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Florida Senate Approves Ban on Local DEI Spending With Pulse Carve-Out

Attention now shifts to a House vote following the 25–11 Senate passage that included a carve-out for Orlando’s Pulse Memorial.

Florida's governor, Ron DeSantis. (Getty)
Two black men were shot by the Lake County sheriff on their way to a pretrial hearing for raping a white woman more than 70 years ago. Members of the Groveland Four, they were exonerated in 2021. (State Archives of Florida via The New York Times)
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Overview

  • SB 1134 would bar counties and cities from funding, promoting, or taking official actions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and it would prohibit dedicated DEI offices and events.
  • The measure creates a private right of action for residents to sue local governments over alleged violations and exposes local officials to removal from office for noncompliance.
  • Contractors receiving local funds would have to certify they are not using that money to support DEI, with sponsors framing the bill as a merit- and accountability-focused reform.
  • Sponsors added exceptions for designated observances and memorials, and the Senate adopted language to ensure Orlando can hold events at the Pulse Memorial; Sen. Alexis Calatayud was the lone Republican no vote, and independent Sen. Jason Pizzo voted yes.
  • If enacted, the policy would take effect Jan. 1, 2027; the House companion (HB 1001) is queued for consideration with multiple amendments filed, and Gov. Ron DeSantis has signaled support.