TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed two bills in Jacksonville aimed at eliminating local diversity, equity and inclusion programs and blocking carbon taxes and other net-zero greenhouse gas emissions policies in Florida.
“Floridians should not be forced to pay for radical climate agendas or identity politics with their hard-earned tax dollars,” DeSantis said. “Today in Jacksonville, I signed two important bills to limit government overreach and prevent local authorities from imposing carbon taxes and discriminatory DEI mandates on Floridians.”
One of the measures DeSantis signed was SB 1134, which prohibits counties and municipalities from funding, promoting or implementing DEI initiatives.
The law prohibits local governments from establishing or maintaining DEI offices, officers or programs. It bars taxpayer funding for DEI-related initiatives or third-party contractors promoting such efforts. It also requires grant recipients to certify that public funds will not be used to advance DEI and includes enforcement mechanisms, including penalties for officials who violate the law.
“The bill is necessary because cities and counties have been funding and promoting divisive activities under the guise of DEI,” Sen. Clay Yarborough said. “Decisions related to individuals and actions should be based on merit and, if they are not, those making the decisions need to be replaced. At a time when many Floridians are struggling to afford groceries and gas, millions of taxpayer dollars should not continue to be wasted by local governments on DEI initiatives, even more so because they are failing to do what they claim.”
DeSantis also signed HB 1217, which prevents state and local governments from adopting or enforcing net-zero greenhouse gas emissions policies, including carbon taxes.
The law prohibits government entities from implementing net-zero mandates or emissions targets. It prevents new taxes, fees or penalties tied to carbon emissions and bans participation in carbon trading programs such as cap-and-trade agreements. It also blocks the use of taxpayer funds to support organizations promoting net-zero policies and requires annual reporting intended to ensure compliance and transparency.
“Net-zero mandates and carbon taxes increase costs on families, businesses, and consumers,” Rep. Berny Jacques said. “This bill protects Floridians from higher energy prices, increased transportation costs, and other hidden junk fees caused by emissions mandates and burdensome regulations. Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ action today, decision making will be kept in our hands, and not in the hands of global elites or green new deal activists.”
Rep. Dean Black said the new law is intended to reinforce equal opportunity in the state.
“We’re finding our way back to the everyman principles that make America great,” Black said. “The Governor’s signature positions this law as a guiding light for equal and fair opportunity in our state. No matter where you come from, no matter what you look like, the message should be clear: Florida recognizes your work ethic and the content of your character, and that’s what matters.”
The governor’s office said the bills are part of broader efforts in Florida focused on individual freedom, fiscal responsibility and economic opportunity, including steps to “focus on excellence over indoctrination,” eliminate taxpayer-funded ideological programs and protect residents from regulations described as burdensome.