Bill > H1449

This bill creates a new section of Florida law that prohibits state agencies from contracting with or supporting "media reliability and bias monitors," which are defined as contractors whose primary function is to rate news sources for factual accuracy, misinformation, bias, or journalistic ethics. The bill specifically bars agencies from entering into contracts with such monitors or contractors using their services, and requires contractors bidding on advertising or marketing services to certify they do not use these monitors. Existing contracts as of July 1, 2025, will require contractors to provide a certification that they do not and will not use media reliability and bias monitors. The law includes exceptions for contractors that aggregate news articles for agencies or provide analytical information about advertisement performance. The definition of media reliability and bias monitors explicitly excludes contractors who simply rate media outlets by audience size or compile press clippings for public relations purposes. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and appears designed to restrict what the legislature may view as potentially subjective or politically motivated media evaluation services.

Government Affairs

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1449