Overview
- Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the measures Wednesday in Jacksonville, blocking cities and counties from funding diversity, equity and inclusion programs and from adopting net‑zero greenhouse gas policies.
- SB 1134 defines DEI broadly, shuts down local DEI offices, lets residents sue over violations, requires grant recipients to certify no DEI spending, and allows removal of officials, with the ban taking effect Jan. 1, 2027.
- HB 1217 bars local governments from enforcing net‑zero mandates that can add carbon fees or similar requirements, with the law taking effect July 1, 2026.
- DeSantis said DEI harms “disfavored” groups and singled out white men, while civil‑rights groups and Democratic officials called the law overbroad and likely unconstitutional and warned it could jeopardize targeted grants and services.
- Local leaders and arts groups are reviewing budgets and grant rules for compliance, the Legislature passed the DEI bill 25‑11 in the Senate and 77‑37 in the House, and the moves extend a broader conservative campaign to curb DEI and local climate rules.