Florida Passes Union-Busting Bill, Targeting Teacher Unions

Critics say the legislation is part of a broader effort to privatize education and eliminate traditional public schools

Mar. 15, 2026 at 4:19pm

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The Florida Legislature has passed a new bill that critics say is an attack on public sector unions, particularly teacher unions. The bill, sponsored by a Republican state senator and pushed by the right-wing Freedom Foundation, makes it harder for unions to maintain membership and hold elections. Supporters say similar laws exist in other states, but opponents argue it's part of a decades-long strategy to undermine traditional public education in favor of charter schools and private school vouchers.

Why it matters

The bill is seen as the latest move in an ongoing effort to weaken teachers' unions, which have historically been a strong voice in defending public schools. Critics argue this is part of a broader agenda to privatize education and phase out traditional public schools in favor of charter schools and voucher programs.

The details

The new law, known as SB 1296, rewrites the rules for union elections, requiring unions to have the support of a majority of all employees in a bargaining unit, not just those who vote. This makes it much harder for unions to maintain certification. The bill was initially even more restrictive but was slightly watered down after opposition from some Republican senators. Supporters say similar laws exist in other states, but critics argue the real goal is to cripple teachers' unions, which have fought against the expansion of charter schools and voucher programs.

  • The Florida Legislature passed SB 1296 during its 2026 regular session.
  • The bill comes three years after the passage of SB 256, which also targeted public sector unions.

The players

Jonathan Martin

Republican state senator from Fort Myers who sponsored SB 1296.

Rusty Brown

Southern Director of the Freedom Foundation, a right-wing, billionaire-financed organization that pushed for the union-busting legislation.

Andrew Spar

President of the Florida Education Association, which represents teacher unions across the state and opposes the new law.

Diane Ravitch

Education historian and former under secretary of education in the George H.W. Bush administration, who argues the goal is to eliminate traditional public schools.

Ron DeSantis

Florida's governor, who made the union-busting bill a top priority for the legislative session.

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What they’re saying

“I think it's unfortunate that lawmakers in the state of Florida have decided to stand with out-of-state billionaire-backed organizations rather than the people of the state of Florida, the workers of the State of Florida.”

— Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association (CBS Miami)

“Teacher unions are the only organized force that fights for public schools. If they can eliminate teacher unions, if they can cripple the teacher union so that they have no voice, that will help them the next time they want to pass more legislation that is even more harmful to public schools.”

— Diane Ravitch, Education historian (CBS Miami)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.