Florida Passes Bill Restricting Public Sector Union Powers

New legislation requires unions to remove members and stop collecting dues when employees leave or withdraw.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:51am

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The Florida Legislature has approved new restrictions for public employee unions, sending the bill to the governor's desk. Senate Bill 1296 changes how public sector unions are certified, recertified and regulated, and requires employee organizations to remove members and stop collecting dues when employees leave or withdraw from a union.

Why it matters

The bill is seen as an effort to weaken public sector unions in Florida, with supporters arguing it will hold unions accountable and ensure greater state oversight. Critics say the legislation will make it harder for workers to support themselves and their families, especially as Floridians struggle with rising costs of living.

The details

Senate Bill 1296 revises requirements for union certification and recertification through the state's Public Employees' Relations Commission. It also mandates that employee organizations remove members and stop collecting dues when employees leave or withdraw from a union. The bill was sponsored in the House by Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, who says it's about ensuring unions actually represent their members. However, union members and the Florida Education Association have criticized the legislation, arguing it will invalidate past union successes and make it harder for workers.

  • The Florida Legislature approved the bill on March 11, 2026 and sent it to the governor's desk.
  • Earlier in March, union members from across Florida gathered to advocate against the bill.

The players

Senate Bill 1296

The legislation that revises requirements for public sector union certification, recertification and regulation in Florida.

Jenna Persons-Mulicka

The Florida state representative who sponsored the House companion bill to SB 1296.

Carol Hurst

A third-grade teacher at DeSoto Trail Elementary and representative of the Leon Classroom Teachers Association who advocated against the bill.

Scott Mazur

The president of the Leon Classroom Teachers Association, who said the bill invalidates the association's previous successes.

Florida Education Association

The statewide teachers union that criticized the passage of SB 1296, arguing it will make it harder for workers to support themselves and their families.

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What’s next

Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to sign SB 1296 into law.

The takeaway

This legislation is part of a broader effort by Florida's Republican-controlled government to restrict the power and influence of public sector unions, which are seen as political opponents. The battle over SB 1296 highlights the ongoing tensions between lawmakers, unions, and workers in the state.