The bill further blocks taxpayer funding for DEI-related initiatives or third-party contractors promoting those efforts, requires grant recipients to certify that public funds will not be used to advance DEI and includes enforcement provisions for officials who violate the law.
“The Governor’s signature positions this law as a guiding light for equal and fair opportunity in our state,” said Rep. Dean Black. “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 second measure, HB 1217, prohibits governmental entities from adopting net-zero policies regulating greenhouse-gas emissions and prohibits governments from using public funds in a way that supports, implements or advances those policies, prohibits charges imposed to advance them and bars governments from implementing or administering or enforcing such programs.
The governor said the measure also prevents state and local governments from adopting or enforcing carbon taxes, fees or penalties tied to emissions and bans participation in carbon-trading programs such as cap-and-trade agreements. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
“Floridians should not be forced to pay for radical climate agendas or identity politics with their hard-earned tax dollars,” said Gov. DeSantis.
