On Tuesday, the Florida state legislature approved SB 1134, which will prohibit all local authorities from “promoting” or “adopting” initiatives concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion like Pride events—and prevents any recipients of municipal contracts or grants from doing likewise.
Because the language of the bill is “vague by design,” it creates a chilling effect where local leaders may preemptively cut all ties to the LGBTQ community to avoid the risk of executive suspension.
Florida House passes SB 1134, a bill banning DEI programs in local governments.
The measure passed 77-37 and now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Read more: https://t.co/aypMM4PdGv#islandernews #florida #dei pic.twitter.com/K7Gorlw7qe— Islander News (@IslanderNews) March 11, 2026
Pride events in major Florida cities draw hundreds of thousands with the support of local government grants, sponsorships, and in-kind services such as police and fire protection.
How SB 1134 is expected to impact the LGBTQ community:
• Removal of Elected Officials: The Governor can now suspend local officials (city commissioners, county officers, etc.) without a court hearing if they “promote” or “adopt” LGBTQ-related activities. This is classified as “misfeasance in office,” giving the state unilateral power to purge local leaders who support the community.
• Defunding of Pride Events: Local governments are barred from using city resources, funding, or official delegations for Pride parades and festivals. This includes providing water trucks, staff time, or co-sponsorships, which may lead to the cancellation of many events due to high costs.
• Impact on Health and Nonprofits: The bill prohibits funding for contractors, vendors, or volunteers who “study” or are “instructed” using materials referencing gender identity or sexual orientation. This could jeopardize the operations of LGBTQ community health centers, hospitals, and nonprofit services that receive city grants.
• Erasure of Visibility: Under broad interpretations, cities may be forced to remove Pride flags from government property, stop issuing Pride Month proclamations, and refrain from posting about LGBTQ events on official social media or websites.
• Infrastructure and Symbols: The law targets symbolic support, such as the rainbow crosswalks seen in South Florida and near the Pulse nightclub memorial. Officials who fight to preserve these symbols risk being removed from office.
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is, of course, expected to sign the bill into law which would go into effect January 1. 2027.
Related: Florida Passes Hateful ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill
The bill is likely to face court challenges, but the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and Florida’s Supreme Court have both been among the most hostile courts towards LGBTQ+ people.
1. Attacks on LGBTQ+ people have always been tied with the erosion of democracy.
Now, a bill has just been passed in Florida that lets DeSantis remove elected officials for promoting pride/LGBTQ+ people in their official capacity.
No court hearing necessary.
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— Erin Reed (@erininthemorning.com) March 12, 2026 at 8:09 AM
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