Florida Senate Votes to Ban Local Governments from Spending on DEI

The bill prohibits cities and counties from funding, promoting, or taking official actions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Florida Senate approved legislation that will prohibit cities and counties from funding, promoting, or taking official actions relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. The final vote was 25-11 after a lengthy debate. The bill, sponsored by Republican Sen. Clay Yarborough, cites examples of local governments spending taxpayer funds on DEI training and programs as justification for the legislation.

Why it matters

The bill is seen as a threat to local governments' constitutional principle of home rule in Florida. Critics argue the legislation is vague, with unclear standards and severe penalties, creating instability in local governance. There are concerns the bill could impact a wide range of programs, from supporting women and minority-owned businesses to cultural festivals and LGBTQ+ events.

The details

The bill allows for local elected officials to be removed from office for violating the legislation, and local governments found in violation could face lawsuits from any county or city resident. Supporters of the bill, like Sen. Yarborough, argue it is necessary to uphold transparency and accountability in how taxpayer funds are used. However, opponents contend the broad language around 'diversity, equity, and inclusion' is ambiguous and could lead to unintended consequences.

  • The Florida Senate approved the legislation on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.
  • The final vote was 25-11 and came after a debate that began in the morning and ended at 8:36 p.m.

The players

Clay Yarborough

A Jacksonville Republican senator who sponsored the bill (SB 1134).

Alexis Calatayud

A Miami-Dade County senator who was the lone Republican to join all Democrats in opposing the measure.

Jason Pizzo

An independent senator who voted with all the other Republicans in support of the bill.

Ken Welch

The mayor of St. Petersburg, who said the proposed legislation is a serious threat to local governments and challenges the constitutional principle of home rule in Florida.

Dean Trantalis

The mayor of Fort Lauderdale, who said the bill could force local governments to remove programs supporting women and minority-owned businesses, cultural festivals, nonprofits, and LGBTQ+ events.

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What they’re saying

“This proposed legislation is a serious threat to local governments and directly challenges the constitutional principle of home rule in Florida.”

— Ken Welch, Mayor of St. Petersburg (Florida Phoenix)

“It's clear [it's] to denigrate the gay community, the African-American community, any persons of color. Women. It's quite targeted at those communities. The rhetoric over the past several years continues to show a direction that this particular administration and this Legislature has followed.”

— Dean Trantalis, Mayor of Fort Lauderdale (Florida Phoenix)

What’s next

A companion bill (HB 1001) in the Florida House, sponsored by Republican Rep. Dean Black, is expected to be voted on early next week.

The takeaway

This legislation is seen as the latest attempt by the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the state. The vague and sweeping nature of the bill has raised concerns about its potential impact on a wide range of local government initiatives and events, sparking criticism that it is a thinly veiled attack on marginalized communities.