Protestors rally in Ybor / Chris Young, WMNF News, 2/26/2026

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A state bill targeting public unions is headed to the Senate floor, despite major pushback. 

Scores of people spoke out against the bill during a Senate subcommittee Monday, saying it will silence the voices of working people. 

Among other things, Senate Bill 1296 would make the threshold for public sector union certification and recertification more difficult. 

Instead of requiring more than 50 percent support of all eligible voters in a union vote as in the original bill, the amendment requires 25 percent of eligible voters to vote and for the union to receive 60 percent of those who voted. Current law only requires majority support of those voting.

Republican Senator Jonathan Martin is the bill’s sponsor. 

“What this bill does it forces the union presidents, the union leadership, the people who want that vote, it forces them to go out and say ‘guys, give me the vote, I know you haven’t shown up in the past’” Sen. Martin said.

But it would not apply to police, fire, and corrections officers’ unions. 

Martin responded to concerns from senators about that.

“What’s the difference between a teacher, what’s the difference between a first responder? I don’t think there’s any question about what the differences are. Some put on bulletproof vests when they go to work, some don’t.” Martin said.

The bill has drawn worry from people who say it will destroy unions. Last week, around forty activists rallied against the bill in Ybor City. 

In Tallahassee, retired Polk County firefighter Ellery Farmer, a Republican, was one of many who spoke against the bill. 

“Because of the hard work of my union and my wife’s union, who is very well represented here today, I was able to retire with great benefits and a great pension. I partly retired in order to take care of my elderly father. And I believe that all workers in Florida deserve the benefits that I retired with,” Farmer said.

Elizabeth Wiley has been a bus driver in Marion County for 3 years. 

“This bill threatens my ability to protect my pay, my benefits, my working conditions. It limits my voice on the job and takes away from the only process workers like me have to stand up for ourselves when decisions are made over our heads.” Wiley said.

The bill advanced 10 to 8 and is headed to the full Senate. The House version is also ready for a floor vote. 

Information from the News Service of Florida was used in this story.