Bill > S0420

This bill prohibits counties and municipalities in Florida from funding, promoting, or taking official actions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), defining DEI as efforts to manipulate employee composition based on race, color, sex, or ethnicity, provide preferential treatment to certain groups, or promote training and activities focused on identity characteristics. The bill creates new statutes that explicitly forbid local governments from establishing DEI offices, employing DEI officers, or implementing DEI-related policies, with any existing such ordinances or programs being automatically voided. Local government officials who violate these provisions can be charged with misfeasance or malfeasance in office, and residents can bring legal action against their local government for non-compliance, with potential court-awarded damages and attorney fees. Additionally, the bill requires potential recipients of county or municipal contracts and grants to certify that they will not use funds to require employees or contractors to engage with DEI-related materials. The law exempts actions required by state or federal regulations and does not apply to volunteer boards or commissions. The bill is set to take effect on December 31, 2025, giving local governments time to adjust their policies and practices.