultural expression and engagement across Florida.

The details

The Senate bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Clay Yarborough, aims to restrict what the sponsor calls the 'manipulation of those terms' of diversity, equity, and inclusion, which he claims are being used to 'cloak expenditures and practices' that are not an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars. However, local officials argue the bill could prevent them from putting on events like St. Patrick's Day parades, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, and LGBTQ+ Pride festivals.

  • The Florida legislature is currently considering the DEI restriction bill.
  • Gov. Ron DeSantis has expressed support for the proposed legislation.

The players

Sen. Clay Yarborough

A Jacksonville Republican sponsoring the Senate legislation that would prohibit local governments from supporting 'diversity, equity, and inclusion' activities.

Gov. Ron DeSantis

The Florida governor who has expressed support for the proposed legislation restricting local government DEI initiatives.

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What they’re saying

“In no way are we trying to remove the age-old concepts and terms and understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion. It's this DEI effort.”

— Sen. Clay Yarborough, Sponsor of the Senate legislation (Tampa Bay Times)

What’s next

The Florida legislature is expected to continue debating and potentially vote on the proposed DEI restriction bill in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The proposed legislation has raised concerns that it could significantly limit the ability of local governments in Florida to host a wide range of community events and celebrations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, potentially impacting cultural expression and engagement across the state.