summary
Introduced
01/05/2026
01/05/2026
In Committee
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to official actions of local governments; creating ss. 125.595 and 166.04971, F.S.; defining terms; prohibiting counties and municipalities, respectively, from funding or promoting or taking official action as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion; providing that certain ordinances, resolutions, rules, regulations, programs, and policies are void; prohibiting counties and municipalities, respectively, from expending funds for diversity, equity, and inclusion offices or for diversity, equity, and inclusion officers; providing that a county commissioner, a member of the governing body of a municipality, or any other county or municipal official acting in an official capacity who violates certain provisions commits misfeasance or malfeasance in office; prohibiting counties and municipalities, respectively, from providing or authorizing funds to be used to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; authorizing a cause of action against counties and municipalities, respectively; authorizing a court to enter a judgment awarding certain relief, damages, and costs; providing construction and applicability; creating s. 287.139, F.S.; requiring potential recipients of county or municipal contracts or grants to make a certain certification to the county or municipality before being awarded such contract or grant; providing applicability; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits counties and municipalities from funding, promoting, or taking official actions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), which is defined as efforts to influence employee composition based on race, color, sex, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation, or to provide preferential treatment or promote training based on these characteristics, excluding equal opportunity materials. Existing DEI ordinances, resolutions, and policies are voided, and counties and municipalities are barred from spending funds on DEI offices or officers. Officials violating these provisions can face penalties for misfeasance or malfeasance, and residents can sue local governments for violations, potentially recovering damages and costs. The bill also requires potential recipients of county or municipal contracts or grants to certify they will not use public funds for DEI initiatives. The new provisions take effect on January 1, 2027.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Other Sponsors (2)
Judiciary (Senate), Rules (Senate)
Last Action
CS/CS by Rules read 1st time (on 02/19/2026)
Official Document
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