Florida Senate Advances Bill Creating Antisemitism Task Force

The 18-person task force will assist Jewish communities and advise state leaders on policy recommendations.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Florida Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice has passed a bill that would create an Antisemitism Task Force to provide assistance to Jewish communities across the state and advise the Florida Legislature and the Governor on policy recommendations. The task force will be under the Department of Legal Affairs, with each person serving a two-year term, and must report to the governor and legislative leaders each year.

Why it matters

The bill aims to address the rising number of antisemitic incidents in Florida, though some critics argue it could create a chilling effect and limit criticism of Israel. The task force's first report must examine antisemitism in schools and universities.

The details

The bill, SB 1072, would establish an 18-person working group under the Florida Department of Legal Affairs. The task force must issue a report to the governor and legislative leaders before January 31 of each year. The House version of the bill, HB 111, has not yet received a hearing in that chamber.

  • The Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice passed the bill on February 18, 2026.
  • The first report from the task force must be issued before January 31 of each year.

The players

Alexis Calatayud

A Republican state senator from Miami who sponsored the bill.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's important for us as elected officials to hear from our constituents, to hear from stakeholders across the state and to understand their points and to weigh with moral clarity what we should change and what should stay concretely the same.”

— Alexis Calatayud, State Senator (CBS Miami)

What’s next

The House version of the bill, HB 111, has not yet received a hearing in that chamber.

The takeaway

This bill aims to address rising antisemitism in Florida, though some critics argue it could limit criticism of Israel. The task force will provide assistance to Jewish communities and advise state leaders on policy recommendations.